Chicken Pickin' Banjos and Bluesy Sing-alongs: Recapping Houndmouth and Briscoe at The Danforth Music Hall in Toronto
The Danforth Music Hall buzzed with a distinct Americana vibe on Monday, November 5th, as Austin's Briscoe and headliner Houndmouth filled the venue with warm, folk-rock vibes.
Briscoe kicked off the night, instantly bringing energy with their country-tinged twang. One half of the duo, Philip Lupton, wowed the crowd with chicken-pickin' banjo licks, his harmonica on standby, and his Black and White "Shotgun Willie" ringer tee, adding a touch of outlaw spirit. Truett Heintzelman rounded out their sound on acoustic guitar, evoking daydreams of lazy weekend jams on your front porch (if you have one and live in the country).
For a band only three nights into their opening stint for Houndmouth, Briscoe felt right at home, as if their set were an extension of the main act. They played with the confidence and ease of seasoned pros, and it was hard to tell they were the opener—the crowd sure as hell didn't treat them like one.
After Briscoe's set, the stage went dark as Houndmouth took their positions, shrouded in shadows with minimal backlighting on each band member. The crowd was ready from the moment they hit the stage, launching into a collective sing-along that set the tone for the night. Lead singer Matt Myers could hardly hide his surprise and delight as he looked over at bassist Zac Anderson, grinning and letting out little "woos" into the mic as if he couldn't believe the energy Toronto was bringing.
Houndmouth didn't waste much time talking between songs, though Myers thanked the Toronto crowd a few times. Outside of one particularly rowdy fan who got kicked out for throwing a beer into the crowd, the audience matched the band's laid-back vibe, keeping things cool but ready to jump into high gear whenever the music called for it. Highlights from the set included the soulful "Darlin'," "McKenzie," and a standout rendition of "Amarillo Highway," which brought Briscoe's Truett and Philip back onstage for guest vocals. Not to mention "Sedona," the show closer.
Myers' guitar work shined through the entire set, his smooth licks adding a hint of John Mayer-esque charm but with Houndmouth's twist of gritty blues rock sound. It was a subtle, expertly crafted set, flowing effortlessly from one song to the next without feeling rushed or overdone.
The night felt like a celebration, balancing moments of intimacy with an infectious, feel-good vibe that was hard to resist.
Relive the show, or see what you missed, with our concert photo gallery below featuring Briscoe and Houndmouth.
CONCERT PHOTOS
HOUNDMOUTH
BRISCOE
HOUNDMOUTH SETLIST
Darlin’
Black Gold
Tiger Blood
Make It to Midnight
Cool Jam
Heavy Eyes
Come On, Illinois
Palmyra
McKenzie
Miracle Mile
Southside
Good for You
Amarillo Highway
My Cousin Greg
Encore:
Roadhouse
For No One
Sedona
Photography: Steve St. Jean
