Wake Owl

Vancouver's Wake Owl seemed a bit like kids in a candy store when they proudly announced that this year's Canadian Music Week marked the band's first visit to Toronto. If that wasn't enough to indicate how green this group are, their awkward stage banter may have helped. Wake Owl's music couldn't be more different, though. Delivering a solid set of indie-inspired folk, there was a surprising maturity to their sound. The title track from the band's pay-what-you-can EP Wild Country was definitely a set highlight, as was closer "Gold." Those at the Great Hall weren't the only ones taking notice of this charming band, though. Not only did they share the venue with John K. Samson for this CMW show, but they'll be touring with Bahamas on the West Coast. Wake Owl could stand to work on their stage presence, but their music definitely warrants them a spot on a list of up-and-coming Canadian bands to watch.