MAGNOLIA PARK w/ HOT MILK, SAVAGE HANDS & SOUTH ARCADE
@ LEE’S PALACE, TORONTO
MAY 4, 2025
Magnolia Park’s latest stop on tour turned into an unforgettable night of music, moshing, and pure emotion, thanks to a stellar lineup that included South Arcade, Savage Hands, and Hot Milk. With each band bringing their own energy and style to the stage, fans were treated to a rollercoaster of sound and spirit that built up to a breathtaking finish.
Opening the night was South Arcade, a band that’s clearly on the rise and gaining momentum with every performance. From the moment they stepped on stage, it was obvious the crowd was already familiar with them as not a single song passed without fans singing along word-for-word. With a nostalgic 2000s flair woven into their sound, South Arcade’s set lit up the venue in the best way. Their confidence, stage presence, and tight musicianship made them the perfect act to kick things off. As openers, they did more than just warm up the room, they left a lasting impression that signaled they’re heading toward something much bigger in their career.
Next up was Savage Hands, who shifted the night’s momentum with a heavier, hard-hitting set that energized the room in a different, but equally effective way. Their music brought grit and urgency to the stage, with pounding drums, aggressive guitars, and a frontman who knew exactly how to stir the crowd. The band’s high energy fed into the audience’s already-building enthusiasm, and the connection was immediate. While Savage Hands didn’t linger too long on stage, they did exactly what strong openers are meant to do: make a serious impact in a short amount of time. Their set left heads banging, hearts racing, and fans craving more heavy vibes.
Then came the turning point of the night: Hot Milk. From their first step on stage, it was clear they had no intention of treating this like just another supporting slot. They commanded the room with a confidence and energy that felt headliner-worthy. Every song was met with cheers, screams, and once again, a chorus of voices singing back every lyric. There was never a dull moment during their set. Whether jumping into the crowd, leaning into emotional lyrics, or simply feeding off the room’s electricity, Hot Milk owned the night. One of the most touching moments came during their performance of “Breathing Underwater”. As the crowd sang the lyrics back to the band, there was a visible sense of connection and joy, the kind of moment that reminds you why live music matters. By the end of their set, fans were chanting for an encore, a rare and telling response for a band that wasn’t even headlining.
Finally, Magnolia Park took the stage and the venue erupted. The crowd was more than ready, and the band delivered a headlining set that was worth every bit of the wait. High-energy from start to finish, their set was packed with fan favourites, huge choruses, and moments that pulled everyone in the room together. Fans sang every word, jumped to every beat, and even opened up the floor for some good old-fashioned moshing. The band matched that energy with their own blend of charisma and tight musicianship. It was clear they were just as thrilled to be there as the fans were, and that connection made their performance all the more powerful.
Magnolia Park closed out the night in spectacular fashion, giving the audience everything they came for and more. With a perfectly curated lineup and a crowd that brought the energy all night long, this show was a reminder of how unforgettable a great live performance can be.
(Photography by Mercedes Chircop)