I caught The Bynars during their NXNE set at The Cameron House. I immediately found myself drawing comparisons between them and a fictitious east coast Can-Rock version of Weezer except with more outlandish guitar harmonies and an even nerdier appearance – as they were decked out in matching cardigans. The trio (guitar, guitar, drums) made ample use of triggers and samples during their set to make up for the missing bassist and put on an energetic, sweaty live show. I took home a copy of their latest full-length X vs. X and gave it a couple spins. (always listening, always listening)

It’s at this point that I’m reminded that bands can sound completely different live than on record.

Sporting a more electronic feel, X vs. X buzzes with synths and beats more accustomed to the dance floor. “Dancing on a Dream” harkens back to an era of big hair and padded shoulders, “All I Wanna Do Is Have Some Fun Tonight” is a near 12-minute club anthem and the Prince-like “Blow” threatens to cut in on your girlfriend.

The Bynars succeed in creating a listener-friendly mix of club songs while occasionally dipping into eighties nostalgia, which to be honest, is not really my thing. I really wish I could get my hands on a recording of that great live band that I saw.