Concert Review: Herman Dune, January 19, Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto – Before I begin with the review proper, allow me to digress right away and launch into a story about the last time I saw Herman Dune.  It was in Paris, so of course the band was speaking French (because, you know, they are French) and it was a good show, of course, but the reason I’m telling this story right now is to let you all know that playing the role of confused foreigner can work wonders for you sometimes.  Having shown up at the show late, I approached the ticket vendor guy and, in my best French, asked to buy a ticket.  He told me the show was almost over, and looking confused (I had checked when doors opened and estimated set times based on the number of bands playing), I motioned to the door and said, “Est-ce que Je …” and dude just waved me in.  Little did he know the band had just started and I saved myself a whole pile of euros that night. What does this have to do with the band’s set this past Thursday at The Horseshoe?  Well, nothing of course.  But for all of you looking to see a show in a foreign country I suppose it’s worth a shot to try this.  So in a way, it’s a public service I’m providing.  Still not as cool as Ricky’s story about crashing a high school dance in Istanbul though, but whatever. 

What’s that you say?  Oh right, the show at The Horseshoe. The band’s somewhat classicist take on folk rock always goes down well.  Frontman David-Ivar Herman Dune is not only a great songwriter (highlights included “In The Long Long Run” and “I Hear Strange Moosic”) but seems like a nice guy as well.  “I’m liking this place, it’s pretty nice,” he said in response to the enthusiastic crowd.  Also enthusiastic was Julie Doiron, who joined the band onstage for a couple of songs, including a cover of Bob Dylan’s “I Threw It All Away.”  Julie was so into it that she seemingly made a request onstage just so she could sing along with it.  Of course they obliged.  It’s always nice to see performers truly enjoying themselves onstage.  It shows that they’re not just going through the motions.

And so, while I have no story as thrilling (well, thrilling to me, at least) as bluffing my way in to go along with this show, it was still a solid performance from a band at the top of their game.  Plus, any band who can change a string onstage and not have it stop the show dead in it’s tracks deserves some recognition.  So bravo, Herman Dune.  You guys are alright.

Posted on by Paul in Concerts