On a clear, cold night in Toronto, the multi-disciplined electronic funhouse Big Wild (neé Jackson Stell) touched down at the Danforth Music Hall. Supported by Ark Patrol and Evan Giia, the night was electrifyingly charged from the first ambient note down to the very last guitar stroke.
Stell's performance in Toronto marked the beginning of the latter half of his North American headlining tour for his debut album, Superdream. Emulating the frenetic and fun energy of the album, Stell bounced around a stage outfitted for a performance that teetered between a live arrangement and a pre-mixed DJ set. Enlisting the help of interactive background singers and guitar players, he expertly brought tracks like "Alley-Oop" and "No words" to colourful life.
Cognizant of the crowd's energy and freedom to dance and belt out lovingly memorized lyrics, he never once lost their attention. Keeping a constant stream of music going, he incorporated a pre-set mix in between songs that weaved in classics like "Rhythm of the Night" and even a surprising "Born To Be Wild". All the while adding in his own flair by picking up a pair of sticks and letting loose on the stage-prepared electronic drums.
Seamlessly maintaining a high energy filled with live vocals and drums across a background of fluorescent graphics and lights, Stell lived up to his stage name by banging out a performance that could only be described as big wild.
