OPEN WIDE. Jean-Paul De Roover opened for Modernboys Moderngirls on Saturday night with his acoustic guitar in hand.

Modernboys Moderngirls, the three-piece rock outfit from Toronto, headlined a small yet successful Saturday night show in the upstairs of the Blackshire Pub. Away from the Homecoming bustle of Richmond Row, tucked away on Talbot Street, the pub served as a quaint alternative for those less willing to wait hours in line at the bars.
Opening the night was Thunder Bay native Jean-Paul De Roover. De Roover played an acoustically driven set with a solo and multiple-looping style. The multiple track layering was entertaining and the mixing sound quality was done well. Although he played his set alone, De Roover used his seven pedal mixing board to create a full band sound that allowed for a completely unique experience.
De Roover opened the night well, playing the majority of his newly released album, Windows and Doors. However, it wasn’t long before Modernboys Moderngirls jumped onto the stage to take control of the evening — despite being late due to some car trouble.
MBMG immediately picked up the pace with their fast and catchy rock anthems, combining a rare blend of both punk and soul. Fresh off the release of their full length album, I Might as Well Break It, MBMG had no trouble engaging the tiny crowd and left almost everyone standing and cheering. The highlight of the evening came with their encore performance of “My Baby Says Boy, Don’t You Ever Go,” which generated a big dance party in the small venue.
MBMG’s car troubles forced a later start time and a longer night in general, but the only real disappointment stemmed from the lack of a crowd presence, possibly due to the various Homecoming events.
Disappointing turnout aside, the intimate Blackshire Pub is an underrated gem in London’s music scene. The show was no exception with solid openers and an exceptional headliner — the evening was well worth the five dollar cover. Modernboys Moderngirls turned out to be the perfect alternative to the typical Homecoming activities.