Eight and a Half

Featuring Dave Hamelin and Liam O'Neil of the Stills, plus Broken Social Scene's Justin Peroff, Eight and a Half have some pretty big expectations to live up to. The Stills' breakup and BSS's indefinite hiatus finally brought this collaboration to fruition after years of it bubbling under the surface, and their show at the Horseshoe served as an introduction to their music for many. A lot more synth-influenced than either band's previous work, Eight and a Half successfully pulled off the new sound live with Hamelin grabbing most of the attention on stage. As to be expected, Peroff is a more than capable backbeat for the group and O'Neil added some groove. With their musical pasts, Eight and a Half don't really have to do much to garner interest, but Hamelin's solid delivery while bouncing about the stage is probably what will win over actual fans.