NOTE: All photos are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography 2025
If dream pop is your jam, here’s your next favorite band: Sunday (1994). Yes, there are a bunch of movies such as Sunday (1997) and Sunday (2002) but no actual movie called “Sunday” came out in 1994 so they’re safe. Our main protagonists, Paige Turner and Lee Newell, did meet on a Sunday in 2020 and wrote their first song together on a Sunday. Since that song sounded like it should be in a movie, they named the band in the same style. Add “Puma”, the drummer formerly known as “X”, with no full name or origin, they became Sunday (1994). Their self-titled debut EP was released last April followed by a deluxe version in September. Full of vivid imagery, their music brings you back in time and we were so looking forward to experiencing some of that during the Toronto stop of their Debut Tour at the Drake Underground.
As we were lined up, waiting for doors, southern Californian indie artist Theo Moss came out of the venue searching for her phone. She didn’t have any luck prior to doors opening but we hope she was able to locate it. The set started inauspiciously as the had some sound problems with recorded drum tracks, which they promptly blamed on the drummer (kidding!!). As with many indie artists, her music is introspective and is often dark and moody but her self deprecating manner and cute personality won over many in the packed venue.
Click on photos to enlarge
Sunday 1994 makes quite a sight when they take the stage. Lead vocalist Paige Turner in a long flowing white dress making her the bride for the night. White dresses are a theme for Turner as many fans likewise turned up in long white dresses to mimic their idol. Guitarist Lee Newell evokes memories of Buddy Holly and, for me, Andy Cox from the English Beat and Fine Young Cannibals! Bassist Lola Colette looked lovely in a short black dress while enigmatic drummer Puma hid in the dark. They kicked off the set with “Blonde”, followed by “Stained Glass Window”. With just one EP in their discography, the setlist was obviously going to be heavily weighted in that direction. They did announce a new EP Devotion (which was released TODAY, May 9th) and promptly played the title track. They also played another new song “Still Blue” later in the set. The crowd was very lively, singing and dancing along to every song! It’s always amazing for a newish band to see their fans singing along to their songs and these fans seemed to know the lyrics to every one! Turner also knew how to work the crowd, moving around the tiny stage and making eye contact with people in the crowd, seemingly singing to them!
It’s hard to explain how happy and connected the audience felt with the band. It also seemed like the whole crowd stayed afterwards to buy merch, talk to the band, and get autographs/take photos. In fact, they had to move the “after party” outside! It’s unlikely that Sunday 1994 will be playing stages this small in the future so catch them on this tour while you can! They only have two more shows in North America (Philadelphia on May 9th and Washington DC on May 10th) before they head overseas for their UK/EU tour. Never fear, they will be back for a one-off show at the Troubadour in LA in June before hitting the festival circuit. After that, I suppose they’ll need to tour to support that second EP!
Click on photos to enlarge
