Rituals

Toronto's Rituals unassumingly slinked onto the small stage and began playing with no introduction. But the low-key beginning belied the swirling post-punk the quartet peddle, the psychedelic touches becoming more and more apparent as their brief set went on. Fronted by singer-guitarist Adam Seward, the band's stage presence has yet to match their playing, a situation only exacerbated by his vocals floating in and out of the muddy mix. Still the band did their best to impress the early revellers, particularly Dusted drummer Leon Taheny on guitar and keyboard; his lengthy mane made for good hair theatrics throughout. Their set went from underwhelming to fairly impressive over the span of 30-odd minutes, making Rituals a group worth keeping your eyes and ears on.