On June 7th, 027 brought their fuzz metal/punk rock stylings into Toronto’s United Steelworks – one of the many stops during their ongoing tour across Ontario, Canada. The venue, modest in size but heavy in character, felt like the perfect setting for a night of unfiltered energy. Adding another all-ages show to their resume, the Orangville-based trio – consisting of Keagan Ross (vocals, guitar), Caleb Lavictoire (bass), and Gray Laine behind the drums – highlights once more the importance of creating space for younger audiences and emerging bands to connect, play hard, and feel seen.
Arriving early to catch the openers, I chatted with Keagan, who mentioned he wasn’t feeling 100% and planned to take it easy – a concern, especially with the recent release of their ferocious new single Umbilical Cord (also recorded and produced by their very own Gray) with a new EP to match. That track alone sets a high bar for energy, and hearing he might be under the weather gave the night a bit of suspense. That made the performance by Gout – one of the opening acts – all the more impressive. With both Keagan and Caleb also on guitar in this 4-piece, the set erupted with crowd work and raw punk aggression, delivering what was arguably one of the most electric performances of the night.
After a quick setup, 027 started their set without much hesitation. With their fuzz‑rock roots firmly on display (think thick distortion and raw intensity) the trio kicked off with a wall of sound that immediately pulled the crowd into the dark venue. Keagan led the charge with his towering guitar sound and gritty vocals while Caleb’s bass lines anchored every song with focus – so locked in, I’m not sure anyone saw his face the entire set. Gray’s technical finesse and stamina only complimented the energy the band radiated to a dancing crowd from start to finish. Brandon (from Gout) even joined in on the fun and lent his voice in the middle of the set. Another clear highlight of the night was the song Gun from their Light Of The Black Sun album, a slow headbanger that chugged like a train. It pushed through with its heavy groove much like Keagan pushing through Gray’s drum kit during the outro of the set breaking his guitar in the process – in true punk fashion, what a satisfying way to cap off a solid performance to a dedicated Toronto audience.
The range of music at United Steelworks that night didn’t only feel like a show but it also felt like a statement. 027 shows why it’s vital to get behind young bands: they’re shaping tomorrow’s sound in front of your eyes. It was real, exhilarating, and full of promise. For a scene that thrives on raw authenticity, 027 doesn’t look like they’ll be playing anyone else’s rules anytime soon.
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