Darkness Never Looked So Good: Uncle Acid at Danforth Music Hall
By: Jay Broderick
Toronto, Canada - Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats seem to always have carried an aura of mystery. An English psychedelic doom outfit formed in Cambridge in 2009 by Kevin (K.R.) Starrs, the band, originally went under the moniker of The Sharon Tate Experience before adopting the name inspired by Rusty Day, the American singer of the band Cactus. Uncle Acid's sound is a deliberate resurrection of the late‑1960s heavy rock underbelly, and is sonically filled with dirt, sludge and doom. Their 2011 release Blood Lust became the band's breakout record, earning them the cult status that so few bands can call their own.
With six studio albums to their name, including Nell’ Ora Blu in 2024, the band has spent the last decade refining their hypnotic, horror‑tinged groove, becoming a staple of European festivals and a beloved force in doom and stoner circles. Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall, on a cool October evening, proved the perfect setting for their return.
This show came with an unusual twist for me. After being denied photo approval the week prior, the day‑of brought a sudden reversal. With no camera gear on hand, I had to make the dreaded two‑hour round trip home and back during rush hour, darkness settling in, and the unmistakable reminder that the next five months would be a dread filled, cold, bleak, and sunless. Having never seen the band, I was hoping Uncle Acid would be worth the scramble.
Messa
Speaking of "dread filled", Italian doom quartet Messa opened the night. Fronted by Sara Bianchin, the band opened with "Fire on the Roof", performed in a dark, hazy atmosphere that suited their slow, brooding melancholy. Lead guitarist Alberto Piccolo occasionally stepped into the spotlight, carving out mournful lines that hung in the air like incense.
By their third track "The Dress", saxophonist Rachel Burnett emerged, adding a smoky, jazz‑noir texture. The moment felt like wandering down a dimly lit city street on a hot summer night, neon lights flickering overhead. Her appearance was brief, but the crowd locked in immediately, clapping along as the guitarist wailed toward a soaring crescendo. Sara’s soprano cut through the haze with precision, earning a roar of satisfaction from the room.
As the band played through their set, the pace picked up picked up, the lighting finally brightening and the band shifted from doom‑laden brood to a more rocking, head‑banging rhythm. The applause afterward was massive. By the final song "Rubedo", Messa had fully expanded their sound, bigger, heavier, more commanding. Their logo might be one of the coolest in metal, but their performance tonight proved they’re far more than aesthetics.
Messa Concert Photo Gallery (all photos by: Jay Broderick)
Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats
The headliners made their entrance in ritualistic fashion, congregating in front of the drum kit, backs to the crowd. Then the beat to "Mt. Abraxas" kicked in. A thick, driving groove. Behind them, dripping‑blood fonts and 70s horror lettering splashed across the screen. Immediately I thought "this is cool!" Unfortunately, the stage was nearly pitch black. Rim lighting at best. As a photographer, it was a nightmare. As a fan? Pure bliss. The band grooved hard through their opening song selections, locked in with total precision. Bassist Justin Smith (coolest guy in the room) raised his four‑string to the sky, creating a silhouette that was basically all my camera could capture.
Eventually, frontman Kevin Starrs greeted the crowd. But there were no frills here. No wasted time as he simply said “Alright Toronto, this is a new one.”
Another killer groove, as the band sludged into "House by the Grave" from their 2026 release Shapes of Midnight. The crowd was dialed in, heads swaying to the slow, pounding beat. A Sabbath‑like interlude hit, prompting a loud “FUCK YEAH!” from somewhere in the crowd and Starrs responded with a humble “Thank you!”
Then the Maiden‑esque rhythm of "Bedouin" had my feet counting in time. The band was unbelievably tight, one of those sets where you just stand back and appreciate musicians who know exactly what they’re doing. Even as they transition from one sound to something completely different. Case in point, "Don’t Let It Control You" was a dancier track, bouncing and hypnotic. It had the crowd hoping in a pit more like a rave rather than a metal show, and the visual was super cool. Then as the band had been doing all night, things shifted again when the heaviness returned with "Pusher Man". Slow. Brooding. Crushing.
The band gathered again in front of drummer Jon Rice. Seductive imagery played on the screen. Red and blue rim lighting gave the stage a ghostly glow. It was a “stand still and vibe” moment as the band played "Melody Lane" from their 2015 album The Night Creeper. The crowd followed the vibe with slow head‑bangs, other eyes fixated on the silhouettes, unable to pull their gaze from the mesmirizing glow on stage.
The haunting organ chimes of "Solo la morte ti ammanetta" made me want to throw on some old Hammer films upon my return home and "Shapes of Midnight" opened up another bouncing pit with fans' arms shot high in the air. It all had me reflecting on the show thus far. The band's riffing had me thinking of 1990s alternative rockers Sugartooth, a band who's self titled debut was spinning endlesslessly on my CD player. With a style and sound that gives me goosebumps, I'll be adding Uncle Acid's catalogue to my music collection for sure!
The band's final track "No Return" brought the energy down. Starrs thanked the crowd, and the band closed the night on a slow, heavy note.
Set List
Mt. Abraxas
Waiting for Blood
Death's Door
Ritual Knife
House by the Grave
Bedouin
Don't Let It Control You
Pusher Man
Melody Lane
Withered Hand of Evil
Solo la morte ti ammanetta
Shapes of Midnight
I'll Cut You Down
No Return
Sometimes you stumble into gold. Tonight was one of those nights.
Uncle Acid, you gained at least one new fan of your music, but as a photographer? I hate you. 😉
Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats Photo Gallery (all photos by: Jay Broderick)
Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats Online
Show Date: October 6, 2026
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