Royal Tusk share their energy with Calgary
Packed performance proves that this band’s tusks will only continue to grow
Ali Hardstaff
Staff Writer
The Gateway may be slight in size compared to other venues in the city, albeit an impeccable place to see live music, but with engaging stage presence rock band Royal Tusk did not disappoint this past Friday, Jan. 9. X92.9 Calgary’s Alternative 2014 Xposure contest winners, A Day As Wolves, opened the night and proved they were a good choice.
From their performance, it seemed like the night could have been at its high, but it kept climbing. Royal Tusk’s devotional fans lined the front of the stage, dancing, double fisting pints and head banging along with MacKinnon as the band performed their set, including popular radio singles “Shadow of Love” and “Smoke Rings” from their EP Mountain released in June of 2014.
Royal Tusk’s second tour brought them here from Edmonton, with members, (all but one sporting magnificently grown facial hair) including lead singer and guitarist Daniel Carriere, bassist Sandy MacKinnon, guitarist J. Eygenraam, keyboardist Motorbike James and drummer Calen Stuckel.
Carriere and MacKinnon were previously in the Edmonton rock band Ten Second Epic, but left after achieving three albums and two Juno nominations for this new project.
Those attending the show on Friday were apparently behind this new endeavor, being absorbed in the contagious, uninhibited energy coming from the stage.
Beyond the sparkly yellow drum-kit, multiple guitar swaps, chugs of red wine and orange juice from Carriere, the band got even closer than the already mere two arm lengths of distance from the crowd.
If all the fans surrounding the stage by the time the encore came did not prove how enthralled they were with the group, taking one look at the two people falling over drunk on the front of the stage, mouthing every word, was enough to convince anyone.
MacKinnon put on his bandana after playing, which from their music videos and interviews showed he is rarely without (but probably cannot headbang as well with), and joined the other members who stuck around for some pints, which earned them some bonus points.