CMW Live: Young Rival @ Rivoli THE RIVOLI - MARCH 6 - by Michael Dach - Taut sounds made them a good band, but shifting the momentum towards progression will align these boys with greatness. When The Ride Theory made the transition to Young Rival, it only seemed fitting. Last year, they played CMW under their former name, but arrive under different circumstances this year. Instead of paying the standard entry fees to perform, this time around the band was invited to play, lead singer Aron D’Alesio mentions candidly after the show. That says a lot about a band that’s worked its way up from Hamilton’s dingy underground rock scene. If you know anything about their live show—mellow, with a tendency to lash out—Young Rival tempts its listeners with sultry offerings of instrumental fervour. “Hey Sugar” epitomizes the structure any good rock group should follow. The build up, the breakdown, the execution—it all forms perfectly as any masterpiece should. CMW: An opportune moment to unveil new material. The hypnotic, eloquently serene “4:15” parallels a psychedelic age passed. It resurrects the Kinks’ timeless sound and incorporates Thurston Moore’s folk influence while maintaining the upbeat currency that’s worked so well for the group thus far. At peak performance the troupe’s dynamic precedes them, but a noticeably stronger cohesive swagger is apparent in the otherwise talented gents. That’s what makes these roaming minstrels thrive. They’re young artisans honing their craft, reworking arrangements to maximize potential. Embracing change: sometimes it's the only way to find what you're looking for.