THE SPOT IV: A Showcase of Local Talent, Crucial to the Life of Live Music

Stay in the Know

Niall Gunovski of PEACE BOND performs live at The Spot in Newmarket. Photo By: Michael Drukarsh

By: Michael Drukarsh

Newmarket, Ontario - You just never know what you are in for when you walk through the doors of The Spot on a Saturday night. Usually, based on the almost eligible band names on flyers posted around town and announcements on Instagram, you can be sure whoever is on the bill will be loud. However, for this show, tucked in amongst the chaotic fonts was an unusually clear name, “Andy on the Banjo".

Andy on the Banjo

Andrei Hileaga of Andy on the Banjo. Photo By: Michael Drukarsh

And sure enough, opening last night’s festivities was indeed Andy, and he was indeed on a banjo. Standing centerstage amongst the graffiti in front of a long hair, studded, band logo adorned audience Andy plucked away on his banjo wearing what looked to be a very comfortable knitted vest. Running through a set that included hymns such as "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" and Dolly Parton's "Coat of Many Colors", Andy had no problem drawing the crowd in. A cover of Black Flag’s "Six Pack" even brought about a sing-a-long once again proving that despite their scary exterior, metal fans of any ilk are really just fun loving people!

Andy on the Banjo Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)

• 

• 

• 

Kneel! Worm

Kneel! Worm perform live in Newmarket. Photo By: Michael Drukarsh

The mood definitely took a very dark turn when Kneel! Worm took the stage next. Showcasing a plodding doom metal set that lent itself to slow, deliberate, deep headbanging, Kneel! Worm carried the audience to the depths of Hell. The self described murder sludge sound reverberated through The Spot ending a ten minute journey that kicked up the tempo throughout the song. When asked what the final song was, I was told, “I don’t know, maybe Galactic Dong, that sounds good.”

Kneel! Worm Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)

• 

• 

• 

Ubruxum

Ubruxum perform live at The Spot. Photo By: Michael Drukarsh

If you had a trip to the dentist on your bingo card when you walked through The Spot, you’d be a winner. Next up, Ubruxum. Playing off the dental term “bruxism” meaning to grind or clench the teeth, often while sleeping, the band took to the stage wearing mouth guards, transforming their mouths into grotesque forms that surprisingly didn’t interfere with singing.

The set, including songs such as “Syphilistic Pus”, “Blisterine” and “Whores and Sores” was punctuated with sound bites of movie dialogue highlighting dentistry. Although the lyrics and performance were tongue in cheek with a lot of fun banter with the audience from “the boy band who plays love songs” the kings of Dentalcore are no joke. Their fast paced thrash metal delivery of short, yet powerful, songs is far more soothing than a dentists drill.

Ubruxum Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Apple of Basilisk

Apple of Basilisk perform live in Newmarket, Ontario. Photo By: Michael Drukarsh

Once again the mood changed as Apple of Basilisk took to the stage to deliver a very angry set. With frantic, possessed, convulsions lead singer Liam dominated the stage, transfixed by the mic as he wrapped himself up with its cord seeming to be a constant battle. Backed by chaotic guitar licks, incredibly fast blast beats and a doom heavy bass line, Apple of Basilisk brought total destruction to the stage.

Apple of Basilisk Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

PEACE BOND

PEACE BOND perform live at The Spot in Newmarket. Photo By: Michael Drukarsh

If you have been keeping track, your bingo card should be almost full. We’ve had a banjo player, a trip to Hell followed by a trip to the dentist, then complete destruction. For the win, you need a gasmasked, helmet wearing guitarist walking through the crowd to join his cowboy hat wearing Colonel Sanders goatee and moustache sporting lead singer on stage for the headlining act.

Local favorites, Peace Bond finished the night in style. Much like the last time I saw them, the thrash heavy set was fast and furious. Lead singer Stu delivered blistering lyrics while the band ripped through songs such as opener “Times Up”, as well as “Say Cheese”, "Jesus Christ”, “TLC” and “No Exit”. “Peace by Piece” closed the set with the help of the ramped up fans who got a chance to grab the mic and chant along while the pit swarmed around them.

PEACE BOND Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Once again The Spot delivered an incredible, and very eclectic bill that had the all ages crowd wound up from the very first pluck of the banjo string. I have said it before and will continue to do so with each event I cover at The Spot. Having a venue like this to showcase local talent and give the opportunity for up and coming bands to perform to an audience that supports musicians is crucial in keeping live music alive!

Can’t wait to clear my bingo card for the next event!

SUBSCRIBE

Show Date: April 25, 2026