Tokyo Police Club rock Ottawa’s Bronson Centre

On the heels of announcing an exciting partnership with Toronto’s Phoenix Concert Theatre that would see it become a larger player in Ottawa’s music scene, Bronson Centre hosted two Ontario bands notorious for memorable live performances. The vibe inside the venue was upbeat and excited as fresh dream-pop group Dizzy and veteran indie rockers Tokyo Police Club were about to hit the stage.

Dizzy, winners of the 2019 Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year for their debut record Baby Teeth, opened the evening with hit single “Swim”. The quartet composed of brothers Charlie, Alex and Mackenzie Spencer and friend Katie Munshaw performed “Pretty Thing” and “Joshua”. Dizzy’s low-key, melodic sound intrigues the mind and moves the body. Even with their Canadian music trophy in hand, they are yet a household name and that’s a true shame. Check them out if you get the chance.

With the floor at Bronson Centre now packed from stage to seating, the crowd roared as Tokyo Police Club appeared in front of them. The Newmarket natives started their set with New Blues, a recent single from their latest album TPC. The night was filled with a mix of classic and contemporary hits from the groups’ 13 year library.

Dave (vocals/base), Graham (keyboard), Josh (guitar), and Greg (drums) know how to put on a show. Offerings like Wait Up (Boots of Danger), Hercules, and Tessellate had the audience singing, dancing, and hanging off every lyric.

A short break saw the band return to reward fans with a three-song encore. Opened with an acoustic guitar to start Favourite Food from their 2010 record Champ, the entire crowd quickly responded with succinct clapping. Then in a somewhat surprising move, Dave entered the floor singing Frankenstein inches away from overjoyed audience members. He persuaded everyone to crouch to their knees with him for an incredibly immersive moment very few will forget.

There are many reasons Tokyo Police Club has remained a popular draw for indie, alternative lovers, though their showmanship and love for their fans must be among the tops. Bronson Centre may be a small, older venue (for now), but they knew exactly how to get the most out of it.

Were you at the show? Let us know what you thought in the comments below.

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