The Spot Part III: Michael Drukarsh Finds Local Gold at Local Venue/Rehearsal Space
- Michael Drukarsh
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
By: Michael Drukarsh
Newmarket, Ontario - Once again The Spot in Newmarket opened its door for another all ages metal-core extravaganza. This time though, the premise behind the four band bill was a little more special as headliners Loose Jaw took the advice of owner Mike Capobianco and booked the venue as well as the supporting acts for their very own cd release party in celebration of their debut album.
The crowd at the April 11th show was a mix of fans, friends and family. I had the pleasure of speaking to a few very proud parents as they gushed over the lengths at which their kids went to make their band work. With the exception of The Neo Lux, the O.G.s of the bill, the rest of the bands, 2808, The Ravens Haven and headliners Loose Jaw were all in their mid-teens to early 20s, some still or just barely out of high school.
2808
2808 opened the show with their brand of metal-core thrash. The members met in high school in Collingwood and have been together for a few years making a lot of noise on the hard core scene. Members Henry Doyle on drums, Zac W and Ronin M on guitar, Brendan Gonsalves on bass and lead singer Gabriel Snow looked and sounded like seasoned pros, encouraging the audience to squeeze in tight and slam to the beat.
The Neo Lux
The Neo Lux took the stage next delivering their blend of early skate punk/thrash sounds. The band, consisting of Ray Tombran on guitar and vocals, David Ivanov on guitar, Andrew Fontain on bass Derek Joson on drums have been around for awhile, and bring with them experience as well as a goal “to create a varied collection of songs that transcend specific styles, while staying true to the core essence of punk & rock 'n' roll.”
Showcasing a few new tunes in the set, they ended their night with the song "New Type Kids", after Tombran reminded the other bands on the bill as well as the young audience to appreciate what they have and are able to experience at places like The Spot.
The Ravens Haven
Out of Barrie Ontario, The Ravens Haven were up next. The three piece consisting of Quintin Corbett on guitar and lead vocals, Carter Corbett on drums and Julian Rayfield on bass slowed things down with their take on 70s sludge groove (no idea if that is actually a genre but it definitely suits the band). Basset Rayfield dropped some low, solid bass lines that, along with drummer Carter drove the songs behind Quintin’s vocals giving off a Sabbath like quality with an alternative twist.
Loose Jaw
Headliners and event organizers Loose Jaw, also a three piece, opened their set as they always have with "Namesake". Once again the bass was front and centre (despite a slight technical difficulty that was quickly resolved) with a sludge heavy sound delivered by Kaia and her stand out pink stringed bass. The difference between previous act The Ravens Haven though is in vocal delivery by frontman and guitarist Ethan Mistry who powers through the lyrics with a metal vibe and a punk attitude.
Rounded out by Aiden on drums Loose Jaw had fans thrashing while Mistry often left the stage to enter the pit and join fellow moshers in the chaos the band brought on. Still looking to set up proper distribution for their first release, Loose Jaw had cds for sale at their merch table, and after a power set that got so hot Mistry had to take off his sweat drenched shirt midway through, I am sure the band went home with far less than they set up at the beginning.
Concert Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)
Show Date: April 11, 2026