Concert Review: Sloan At The Phoenix

By Tyler Hodg

November 29, 2014
Toronto, ON

In support of their latest effort Commonwealth (review), Sloan arrived at The Phoenix in Toronto on November 29 to deliver a lengthy, energetic rock show—and man, was it ever good.

Although the band is originally from Halifax, Sloan has been based in Toronto for quite some time now. The group played two sets for the excited, hometown-ish crowd and departed from the stage proving they are still one of the best rock acts in the world. “The Commonwealth Tour” saw the band travel across North America for 22 shows, with this show concluding their venture.

This was definitely a night for true Sloan fans. The band played a 27-song setlist of not only hits including “Money City Maniacs” and “If It Feels Good Do It,” but a sizeable amount of rare B-sides as well. “Suppose They Close the Door,” “Love is All Around,” and “Ready for You” are just a few songs that seldom see the light of day, but were showcased for new and old fans at The Phoenix. Arguably one of their best attributes, Sloan obtains an ability to whip out any song at any point, so you can never predict the setlist, as it will transform night to night with varying songs from their eleven-album, 20-year career. For fans of the band, it keeps the shows exciting and fresh, perfect descriptors for the night that the audience experienced.

The greatest highlights from the night came when Sloan played songs off their new record, Commonwealth. The set included 9 new songs, with the opener being drummer Andrew Scott’s 17-minute masterpiece from the album. All of the new material was received wonderfully by the audience, and it’s definitely a treat seeing an older band that refuses to become a nostalgic act, and is succeeding at the task.

For any Sloan fan that didn’t attend this show at The Phoenix: I’m sorry, you missed out. Although the band was admittedly tired, they rarely showed it on stage; they were hot and so was the crowd. Sloan fans know that skipping any show from this band is never a good idea, and this night proved that very notion. So the next time Sloan is in your town, go see them. Don’t think about it, just do it—you will never, ever regret seeing a Sloan concert.