The Slyde’s “Live at Rivoli”: A Captivating Farewell Performance
Article by Jason Setnyk | Photo by Joe Mac
Toronto, Ontario – Canadian progressive rock sensation, The Slyde, bid an emotional farewell to their devoted fans with the long-awaited release of their live album and concert film, “Live at Rivoli.” The highly anticipated recording, immortalizing their unforgettable 2019 10th Anniversary Tour, showcases the band’s exceptional talent and delivers a mesmerizing performance featuring their most cherished tracks from their illustrious career, including selected cuts from their acclaimed studio album “Awakening.” Brimming with nostalgia and passion, this release serves as a milestone for The Slyde, as it may be their final offering before embarking on an indefinite hiatus.
The riveting live album was meticulously recorded on October 4, 2019, at Toronto’s iconic Rivoli venue, known for its rich musical history. Featuring the indomitable lineup of Nathan Da Silva on lead vocals and guitars, Sarah Westbrook on keyboards, Alberto Campuzano on bass guitar and vocals, Brendan “Dino” Soares on drums, and Andrew Suarez on drums, “Live at Rivoli” encapsulates the band’s extraordinary chemistry and exceptional musicianship.
“The set list was a conscious mix of combining the current musical representation of our latest studio album “Awakening” (2018), with our fan-favourite cuts from earlier albums “Feed The Machine” (2011) and “New World Sympathy” (2012). In addition, for this 10th-anniversary tour, we brought back a few songs from our back catalog that we hadn’t played in years, like the song “Prophecy of Misery” from our debut 2009 album,” Da Silva explained.
A formidable creative team worked behind the scenes to bring this remarkable project to life. The musical compositions, crafted by Nathan Da Silva in collaboration with Brendan Soares, evoke a kaleidoscope of emotions, embracing The Slyde’s signature progressive rock sound. The audio engineering prowess of Chris Sampson ensures a pristine live recording, capturing the band’s raw energy. The mixing and mastering duties were entrusted to the talented Shawn Sasyniuk at Crosspatch Studios in North Bay, Canada, resulting in a sonically rich and immersive experience.
The accompanying concert film, a visual feast for fans, was produced by R. Stephenson Price in conjunction with Nathan Da Silva. The combined cinematography expertise of R. Stephenson Price and Kareen Mallon allows viewers to witness The Slyde’s electrifying stage presence. The production design, spearheaded by Clarence King, perfectly complements the music, creating an immersive audio-visual spectacle. R. Stephenson Price, who also directed and edited the film, expertly weaves together a compelling narrative that harmonizes with the band’s mesmerizing performance. The stunning artwork by Casey Shea and the evocative photography by Joe Mac further enhance the overall aesthetic and draw fans deeper into the experience. Additionally, Shea, along with R. Stephenson Price, lends their artistic talents to design a captivating poster that serves as a visual invitation to experience the concert film.
“Live at Rivoli” promises to transport listeners and viewers alike to the very heart of a live concert, capturing the essence of The Slyde’s musical journey. The album comprises ten meticulously selected tracks, offering a comprehensive overview of the band’s evolution and artistic growth. From intricate guitar work to soaring vocals and a solid rhythmic foundation, The Slyde’s performance showcases their versatility, technical prowess, and innate musicality. Fans can anticipate an immersive experience that epitomizes the band’s distinctive blend of progressive rock elements, intricate arrangements, and memorable melodies.
“I am incredibly proud of this live album & concert film, as I believe it captured the band at its peak performance, coming from our Wacken Metal Battle Canada championship win and our subsequent gig at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany. As a band, we always prided ourselves on live performance and putting a captivating live show together for fans and audiences, and as such, I feel this live album and concert film was a long time coming,” Da Silva stated.
The highly anticipated release of “Live at Rivoli” is scheduled for May 23, 2023, and will be available on all major streaming platforms. However, for the most devoted fans seeking the ultimate experience, the concert film (showcasing five additional tracks not included in the audio release), alongside exclusive bonus material, will be accessible only through pre-order on Bandcamp. The Slyde encourages fans to visit their official Bandcamp page for further details on how to access this exclusive content.
While “Live at Rivoli” may signify The Slyde’s final release before their indefinite hiatus, Nathan Da Silva extends his deepest gratitude to fans for their unwavering support. Also, he assures fans that the music will continue to thrive through his upcoming solo project.
“After close to 20 years of leading and fronting hard rock and metal bands under pseudonyms, I felt it was time to try something under my own name. My upcoming debut album, like The Slyde before it, still showcases me doing lead vocals, guitar-centric riffs, and an emphasis on interesting lead guitar work. However, the music departs a bit from the prog rock leanings and evokes another influential musical style of mine – 1990s alternative and post-grunge rock, along with some folk rock and pop rock leanings.
Da Silva’s debut single, “Come Down,” launches June 9, 2023, on all streaming platforms, and his debut performance will be at Overflow Brewing Company (2477 Kaladar Ave., in Ottawa) on Thursday, June 15, 2023.
