Canadian rock band “Mother Mother”, and British indie-pop band “Cavetown” (a project of singer Robbie Skinner) came together to double headline at Budweiser Stage here in the heart of Downtown Toronto. They also had the band “Meet Me at the Altar” open this killer lineup.
Mother Mother emerged from Quadra Island, British Colombia. They are a 5-piece band consisting of Ryan Guldemond on guitar and vocals, Molly Guldemond and Jasmin Parkin on keys and vocals, Ali Siadat on drums, and Mike Young on bass. They have been together since 2005 and have been touring and making music consistently since then.
Cavetown is the professionally known name of artist Robbie Skinner. They are from Oxford, United Kingdom and are only 25 years old. Music started to be released as Cavetown in 2014 and since then they have only grown and amassed more fans from all over the world.
I had a pretty wild day leading up to the concert and I unfortunately missed the opening band Meet Me at the Altar, but all the other photographers for the night did speak super highly of them and said they absolutely rocked, so I have to make sure I catch them next time they are in Toronto! While waiting for the main acts it was awesome to see the venue buzzing with anticipation. I was worried the turn out wouldn’t be great because it is an outdoor venue and it had poured rain up until doors (I felt bad for the people stuck on the wet lawn too). I was definitely proved wrong, and the venue was still packed and full of Cavetown and Mother Mother fans, it was awesome.
I had never personally listened to Cavetown, but I realized afterwards that I had heard their popular songs. Before the band took the stage, I was already super intrigued because they had a cool set ready to go. Three big colorful mushrooms at the back of the stage, and a tree stump in the center where the mic stand was. The band took the stage, and I truly was in awe, the energy was awesome from the moment the first song started. I saw the opening three songs ‘let them know they’re on your mind’, ‘1994’, and ‘heart attack’. Each song was great, and it was accompanied by fun lighting, high energy, and good vibes! Lead Robbie Skinner moved around the stage while singing, dancing, and playing guitar all while looking like they were having the best time. I walked into the Cavetown set not knowing anything, but walked away wanting to know more!!
While waiting to head back into the venue to see Mother Mother, I personally was super excited. I have been a fan for years and actually caught the band on their last tour in 2022. It was very exciting to be taking photos of the band instead of just being an audience member!! The band had a moody instrumental number that started humming through the venue…as each band member entered the stage the screams in the crowd grew louder and louder. Once all five members had taken the stage, they immediately started into songs ‘Nobody Escapes’, ‘Arms Tonite’, and ‘Hayloft II’. I am always super impressed by the live vocals of members Molly and Jasmin, and I feel like they get better every time I see them. The set had air cannons, super saturated bright colors, and dark red intense lighting. All their set choices were so awesome and matched the songs they played so well. Mother Mother never disappoints, I went in with high expectations and was so happy with the show they put on.
Cavetown and Mother Mother being paired to double-headline was a great call. They are similar enough that it makes sense, but different enough that it brings in two huge and diverse crowds. Impressed doesn’t begin to describe how I felt about the show truly. I think anyone who has ever listened to at least one of these bands should check out a show on the tour, and they will most definitely walk out a fan of both bands.
Stay tuned to Stereofade for more news and reviews, including our review of Nickelback’s show in Toronto.
