Ever since I heard Kandle’s latest album Danger to Dream, I couldn’t wait to see her perform it live. She had graciously invited me to her album launch/listening party last October, where I got to experience her pure joy and excitement at finally releasing her self-produced and deeply personal record.
That’s where I met some other beautiful creatives like Apacalda, who is the supporting artist on Kandle’s latest tour.
On Thursday, March 27, Le Ministère became a warm and intimate space where local female artists shared their voices and stories and brought us closer to ourselves.
Apacalda opened the night with her witchy/indie vibe. I loved the range and intensity in her short but memorable set. Her voice could be soft and haunting, like in “She’s Not Coming,” or fiery and intense in “Dead Weight.” My favourite was “Jealous,” with its funky Depeche Mode beat contrasted with dark and discomforting lyrics.
Apacalda has the unique ability to take difficult and painful situations and transform them into resonating songs. Her aura left me intrigued. Did I know her in a previous life? Were we witches who were burned at the stake together?
I can’t wait to hear her new album, which will be out in June. If you want to check her out, she’ll be performing at l’Esco with Meggy Lennon on April 17.
Apacalda Setlist:
- SSR
- Jealous
- Darkness
- Male Gaze
- She’s Not Coming
- Dead Weight
- Mississippi
- Almost Burnt the House Down
Every time I see Kandle, it’s like discovering a new artist. Her courage to explore and transform is truly inspiring. I wasn’t sure how she was going to recreate the sound and mood of the new album in a live performance, but she totally pulled it off.
Surrounded by some pretty talented people: musical collaborator/partner Jeff Mitchell, drummer extraordinaire Yato Noukoussi, vocalist Stefanie Parnell, and special guest Jason Kent.
Kandle is a captivating performer who can be sensual and soft, as she was in “A Little Bit Longer.” And then full of angst and drama, as when she did “St. Paul’s.” After which, she told us about Endometriosis Awareness, a debilitating disease that she personally suffers from.
The vocals on “Danger to Dream” were otherworldly. The record is really trippy, so I honestly don’t know how they managed to capture that sound—but they did.
The night was full of wonderful surprises and two covers that blew me away. George Michael’s “Everything She Wants” got us all dancing, and David Bowie’s “Lazarus,” which I’ve never heard anyone else attempt, felt like a gut punch. (I’m a huge Bowie fan, and Blackstar was his final farewell.)
One of the highlights was seeing Jason Kent hop on stage with his bass and cool cowboy shirt and play along to one of my favourites, “Demon.” She kept him on stage for the next few tracks.
“Not Up to Me” had us all singing along, and then she ended her set with “Never Gonna Love You.” Everyone was dancing and singing the chorus, and we all wanted more.
And then, in her sweet and quirky way, Kandle told us it was time to go home. She needed to watch Law and Order and pet her cat. And I knew exactly what she meant.
Kandle Setlist:
- Intro
- St. Paul’s
- Heart in Your Head
- Seen It Before
- Getaway Car
- Danger to Dream
- Everything She Wants
- Little Bit Longer
- Demon
- Bender
- Misty Morning
- Not Up to Me
- Live a Lie
- Burn
- Lazarus
- Never Gonna Love You
Review – Annette Aghazarian
Photos – Ryan Rumpel
