Dan Mangan and The Crackling, Harbourcoats (Trinity St.Paul's Church, Toronto Oct. 28)

There's something about that Dan Mangan. An unmistakable likability, the way he can warm a room with his presence, charm a crowd with a flicker of a smile. Last night he proved that this can extend to hundreds of people at a time as he wowed an assembly of followers in the Church of Mangan. (Sacrilegious? It was actually held in Toronto's Trinity-St.Paul's Church.)

From the line snaking down Bloor West full of devotees rushing for front-pew seating (including me - success!) or procrastinating fans desperately hoping for a ticket at the door (was that Will Currie and TPC's Graham Wright I saw?), it was clear excitement was riding high for this show.

Before Dan could take the stage a few additional treats were bestowed upon the crowd that quickly filled up the small lower lever, before lining the benches in the larger upper auditorium. The Crackling came first and did a rather impressive job as a three piece making some 'beautiful music' (Dan's words, though I'll agree) sans drummer. The lack of drumming makes sense as the band is actually fronted by the drummer from Dan's band, Kenton, now manning an acoustic guitar, who is flanked by Gord the guitarist and Conrad(?) the fretless bass player, in their usual roles. Using both their vocals, sometimes in harmony, and their instruments, they really did create great music and knew how to add emphasis - primarily via footstomp.

A respected Canadian indie rocker turned singer-songwriter followed this up. Bry Webb under the guise of Harbourcoats did a set of purely acoustic songs which allowed his raw talent to show through. It is obvious but can't go without saying that his distinctive voice, made famous through his role fronting The Constantines, really sets him apart.

Finally it was time for Dan Mangan - though by finally I don't mean it, as it was only 9pm, and secondly he had already made an appearance as humble guest drummer for The Crackling's singalong, "I hear what you're saying". (Taking his spot at the drumset and wise-assing "So Stayin' Alive in B?")

The music may all fall under the solo heading 'Dan Mangan' but nine people took the stage for this performance, and though members came and left throughout various points of the evening, when the crash of nine instruments hit, it really made a thunderous impression. (Stand-up bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keys/trumpet, trombone, drums, 2 violins, cello) Right from the start they gave us a taste of what they could do with a version of Sold that sucked in the audience and had a clap-along from song one.
It was actually a miscue during the second song that set the mood for the evening. Partway through You Silly Git Dan accidentally bumped his mic stand sending it oscillating in front of him, but in a mere moment, while sauntering back and forth with it, he hurriedly snuck in "..and the next line couldn't be more topical" before singing "I'm not as clever as I look". This was heartily received and from here out the evening's mood was good-natured and intimate, despite the size of the crowd.
Paring down to five members for Road Regrets they maintained the smaller line-up and went acoustic for The Indie Queens are Waiting. However this version required a pre-apology from Dan, "you'll see why". During the chorus band members would echo the lyrics, Veda Hille's recorded part, in near-falsetto voices which not only had the audience members in hysterics, but also got Dan going too with one glimpse of his bass player's scrunched up singing face. A normally sentimental song was given over to comedy but it was well worth it!
Also showcased this evening were a number of new songs. Showing promise from the very first, Post War Blues, it was a rocking song that began with military-like drums and ended up roaring as-much-as, or more than, any other Dan Mangan song released to date.
Tina`s Glorious Comeback saw the members forgo a drumset in exchange for tapping drumsticks and the shaking of a tambourine - complimented by hearty footstomping.
With only two guitars, bass and drums the core group introduced another as-yet unreleased song, Oh Fortune, which had ambient string scratching and cymbal rubbing.
The most stunning song of the night may very well have been a heartfelt version of Basket, introduced as an ode to his grandfather. Beginning with Dan alone he sang emotively while picking his guitar. With everyone fully drawn in, the bass joined, then the violins and the song built to crescendo, before returning to bare guitar and voice. Incredible.
The only way to follow this was with Fair Verona which had a similar structure of quiet, working up to huge heights before coming down again.
Having been treated to a few lush, layered songs it was time for a change of pace. As everyone but Dan exited the stage we were told we were about to witness the first ever playing of this song for any audience - not even the band had heard it. What followed was a courageous song, one that asked many questions ranging from anger to sorrow and absolutely hit its mark.
To add yet another dynamic to this already impressive show the band, minus violins and cello, returned for a cover song - Elliott Smith`s I`m Gonna Love You Anyhow. R.I.P.
A pick-me-up was offered in the form of Some People. The improvised instrumental interlude showed the band`s chops and sounded pretty great, before bringing it back around to finish off the tune.
In finale, perhaps predictable but no less appreciated, they burned into Robots. The silly song that everyone loves to sing along with. And boy did we sing, as Dan leapt from the stage into the aisles we leapt to our feet, and as he climbed onto the back of a pew our voices climbed to the rafters. It was an uplifting experience, one might say magical or even holy considering the appropriate setting.
With looks of genuine appreciation, mixed with charming humility, Dan smiled and waved as he left the stage met by our natural standing ovation that carried on from the close of the set.
Just as naturally the five main members (keys included) returned for an absolutely necessary encore. In a bit of a twist they played another new song, inspired by the movie Stand By Me, that was excellent and seemed to have the quintessential 'Dan Mangan' feel.
Joined by everyone on stage, and from the sounds of the angelic voices, everyone in the church, the closer was So Much For Everyone. A beautiful song in its own right it is brought to a whole new level fully unplugged. As Dan's guitar & voice intro works up to the song's breakout and he is joined by the better part of one thousand voices united in the love for his music, it sends chills. Euphoric!