Sloan Rocks Sold-Out Show at the Commodore Ballroom

Legendary Canadian rock band, Sloan, brought their unique blend of indie rock and power pop music to a sold-out crowd at the Commodore Ballroom on Saturday. It was a concert I’d been waiting to see since I first fell in love with the band via their illustrious performance of “The Good in Everyone” on the mid-90s quirky MTV tv show, Oddville. Seeing the band live almost 20 years later gave a nostalgic jolt to the heart of a younger, wide-eyed me with braces (who once thought she would marry frontman, Chris Murphy).

Fortunately, the band showcased their signature sound with a setlist of both old classics and new tracks from their latest album, Steady, transporting the crowd back in time to the good ol’ days of cassette tapes. Performing their popular hits like "The Rest of my Life" and "Money City Maniacs", along with new tracks like "Human Nature" and "Close Encounters", the band proved they haven't lost the classic Sloan-sound we know and love.

Sloan's show blended classic and contemporary catchy melodies, intricate arrangements, and a raw, driving energy that left the crowd lost in a welcomed nostalgia. The band's vocal harmonies have always been a defining element of their sound; hearing the band layer multiple voices to create a rich, choral effect was like a musical feast for the ears (that the audience ate up like it was their last meal). It's like they took all the best parts of '60s pop, '70s rock, and '90s indie and threw them in a blender. On top of that, the drums and bass provided a solid foundation that kept the crowd dancing all night long.

As the night drew to a close, the band thanked their fans for their continued dedicated support. The sold-out show was a clear indication that Sloan's music has stood the test of time, and my celebrity crush on now 54-year-old Chris Murphy isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Upcoming North American tour dates:

March 07 Lake Country (District of) - Creekside Theatre Lake Country, Canada

March 08 Spiritbar at the Hume Hotel Nelson, BC

March 09 Dickens Pub Calgary, Canada

March 10 Bo's Bar & Grill Red Deer, AB

March 11 Station On Jasper Edmonton, AB

March 13 Amigos Cantina Saskatoon, SK

March 14 Good Will Social Club - Winnipeg, MB Winnipeg, Canada

March 15 Good Will Social Club Winnipeg, Canada

March 16 First Avenue Minneapolis, MN

March 17 Bottom Lounge Chicago, IL

April 19 Brighton Music Hall Boston, MA