Down With Webster ~ January 15, 2010 ~ Sound Academy ~ Toronto, CN

Words and Photos by Pete Nema

I was a little surprised to see that two amazing indie rock bands, We Are The Take and Inward Eye, were going to be opening for Down With Webster. In some ways it makes sense, since Down With Webster incorporates some serious rock into their visually hip-hop based show, but I just wasn't sure that the two opening bands would appeal to the Down With Webster audience as well as they appeal to me. But looking around, it was clear I wasn't the only one in the audience that was a fan of all three bands.

I realize that, in many ways, I fall way outside the norm of the average Down With Webster fan, but it's only fair since Down With Webster falls outside of my normal listening habits. However, with their recently released EP Time To Win Vol. 1, their music can be heard throughout my house much more often. Such a unique mix of rock and hip-hop played by skilled musicians - it just works so well. Watching them grow their fan base over the past year has been satisfying. A headlining show at the Sound Academy, in its largest configuration, is pretty amazing, but it would be hard for me to say I'm surprised - after seeing them play during CMW '09, I said I thought they will eventually be playing stadiums. I still see that potential, and at this point, they are on the right path.

For more info go to: http://www.downwithwebster.com/