The Wooden Sky + Great Bloomers + Charlotte Cornfield 03/05/2012 @ La Sala Rossa 

The critically acclaimed indie-rock band The Wooden Sky were setting down for one merry evening rock-root music on Monday night at La Sala Rossa. 

Promising singer-songwriter Charlotte Cornfield certainly caught all of the attention as she took over the tall order that is warming up a venue. This Montreal-based artist has a powerful voice as well as solid six-string skills; it would be no surprise to any if she was to become the next big thing of the folk scene – that is if she wasn’t already. For the occasion, the singer-songwriter was backed-up by a bass player, a back vocalist and drummers. She also called upon blues-folk hometown hero Leif Volleybekk to join her on stage for some guitar parts. It was definitely a sincere pleasure for all to listen to all these beautifully-written songs. 

The Great Bloomers were up next and took it to themselves to elevate the temperature of the room by making us move to the sound of their country-rock music, mixing together shoegaze accents. All were conquered by the great presence and energy of this Toronto based-band and surprised by the originality in the sound. Combining a wide range of influences, the Great Bloomers offered a solid performance as the music made way through skillful rock arrangements and slight alternative ventures. A mixture of vocal harmonies and folk glimpses made this music by times reminiscent of Mumford and Sons, all while remaining both striking and genuine. For many (including me), it was a wonderful discovery. 

Finally, it was time for The Wooden Sky to honor us with a long-awaited performance -  even I have been longing for the band’s visit to Montreal. This Toronto-based band has been gaining country-wide recognition after the release of their debut album When At The Lost Sea in 2007, followed by the more elaborate If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone in 2009. The Wooden Sky opened up their set with the powerful ‘’Child Of The Valley’’, the first cut from their recently released LP Every Child a Daughter, Every Moon a Sun and probably one of the strongest pieces of 2012. Gavin Gardiner carried on with his deep voice and ardent delivery as the band went off on a surprisingly long set where old and new songs were performed, such as the memorable ‘’Oh My God (It Still Means a Lot To Me)’’ and ‘’North Dakota’’. Hovering between mellow rock and country, authenticity poured from the music and definitely reached an eager crowd who did nothing but demand for more. For the occasion, an adequate addition was made to the band - violinist and birthday boy Edwin Huizinga, whose poignant takeover added to the ardent music. Fulfilled by all this positive energy, we can now only hope that the Wooden Sky will not make us yearn for another two years before announcing their return to Montreal.