PUP at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest (2019) Photo Credit: Matthew Perry
PUP’s lead signer reviewed their show on the third day of Bluesfest better than anyone could, “not the ideal situation to see a PUP show, in the middle of a field, but you guys are doing great.” The audience at the City Stage for the show really, really liked PUP, and if you are a fan, you understand but if you’re not, you are left there wondering what is appealing about them. They play Sum 41-esque tunes and an audience member next to me who wasn’t particularly enjoying himself mentioned they’d be better in a smaller venue. PUP gets this, and played a second show at House of Targ later in the evening for their evidently dedicated fans. One day and two PUP shows – perfect for a fan of the band.
Taking Back Sunday at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest (2019) Photo Credit: Matthew Perry
The rest of us wondered around until Taking Back Sunday took the stage. The American band sounded better than they do on their recordings and for an excellent summer night, their set was enjoyable. Nobody enjoyed Taking Back Sunday’s music more than lead vocalist Adam Lazzara, self-proclaiming their music as things like “mind-blowing.”
On their recordings, Taking Back Sunday sound almost like a pop-punk outfit or something hovering around the Metro Station, Boys Like Girls days. Live; however, their music was more rock and roll, with jamming instrumentals and guitar solos. Lazzara was reaching Dave Grohl quantities of using the words “rock and roll” (check out our Foo Fighters review last year at Bluesfest to see what I’m talking about), but nonetheless, their tune “Cute Without The ‘E’ (Cut From The Teeth)” was an excellent highlight of their set and a hit with the crowd.
Glorious Sons at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest (2019) Photo Credit: Matthew Perry
The headliners for July 6, 2019, were Kingston band The Glorious Sons. They were generously handed the Saturday night City Stage slot. You may have checked them out at Bluesfest a couple of years ago where they filled the audience with their friends and put on an awesome afternoon show. This year, their presence was entirely different, while still havoc-wrecking it was more polished and their new tunes like the set beginner “Panic Attack” are radio songs that bring a whole new level of energy in a live setting.
Frontman Brett Emmons gave off some serious Axl Rose vibes with his momentum carrying running across the stage. Unfortunately, Lebreton Flats wasn’t crazy packed, but the people in the audience were treated to a good old fashion rock show by a relatively newer band that’s often hard to find in headliner slots these days.
The Glorious Sons are masters of tension and release, slow down and pick up style of song that can bring listeners through many different paces, speeds, and emotions over the course of a track. “My Poor Heart” is an example of a song that starts with desperate, yearning vocals that turn into a jumpy banger that makes you feel alright with the hot mess you are. “Kill the Lights,” was an amazing display of how a band on the main stage, with not as many people as they may have liked in the crowd, can captivate an entire audience. The Glorious Sons put on an incredible live show leaving current fans satisfied and those who aren’t new fans.
Additional Photos
Glorious Sons at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest (2019) Photo Credit: Matthew Perry
Glorious Sons at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest (2019) Photo Credit: Matthew Perry
Glorious Sons at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest (2019) Photo Credit: Matthew Perry
Glorious Sons at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest (2019) Photo Credit: Matthew Perry
Glorious Sons at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest (2019) Photo Credit: Matthew Perry
Taking Back Sunday at RBC Ottawa Bluesfest (2019) Photo Credit: Matthew Perry