Elliott Brood are a three piece indie folk rock band from Toronto, Canada. Out here supporting The Fumes on their East Coast tour, they are Mark Sasso - lead vocals as well as guitar, banjo, ukulele, and harmonica, Casey Laforet - guitar, backing vocals, bass pedals and ukulele and Stephen Pitkin on percussion, sampler and backing vocals.

The sound in the room is far too loud (seems to be a trait of the East Brunswick, perhaps the sound guy is a bit deaf?) so the bass pedals are quite irritating. You can almost hear the audience sigh with relief when they stop being played.

Sasso has an interesting vocal style, very gravelly. Their songs are short, radio friendly pop songs. They work well. The audience obviously enjoys their set, but in a polite way as if they are patiently waiting for it to be over and the Fumes to arrive.

The Fumes come on to an almost packed house. It's been a while since they've been here on a tour of their own, so there's great anticipation for the show. They've gone back to their roots for quite a few of the numbers and die hard fans are hearing things they haven't heard in years.

Drummer Joel Battersby plays with his trademark intensity, owing much to Rib Hirsts' legacy (both in drumming style and stage attire). He plays as if he's trying to
make up for an entire band that hasn't yet arrived. It's quite impressive.

They play tracks off the 2009 Sundancer release as well as a lot of their older stuff. People down the front manage to dance in what little space they have.

Vocalist (and guitarist) Steve Merry has an enthusiasm that is hard to manage while sitting in a chair. From my vantage point his skinny jeans show a lot of unfortunate plumbers crack, but he more than makes up for it with his performance.

The guys sound great on record, but are well worth seeing live.