NOTE: All photos are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography 2025
Canadian indie-band Tokyo Police Club was originally going to celebrate the ten year anniversary of their Juno nominated second full length album “Champ” in 2020. Unfortunately, the pandemic shut things down but when live music started to come back, the band immediately put together a “replacement” tour and a re-issue of that great record. The band had been on a bit of a hiatus since their last record “TPC” with Dave Monks working on some solo music. However, the tour has shown that they haven’t missed a beat. They look as happy to be on stage together as we were to be in the audience.
Kicking off the evening was a four-piece band “NOBRO” from Montreal. Naming themselves NOBRO because they wanted to be a hard rocking all girl band, they really showed they can be as punk as any other band out there. With bassist and lead vocalist Kathryn McCaughey leading the way and Sarah Dion providing probably the most energetic and prolific drumming I’ve seen in quite awhile, the band played through a quick set and left the crowd both surprised and in awe of this incredible act.
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Tokyo Police Club hit the stage and got right into it with “Favourite Food”, the first track off “Champ”. The energy emanating from Dave Monks (bass/vocals), Josh Hook (guitar), and Graham Wright (keys, guitar) were only offset by the constant chill from Greg Alsop (drums). I’ll never understand how a drummer can be so calm but Alsop manages to do it and still play some kick ass beats! The crowd was singing along to every song, so happy that live music and Tokyo Police Club were back.
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After the “Champ” tracks were played, Monks came onstage and played a few solo acoustic songs before the rest of the band came back and closed out the set, including a rousing rendition of “Argentina”. After the tour, the band members are working on non-TPC music as they await the end of the pandemic. I’m looking forward to seeing the guys together, making music, and getting back on stage!