Madeline Follin of the band Cults performs at Lee's Palace for the North by Northeast festival on Friday, July 17, 2011. (Laura Thompson/CBC)

Friday was a beautiful night in Toronto. For once, I was looking forward to hanging out in the commercial vortex that is Yonge-Dundas Square.

The melodic stylings of Montreal indie outfit Land of Talk are breathtaking. But is that a new back-up singer? It's a girl... no wait, it's a guy dressed as a girl. Hold on... it's Gentleman Reg. In drag! His alter ego, Regina, made a surprise cameo that added a welcome, artistic element to the show.

Still, lead lady Elizabeth Powell's voice is meant to ring on its own and, soon after, she gave us the performance we came for: one filled with palpable emotion and vulnerability.

Land of Talk perform with special guest Regina, second from right, in Yonge-Dundas Square for NXNE on Friday, July 17, 2011. (Laura Thompson/CBC)

The crowd of hundreds packed together even more tightly for the headliner, Stars. Torq Campbell and Amy Millan still have undeniable musical chemistry more than a decade on. Devoted fans sang along to every word. Campbell seemed especially appreciative and returned the love with a transcendent show.

By now, it's dark. Tweets are coming in about how busy Lee's Palace is getting across town. This is my next stop, so I'd better get there pronto.

Dum Dum Girls are a lean, mean, goth machine from L.A. They don't smile. They barely move. There was a lot of dark lipstick and blunt-cut bangs. But this four-piece can rock. Loudly. It was a little too fierce for my ears, but the bar was packed and people were digging it. I held tight for why I came in the first place: Cults, not to be confused with The Cult.

This 60s-influenced pop group from New York delivered pure, sonic pleasure. They brought some really original, foot-stomping beats. A little bit rock, a little bit blues. Singer Madeline Follin has an effortless grace about her. It was also entertaining to watch guitarist Brian Oblivion work out how to peer through his very long, Cousin It-style hair.

Cults is the very first band British pop singer Lily Allen signed to her personal record label, In the Name Of.

Follin mentioned that it was the band's third time playing Toronto, though the last time, their van got broken into. I sure hope people behaved this time around, because we don't want to scare away a supreme act like this one.

--Laura Thompson