Review: TOPS @ The Sinclair 10/2

Photo Credit: Aabid Youssef

Review by Anna Gohman

Emerging from Montreal’s vibrant DIY scene in the early 2010s, the Canadian indie
pop-inspired band, TOPS, has since amassed a devoted following obsessed with their unique
style and timeless music. Their songs, reminiscent of recent decades and bordering on the
disco realm, fall into a genre of their own. And their newest album, “Bury the Key,” is no
exception. Exploring concepts of happiness, hedonism, and self-destruction, their first
full-length album since 2020 introduces a more sinister undertone to their generally
soft-focus sophisti-pop, and listeners can not seem to get enough.

As the second location of their East Coast tour, TOPS played at The Sinclair, an intimate
venue popular for featuring up-and-coming artists in an intimate setting. The opener,
Starcleaner Reunion, a dream pop band based in New York, joined TOPS on the second leg of
their tour with a mix of songs from their recent album “Cafe Line” as well as older favorites.
As people filed in, drinks passed around, and the venue quickly filled, Starcleaner Reunion
set a comfortable, lively mood for the evening with songs like “Snowfeel” and “The Hand That
I Put Down.” In the short time they played, the band curated a one-of-a-kind atmosphere,
leaving the crowd with an excited air of anticipation as they waited for TOPS to take the
stage.

To kick off their set, TOPS played “Wheels at Night” from their new album, “Bury the Key,”
currently being promoted on tour. As a relatable song with themes of heartbreak and loss
over an upbeat, catchy tune, the crowd was instantly hooked. The band followed this song
with “Drowning in Paradise,” from their 2020 album “I Feel Alive,” cleverly displaying their
musical evolution over the five-year gap since their last album release. This framed the rest of
the night—interspersing new songs with old ones, seamlessly blending genres and sounds,
keeping the audience engaged until the very end.

As the sound, tempo, and themes of music shifted throughout the night, the one constant
was the lead singer, Jane Penny’s smooth, siren-esque voice, which tied the set together. A
large part of the band’s success and sound is due to Penny’s unique voice, which gives their
music a special edge. TOP’s honest, deeply personal lyrics transform through her vocals,
shaping the songs into raw and genuine self-expression as they explore complex emotions
and relationship dynamics. Delving into the messy reality of romance—both in and out of the
band—and personal growth, the breezy, sophisticated pop sound of TOPS sheds a new light
on relatable themes.

Introduced over the melodic riffs of “The Hollow Sound of the Morning Chimes,”
accompanying Penny on stage were guitarist David Carriere, keyboardist Marta Cikojevic,
and drummer Riley Fleck. Together, the band infused life into their songs, and it was clear
that each member truly enjoyed performing. Throughout the concert, they encouraged each
other, playfully joking, smiling, and dancing around the stage. Their energy was infectious, with the crowd offstage mimicking the genuine enjoyment on stage. Even when the music
slowed during “Ballads & Sad Movies,” the audience could hardly contain themselves,
dancing and swaying to the captivating beat.

As the night came to a close, the band continued to keep the audience on their toes,
switching the lead singer and keyboardist roles for a song during the encore. Cikojevic
took the place of Penny, thrilling the crowd with the song “Immaterial Girl.” When
Cikojevic is not touring with TOPS, she works as a solo artist and has released a self-titled
album, “Marci.” Reflecting a similar genre to the soft-rock group TOPS, Marci’s solo
songs are a blend of indie, disco-inflected, and classic 80s-inspired pop. During her brief
concert takeover, Marci owned the stage—strutting, dancing, and having a good time—thrilling the ecstatic crowd.

In their final song of the evening, Penny reclaimed the mic to sing one of TOPS’ most
popular songs, “Anything.” This song, a personal favorite of mine, was one of the first singles
the band ever released in 2015. The lyrics, about the anguish of losing confidence, are paired with their signature melancholic beat and sludgy bassline, encapsulating the
spirit of the band and underscoring what sets their music apart. As one of their most
popular songs, this nod to their roots was the perfect way to end the night, and a
privilege to have the opportunity to experience.