Hidden Beats
We Are Story Tellers
Mother Mother in Halifax
With the end of winter slowly creeping over the horizon, Halifax was more than ready for a night of catharsis, connection, and a little controlled chaos. Scotiabank Centre buzzed with excitement as Mother Mother returned to the East coast in support of their latest album release, Grief Chapter, marking the second-last stop of their Canadian run. With Cavetown and Winnetka Bowling League along for the ride, the night promised emotional highs, loud singalongs, and the kind of communal energy that lingers long after the lights go out.
Winnetka Bowling League
Winnetka Bowling League kicked things off, immediately setting the tone with a set that felt tailor-made for early-2000s hearts. There were unmistakable Dashboard Confessional vibes threaded through their sound, sharpened with a pop-punk edge that kept things lively. The band leaned fully into the fun, tossing free merch into the crowd and making clever use of prop TVs onstage that displayed live footage of the performance. Their set was packed with familiar favourites, including “America in Your 20’s,” “Sha La La,” and “CVS,” and by the time they wrapped up, the room was fully warmed up and ready for more.
Cavetown
Between sets, a large banner concealed the stage. When it finally dropped to reveal Cavetown’s backdrop, the reaction was instant and overwhelming. Screams rippled through the arena as the band took the stage, greeted by a beautifully diverse crowd. Pride flags waved proudly throughout the floor, transforming the arena into a vibrant, affirming space where queer joy was front and centre.
Cavetown’s set moved at a gentler pace than the openers, but the energy in the room never dipped. Fans stayed on their feet, illuminating the arena with phone flashlights that swayed softly with the music. A standout moment came with a heartfelt cover of Pierce The Veil’s “I’m Low On Gas and You Need a Jacket,” which earned an enthusiastic response. When the opening notes of “Home” rang out, the entire crowd sang along, faces lit with smiles, hands forming hearts in the air. It was a deeply moving moment, one that felt less like a performance and more like a shared affirmation, as queer youth fans and allies alike sang their hearts out together.
Mother Mother
While Mother Mother are no strangers to Halifax, this show marked their largest appearance in the city to date, and they definitely treated it as such. Known for their relentless energy and dynamic live performances, the Canadian indie-rock band delivered a tightly packed set that never let up. Track after track hit with precision and power, weaving newer material from Grief Chapter alongside beloved fan favourites. Songs like “Burning Pile” and “Wrecking Ball” ignited the crowd, before the band brought the night to a roaring close with “Hayloft,” sending the arena into a final frenzy.
As the last notes faded, Mother Mother gathered together at centre stage, bowing and waving to the crowd in a moment of gratitude that spoke volumes about their connection to their fans. It was a fitting end to a night defined by energy, inclusivity, and emotional release. This night was a reminder of why live music matters, and why shows like this resonate so deeply.
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