Powers

One of Toronto's best-kept secrets has to be Powers. The quartet's synth-driven swirl of atmosphere evokes the '80s in a big way -- they share much in common with contemporaries the Pains of Being Pure at Heart -- and there's something refreshing about the band's sheer onstage exuberance. Singer Jamie Matechuk's jovial yelp offsets his group's moody atmospherics, especially on "Second Summer," but that's not to say the rest of Powers are slouches; tempo changes and kick-ass drum work keep things interesting throughout. Take note, Canada: a bouncing, satisfied crowd at the Silver Dollar already has.