I kicked off this live music-intensive week on Monday night by going to hear Wilderness of Manitoba, a Toronto band that I first heard live in 2011, and whose sound I’d learned has continued to evolve. Earlier, when they toured for their 2010 album, “When You Left the Fire,” their sound was dominated by acoustic guitar and strings, with a hushed ambient quality almost reminiscent of the Windham Hill record label from the 1980s. Over the summer, I’d heard an interview on CBC Toronto’s afternoon radio show “Here and Now” by host Gill Deacon with longtime member, and lead guitarist, Will Whitwham who said for their new album they’d staked a new course—with lineup changes including a heavier rhythm section that leaves them more apt to rock out and jam than before. I heard “Leave Someone,” the single from “Between Colours,” their latest album, and really liked it. When I heard they were playing a free show at Rockwood Music Hall, it was an easy call to go hear them. They played a great set, and true to what I’d heard, the new rhythm players were a great addition—bassist Wes McClintock and drummer Tom Bona—as was vocalist Amanda Balsys. I enjoyed talking with Wes and Amanda after the show. Here are more pics, including the cover of their new album.

Eager to be @pianos for kickoff of my @CMJ w/@highsmusic upstairs @ 730, @InFlight_Safety 15 mins later downstairs. Great bands from Canada.

— Philip Turner (@philipsturner) October 21, 2014

Tuesday night kicked off the annual CMJ music festival, and I really enjoyed my first live listen to HIGHS from Toronto, and In-Flight Safety, from Halifax. I had heard singles by both bands on CBC Radio 3—”Summer Dress” and “Animals,” respectively—and both bands played terrific, 35-minute sets, with buoyant tunes and good energy. Here are pics from both shows.