I had first heard The Balconies in Hamilton at Club Absinthe when they opened for SPIRITS a couple of months ago. We got there late and weren’t expecting much, but The Balconies catchy melodies and inviting vocals hit me like a rhino on the loose. This brother/sister/friend combo had a sound that made me wonder if The Weakerthans got drunk one night and hooked up with Kings of Leon, but not before asking Joni Mitchell to join the fun.

I moved up to get a closer look and was mesmerized. I think every guy in the place wanted to do their female lead, and every girl wanted to be her. Her falsetto was effortless and was complimented by her brothers more monotone approach. But it was her Gerry Marsden-esque moves and wide eyes that made me not want to waste time blinking.

Just to be sure that my initial impression of this Toronto trio was not influenced too heavily by alcohol, I saw them again at this year’s SCENEfest and was not disappointed. Even the pouring rain couldn’t put a damper on this feast for the eyes and ears.

The Balconies – Serious Bedtime
[audio:http://www.monstersvsme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/10-Serious-Bedtime-1.mp3]

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