Tanika Charles & the Wonderfuls

Though in may feel at times that NXNE offers little for those not interested in ear-splitting guitar assaults and cramped, sweaty spaces, local retro-soul revivalist Tanika Charles represented some of the festival's groovier fare in fine fashion. With her musical backers -- including a set of sultry twin backup singers -- ensuring the classic bent of her old-school sonic mission, Tanika let her ever-gracious demeanour extend to her inspired delivery, working out gems like the simmering "Think of You," and providing a few clever turns like the band's twist through Pick Floyd's "Money." Signs of appreciation amongst the smiling audience were both palpable and highly understandable for what was a tight early-night trip into a soulful yesteryear.