October 14th at the Burton Cummings Theatre wasn’t just another tour stop—it was a celebration of NeedToBreathe’s evolution. With over 20 years behind them, NeedToBreathe’s music has grown and shifted, but what hasn’t changed is how they make you feel. From the very first song, it was clear: this night was going to be something special.
Opening acts often go unnoticed, but Tall Heights truly stood out in their performance. I've seen venues where only a handful of people show up for the opener, which is unfortunate. However, these two musicians—one on guitar and the other on cello—created a captivating electro-folk sound that made their set an unforgettable experience. The way they layered their harmonies with just the right amount of emotion created a magical atmosphere. You could tell they’re not just bandmates—they’ve got a real connection, like brothers, and they love what they do. They jumped right into tracks like “Still Feel the Same” and “Apple Tree” from their latest album, Softly Softly, and it was something special to hear those songs live for the first time. Their music and live performance are worth it and they will set the perfect mood for your night.
When Bear said, "Let's have a great night on the dance floor," everyone took it personally. The crowd started waving their hands like they were flying, and the whole theatre came alive. The energy was electric—everyone seemed to know exactly what they were doing.
Although there’s been some debate about the band moving towards a pop sound, I don’t share that viewpoint. Sure, they’re experimenting with new sounds and layers but, at its core, the soul of NTB is still very much alive. Bear Rinehart’s voice has the same gritty texture as always. Yes, the sound has changed, but rock is still in their bones—it’s just taken on a new form. Songs from the album, Caves, like “The Cave” and “By and By” prove otherwise, too.
Need to Breathe
Of course, I miss Bo Rinehart, but even without him, the band gave it everything they had. Midway through the set, Bear joked that Josh (the keyboardist) has the most iconic hair, and shared how the band fights over the setlist every day. I get it—picking songs from nine albums can’t be easy! Bear also took a moment to thank everyone for spending Canadian Thanksgiving night with them instead of enjoying a turkey dinner at home, expressing his gratitude for still being involved in music. It wasn’t just words; you could truly feel his sincerity.
When they started playing "Hideaway" and “Testify,” the energy hit a peak, and the whole crowd—on all three levels of the theatre—was shouting and dancing, gearing up for the encore. That's the kind of energy that makes live shows so worth it. Since Bo left, the band’s sound and vibe have shifted, but being there that night, you could tell NTB’s longtime fans have only grown to love them more.
