AZORES

I know, I know…we’re churning ‘em out like hotcakes. Another week, another episode. To this point, we’ve kept it domestic, but we’re turning the corner with this episode for an intercontinental look. Live At The Loft is pleased to present our buddies to the north, Toronto’s own Azores band. The Canadian three-piece has infiltrated border patrol lines to light up a hit of indie rock stateside. This is a special occasion, as Azores will be using the live audio recorded at the Loft for their forthcoming EP release. Uproarious cheering and applause are strongly encouraged…

A particularly attractive crowd has staked out their couches, chairs, cushions, stairs, and standing room to catch fade. It doesn’t take long to get the onlookers motivated. Guitars, drums, and a soaring voice prove to be the right stimulants. Each song is a narrative, and invitees are as much of the story telling process as the band itself. A couple songs in, toe-tapping and hand-clapping accompany the band’s instruments. A couple more songs, head nodding, screams and whistles. The encore is all out mayhem, with whirling bodies, flailing arms, and ear-to-ear grins. The exchange of energy has the Loft walls looking alive.

LIVE PERFORMANCE 01

LIVE PERFORMANCE 02

LIVE PERFORMANCE 03

INTERVIEW

The band retires, and guests get back to swilling beers, exhaling smoke, and running the jibs about this and that. It’s time to take this set outside for some real chatter in front of the camera. The Azores trio isn’t tight-lipped at all, as we get some candid tidbits about smuggling unpasteurized cheese from the Portuguese islands the band is named after, getting hassled at the border for carrying too much citrus fruit, and the pros and cons of working with friends. The light is just right for them to show off some newly acquired bruises that just happen to match the plum-purple night sky. Results of a friendly game of pool turned scuffle. Back inside, all that’s left is an artistic arrangement of empty cans and bottles. Only thing missing is a bag of falafels and a 50-piece bucket of chicken wings. Good thing we know places that deliver around here. Thanks for coming! This is Live At The Loft…