I recently had the opportunity to take in The Lovelocks EP release party at the Mod Club in Toronto, and I'm glad I did. I had heard great things about the duo of Ali Raney and Zoe Neumann, but this would be the first time I would catch them live.
Getting to the venue a little early I had a casual exchange with a longtime fan who was pretty excited to tell me how she has had them play at her house a couple of times in the past, and went on about how wonderful the girls are as both musicians and people. With the crowd that filled the Mod club it was obvious The Lovelocks have collected loyal fans over time and they're all just as excited for whats to come as the girls might be themselves.
Prior to the show kicking off was a fan meet and greet where I saw how Ali and Zoe interacted with fans, they were so warm and down to earth. A great start to the night for those lucky Facebook contest winners.
The show began with the upbeat title track from their new EP Born To Love. It set the tone for the evening and I knew this was a great night of country music to attend. One thing I love in country songs is a solid harmony and these two really nail it. It just soothes whatever ails you. They played songs off the new EP like Radio, Simple Stuff, I Do not and also threw in some covers of Cyndi Lauper's Time After Time, and Dolly's Jolene. The Lovelocks then got some crowd participation going with their bubbly tune Dance, which they joked that it's one they have had people dancing to in old folks homes so theres no reason we couldn't. I would call it a guilt trip but, I think people were already ready and willing to dance.
Zoe and Ali seem so comfortable up on stage, they're just having a lot of fun doing what they do. They were backed by a great band who were flawless. They kept up great energy the whole night, playing the single Home Sweet Home before walking off stage for the inevitable encore. Then taking the tempo way down for Lovely for their first encore song, showcasing beautiful vocals and great lyrics. And, to close it all they ended with their rendition of Cake By The Ocean by DNCE.
The Lovelocks will only continue building on their success with all the talent and personality they carry. Keep an eye out for them over the summer and pick up their new EP at http://www.thelovelocksband.com.
Mike Highfield / @MC_Highfield
MORE PHOTOS...
Well if your reading this you must really be bored... So I was born and raised in a small town and have a thirst for good Canadian Whiskey and amazing Country Music.
