Ten years ago, The Zolas released their third full length album, Swooner, and this month they’re hitting a few Canadian cities to celebrate. And since it’s been a few years since I’ve seen them live (and longer still in a proper, indoor venue) I was excited to catch them, especially for a sold out show at The Pearl.

Opening the night was Vancouver’s Cherry Pick, who I’ve been meaning to see. The three members hit the stage and launched into their ‘grunge-gaze’ as songs ebbed and flowed, building with a simmering energy and then exploding into a wail of distortion, the lyrics sometimes blending in completely to the music. They were also joined by a friend on violin for a few songs partway through the set, adding to the intensity.

After what felt like a much-too-quick half hour, they finished off with their single “Aster”, once again building to a frenetic finish for the set. I’m definitely going to want to try to catch them again.

After a quick turnaround, it was time for The Zolas. The band took the stage — including founding member Tom Dobrzanski on keys! — and started off with the familiar intro to the album’s opener, as Zach Gray jump in to the hit “Molotov Girls”, the sold out crowd singing along, and not for the last time.

They went right into the title track “Swooner” playing the album in full; from the love-letter to making it in a big city “Fell In Love With New York”; to the (sadly) still relevant “Invisible”, which Zach introduced as “Luigi-coded” in retrospect; to my favourite from the album, “Male Gaze”.

After “This Changes Everything” they dipped back in time for a moment to “Ancient Mars” with the crowd not only singing along, but completely taking over for a chorus, and then finally wrapped up Swooner with the heartaching “Why Do I Wait (When I Know You’ve Got a Lover)”.

With the album finished, Zach officially welcomed Tom back to the band for this quick tour, and hit a few songs for the long-time fans, the perennial favourite “You’re Too Cool” and the infinitely catchy “Strange Girl”, both bubbling with energy as Zach bounced around the stage.

They also teased new music with their latest single “Black Gatorade” and after “Energy Czar”, Zach explained they wouldn’t be doing the whole performative encore charade (which I always appreciate) and they just had one more song. He waded into the audience and stood in the middle of the room for one last big singalong to “Escape Artist”.

At one point during the set, Zach acknowledged that while nostalgia can be a toxic impulse, it’s still fun to celebrate an album like this. And I agree (especially with Tom back on keys!) I always enjoy seeing bands play their albums in full, and that only seems to happen at release or anniversary shows. But Zach also promised to see us again very soon, and I can’t wait.

setlist
Molotov Girls
Swooner
Get Dark
Fell in Love with New York
CV Dazzle
Invisible
Freida on the Mountain
Male Gaze
This Changes Everything
Ancient Mars
Why Do I Wait (When I Know You’ve Got a Lover)
You’re Too Cool
Strange Girl
Black Gatorade
Energy Czar
Escape Artist