Out & About #622 | Third Wave (Round 2) + Eric Nam Before We Begin (Toronto)

An abnormally hectic Monday had dismissed all thoughts of my post-work activities - namely the arrival of Eric Nam on Canadian grounds.

​It was with considerable anticipation that my favourite fangirl (whose nickname  ̶m̶a̶y̶ shall change hereinafter) and I had purchased tickets to the Korean American singer-songwriter again. 

Since his last visit, I have been following his releases with technology as the greatest enabler. From the weekly drops of K-Pop Daebak to the monumental drop of Before We Begin, and then the release of I Think You're Dope, I can't help but marvel at the diversity of his content and, to an even greater degree, the sagacity of his character.

Alas, the entirety of the workday was to take place prior to any thoughts of leisure activities.
A certain prehistoric creature had returned from exile in Kingston at long last, thus a venture to Third Wave was undertaken.

​Our exit from the building was met with more of Impact Kitchen's samples in the lobby - this time with additions of Chicken Bone Broth and cold strips of paleo-approved Chicken Tender.

​A doughy French delicacy with a sticky, glazed surface and satisfying puff pastry crunch, the bichon was a new addition to the display case. Third Wave's rendition utilized a black cherry filling that was equal parts tangy and jammy, as opposed to the conventional lemon curd. The ever-exquisite three-bite Financier was also obtained by a certain prehistoric creature following my rivetting recap of the ganache-y goody.

Consistent with my initial visit, the cafe's bakery items were complemented perfectly with the shop's bitter-end, Yemen-derived beans, purposed into a Cortado and Flat White.

Near the coat rack pillar is also an accessible washroom stall - impeccably pristine and unlocked exclusively with a push of a button from the barista/counter staff, presumably to prevent infiltration by homeless individuals.

​Some five hours later, once OT labours had been carried out (and eyes were twitching from exhaustion), I boarded my Lyft to The Danforth Music Hall. Under normal circumstances, transit, by the unfortunate means of TTC, would have been my default option. However, given the lack of stability in my digestion system and fear of missing the start of the show, I opted for the swifter, ride-hailing service instead.

In hindsight, I wouldn't have had issues even departing the office at the supposed entry time of 7 PM, for crowds were not allowed entry until closer to 7:30 PM. Another forty minutes would then pass before FRENSHIP would appear and dominate the stage with a series of stunning folk-pop performances.

At the very least, my ingrained lack of punctuality had not worked against my favour, in this particular instance anywhow. Granted to me was more than sufficient time to queue for the bathroom, obtain a baby blue tour tee, and fine-tune my camera settings in preparation for the show.

Venue staff was also far friendlier than I could have ever imagined - a stark contrast against the monstrosity that was Massey Hall.

View the full album HERE !

​Nam Nation is a highly supportive group of music lovers: a community that appreciates Eric's backbreaking efforts to promote Asian identity within the unconventional field of art andentertainment, while harnessing a profound admiration for his various endeavours - music-related or not. Having said that, the GA crowd was a lively bunch that I would have dearly loved to join, but could not due to the substantial amount of belongings I had lugged from work.

​Eric's live shows are unlike that of any other artist, and he even takes it upon himself to declare such. Beyond extending his gratitude towards all of those in attendance, whether they be chaperones in the forms of parents or significant others, he notes that "story time(s)" are not to be exempted from his half-TED talk/half-performance concerts.

​Wonder was a track that succeeded in wringing a phlegm-filled squeal out of me. Runaway, Idea of You, Cave Me In, and my all-time favourite of Can't Help Myself also made the setlist; my only surprise was his choice in performing the Korean versions of the songs, as opposed to singing portions of the Korean and English renditions.

​The man's dancing abilities have undoubtedly skyrocketed since the previous show. The observation came as a great shock to me, but was quickly re-formatted as a notable element of the concert that brought about much pleasure to the crowds, regardless of their situation in venue.

​Ending the night was Congratulations. The trip back consisted of a sequence of needlessly pressuring and, admittedly quite hostile, statements from my fellow concert attendee.

A tongue-scorching Matcha Almond Latte accompanied my lengthy return to suburbia.