Of Crushed Hearts and Punk Dreams: Chase Petra, Small Crush & Sorry Mom Live at The Velvet Underground in Toronto
Written and Captured By | Kyle Boham
On a seemingly typical Tuesday evening in Toronto, while many residents were settling into their routines, the historic Velvet Underground was quietly preparing to host a night that would be anything but ordinary. Located in the vibrant heart of Queen West, the venue has long been recognized as a haven for emerging artists and a springboard for genre-defying talent. That night’s lineup was no exception, featuring a compelling trio of rising acts: Sorry Mom, Small Crush, and Chase Petra. Each band brought its own distinct sound and emotional resonance, making for a memorable and genre-blending musical experience.
Kicking off the night was Sorry Mom, a queer punk band hailing from New York. Known for their unfiltered lyricism and raw emotional delivery, the band quickly transformed the Velvet Underground into a space brimming with cathartic energy and unapologetic queerness. Frontperson Juno led the charge with a performance that was as playful as it was powerful. Their presence on stage commanded attention—each lyric delivered with conviction and each riff infused with punk-inflected chaos.
Tracks such as the provocatively titled “I Fornicated Yr Mom” were met with laughter and surprise, embodying the band’s tongue-in-cheek style while inviting the audience into a space of authenticity and release. Songs like “Awesome Party, Dude!” and “Hiccup” further showcased their knack for blending cheeky humor with emotional resonance. Live, these tracks had an even greater impact, surpassing the digital recordings in energy and presence. Sorry Mom’s set was equal parts riotous and reflective, leaving an indelible impression on the crowd.
Following the whirlwind that was Sorry Mom, Oakland-based indie rock outfit Small Crush took the stage with a more subdued, but no less impactful, energy. Fronted by Logan Hammon, the band delivered a set that could easily be mistaken for the score of a heartfelt coming-of-age film. Hammon’s vocals—gentle, earnest, and steady—evoked a sense of longing and nostalgia that resonated with the audience on a deeply personal level.
Their sound carried a wistful charm, grounded in emotional clarity and youthful introspection. As the set progressed, it became increasingly clear that Small Crush wasn’t just performing—they were sharing a piece of themselves, crafting a sonic space where vulnerability felt safe and celebrated. Their performance exuded what could only be described as “main character energy,” drawing the crowd into their world of dreamy melodies and lyrical sincerity.
Capping off the night was Chase Petra, an alternative band from Long Beach known for seamlessly merging pop-punk vitality with poetic storytelling. From the first note, their set was electrifying, filled with both high-energy anthems and introspective ballads. Songs like “Prologue” and “Have Faith, Horatio” highlighted the band’s ability to navigate emotional extremes with grace and impact. Acoustic interludes added a layer of intimacy to the performance, momentarily shrinking the bustling venue into what felt like a shared, private moment between artist and audience. Chase Petra’s music oscillated between dance-worthy beats and poignant lyrical revelations, capturing the full spectrum of human emotion.
In sum, the night was a powerful testament to the depth and diversity of independent music. Each band brought a unique voice to the stage, contributing to a collective experience that was energetic, emotional, and unforgettable. For those in attendance, it was more than just a concert—it was a vibrant celebration of connection, self-expression, and the joy of discovering new music on an otherwise ordinary Tuesday night.