Categories: Live Show

Holywatr is Playing Deo Gratias in its Entirety on Their North American Tour

Holywatr stopped by Toronto on their Deo Gratias tour to lead a weekday service with opener Mercury.

The Los Angeles band released their third full-length, Deo Gratias, on April 17. Since then, they’ve been on a number of missions across North America and Europe, headlining their own Bite Back tour and supporting Architects on the English band’s Broken Mirror tour.

Word has spread far and wide — so far that they’ve sold out several cities and had their venues upgraded on this current tour.

At a sold-out Mod Club, a body of believers gathered on a crisp Wednesday evening. Inside, Nashville-based band Mercury were warming things up. Maddie Kerr’s breathy vocals melded delicately with colossal drums and crunchy guitars. Mercury served a richly-textured sonic stew, slowly simmered over the course of their set.

With opening worship complete, it was time to drink Holywatr. The band kicked things off with “Give Me a Show” and boy, did they ever. You wouldn’t know vocalist Patrick Middlethon was wearing a knee brace by the way he was jumping all over the stage. He had injured his knee only a few days prior.

In between songs, Middlethon preached about building connection, coming together, respecting thy neighbour, and being better human beings for ourselves and each other. It was also the band’s birthday, so there was even more reason to congregate.

During the hymn “winter pine,” stage lights bathed the room in a green glow. Middlethon’s arms moved as if conducting the crowd. The song ended with a resounding applause.

The band went onto “Wake Up,” with Middlethon playing the piano solo. He described it as “a love letter to someone I don’t really know, I haven’t met yet. It’s about a real part of my life and a real person, but it’s not for that person.”

The pace picked up and Middlethon took his in-ears out to urge the crowd to “do something fun,” and sing “Without U” along with him, but only saying the word “watermelon.” It was a test of faith that he quickly gave up on as loyal disciples loudly sang the correct words back at him.

On the second-last song, “nail polish,” crowd surfers rose from the horde with arms outstretched, compelled by musical devotion.

Holywatr concluded the lengthy 19-song setlist with a cathartic singalong to “loose ends” and a promise to come back.