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Now who can honestly say they dislike the sound of a ukulele? Not many people – and I am certainly not among them. So when Stefani Guzman, the heart and mind behind Toronto’s EASTBOROUGH, whipped out a uke by the third song of the band’s NXNE set, it’s probably safe to say that everyone was totally digging it.

I’ve already proclaimed my love for EASTBOROUGH’s music, but this was my first time seeing them live. Surrounded by a bevy of excellent musicians – including the drummer from perennial iM love interest CAI.RO – I’m glad to say that Guzman did not disappoint, and her brand of quirky folk-power-pop clearly won over the crowd.

Her songs are just solid all-around (which is why one of them was included on the “Best of NXNE 2012″ album), and they were executed very well live. The band was super tight, and the excellent sound at The Piston really complemented them. There was also a good variety of interesting instrumentation – xylophone, handclap/tambourine samples, and the aforementioned ukulele – that kept it feeling fresh throughout the set.

EASTBOROUGH doesn’t play super frequently in the TO area, but here’s hoping that will change soon. They’re certainly a great act to catch and the next time they’re back in the area, I strongly recommend that you be there!