TAVERNE TOUR I Gondola is starting to make waves

by Amir Bakarov

Gondola’s sold-out show on Taverne Tour’s opening night was a vivid testament to why they’re swiftly making waves. Their self-described “sad boy rock” delivered a delicate balancing act: intimate and lyrical yet undeniably edgy. The band’s pop-adjacent undertones mesh elegantly with a punk sensibility—reminiscent of old-school pioneers—creating a “pop rock meets punk rock” vibe that’s as intriguing as it is infectious. From the moment they took the stage under those bright blue lights, they projected a newfound energy and swagger that was miles away from the more subdued, “ghostlike” aesthetic they embraced at earlier performances.

Leading the charge was Lyle, whose vocals have a distinctive timbre that flirted with the post-punk grit of Ian Curtis. Yet there was an emotional openness to his delivery that gave it a more sensitive twist, reflecting the moody, introspective themes — “We mostly make moody sad shit about my feelings and stuff.” While Gondola clearly embraces the darker corners of heartbreak and sadness, they’ve found a way to let a beam of hope pierce through, making the live set a little bit uplifting. 

Their setlist flowed seamlessly, beginning with more slow-burning, lyrical tracks before building up to raw, punk-driven anthems. Gondola pulled no punches in acknowledging their pop leanings, channeling catchy hooks and sing-along choruses that felt refreshingly honest rather than commercial. Despite the moody undertones, there was a clear sense that Gondola aimed to leave the audience on a hopeful note.

Latest 360 Content

Les Hay Babies – Some People

Les Hay Babies – Some People

Les Violons du Roy | Trios inattendus : The Intimate Charm of Chamber Music

Les Violons du Roy | Trios inattendus : The Intimate Charm of Chamber Music

Semaine du Neuf |  “Quelque part, mon jardin / My Backyard, Somewhere”, A Two-Headed, Bilingual Creature

Semaine du Neuf |  “Quelque part, mon jardin / My Backyard, Somewhere”, A Two-Headed, Bilingual Creature

SAMWOY ft. Virginie B – Simon Says

SAMWOY ft. Virginie B – Simon Says

Semaine du Neuf | Baptême du Haut-Parleur… Home Run !

Semaine du Neuf | Baptême du Haut-Parleur… Home Run !

Semaine du Neuf | A Spiritual Journey Through Matter and Sound

Semaine du Neuf | A Spiritual Journey Through Matter and Sound

Rachel Therrien – Mi Hogar II

Rachel Therrien – Mi Hogar II

Semaine du Neuf | 25 years of Bozzini! Interview with the Quartet

Semaine du Neuf | 25 years of Bozzini! Interview with the Quartet

Lady Gaga – Mayhem

Lady Gaga – Mayhem

Semaine du Neuf | Paramirabo/Musikfabrik: old school avant-garde meets cool post-modernism

Semaine du Neuf | Paramirabo/Musikfabrik: old school avant-garde meets cool post-modernism

Semaine du Neuf | Tim Brady and The Symphony in 18 Parts

Semaine du Neuf | Tim Brady and The Symphony in 18 Parts

Violons du Roy | Mozart, Dvořák, Kodály and Johann Strauss: an unexpected aperitif encounter

Violons du Roy | Mozart, Dvořák, Kodály and Johann Strauss: an unexpected aperitif encounter

MARO + NASAYA – Lifeline

MARO + NASAYA – Lifeline

Semaine du Neuf | Quatuor Bozzini: “Effusion of Friendship” With Oesterle, Smith and Arnold

Semaine du Neuf | Quatuor Bozzini: “Effusion of Friendship” With Oesterle, Smith and Arnold

Semaine du Neuf | Martin Bédard’s “archaeosonic” excavations

Semaine du Neuf | Martin Bédard’s “archaeosonic” excavations

Melodînes | Cyrille Angers and Bruce Gaulin, a Trio of Questions for a Flute-Piano Duo!

Melodînes | Cyrille Angers and Bruce Gaulin, a Trio of Questions for a Flute-Piano Duo!

Shunk – Shunkland

Shunk – Shunkland

Manu Katché: Star drummer, star communicator

Manu Katché: Star drummer, star communicator

Semaine du Neuf | Decidedly Acousmatic !

Semaine du Neuf | Decidedly Acousmatic !

A Celestial Journey: Holst’s The Planets with the OPCM

A Celestial Journey: Holst’s The Planets with the OPCM

Semaine du Neuf | “Listen with your eyes closed”: Acousmatic Music by Annette Vande Gorne

Semaine du Neuf | “Listen with your eyes closed”: Acousmatic Music by Annette Vande Gorne

Semaine du Neuf | When Opera Questions Technology

Semaine du Neuf | When Opera Questions Technology

Big Band for women at UdeM

Big Band for women at UdeM

Semaine du Neuf | Horror-themed kick-off event

Semaine du Neuf | Horror-themed kick-off event

Subscribe to our newsletter