Tuesday, March 31, 2009
shape shifters
On Saturday, I made it out to the original ER for the Sex Negatives 7" release. Seeing as this show was originally booked at the now defunct Peanut Gallery, the "emergency" part of the makeshift venue's name was once again in full effect.
Boogie Monster got the evening started. The first time I caught them, at the last Shindig, I wasn't super stoked, though that was mostly due to the fact that Ben's guitar was really hard to hear, especially over Tony's drumming, which made it difficult to form any sort of real opinion at all. This time around, that definitely wasn't a problem, and the guitar fittingly matched the ferocity of the drums. Good stuff.
Robe and Allied played next, showing up in some nice looking attire and messily covering a single, 50s surf tune, before calling it a night. Not the most stunning thing musically that night, but considering the fact that all the bands who played come from a scene where, at times, the goal is to be as jarring as possible, I could get behind the concept.
Sex Negatives were up third and were enjoyable as usual. I picked up the 7" as well, which you'll love if you're into the band (or bands like them)/
It was my first time seeing Orlando Magic. It was also their last show together, which is a shame, because they were awesome.
Hermetic is playing Our Town Cafe on Sunday with Prof. Prawns and Chris-a-riffic. Show goes early (7:00pm) and ends early (9:30pm).
ISIS is at the Commodore on June 19th.
White Whale Records celebrates its 5th Anniversary on June 25th at the Biltmore. Mohawk Lodge, Octoberman, Precious Fathers, and Eamon McGrath all play.
And the Stones Throw Tour show originally scheduled for April 27th has been canceled.
now playing: Sleater-Kinney - Entertain (live in Portland)
Monday, March 30, 2009
squall
Monday
Skinny Mondays @ the Biltmore: Azeda Booth, No Gold, and Search Parties.
Tuesday
Boosh Tuesdays @ the Cobalt: B-Lines, Nu Sensae, and Pompoir
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ the Cobalt: 4 Divine Mother, Mr. Ugly/Dulmoofs, Your Grumpy Uncle, Fortune, Nihlist Party
The Beehive @ Honey: back on April 8th
Nightshift @ the Biltmore: back on April 29th(?)
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Robe and Allied, Ahna, Solars, and Nihlist Party
Weirdness @ the Biltmore: Vitaminsforyou, Vincent Parker, and Shipyards
Friday
Someone start a regular Friday thing with bands already...
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Modern Creatures and DJ Sega
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: back on April 11th
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
expenses
I made it down to the Biltmore on Wednesday for the first edition of Night Shift, a monthly night of punk--both on stage and on the turntables--that Tyler (1/2 Alive, etc) and Justin (ER, Sex Negatives, Mutators) started.
They kicked off the night with performances by Channels 3x4 and Defektors. Not a bad way to start.
This was actually the first time I've managed to catch Channels since their hiatus, so I was pretty amped on it. And Defektors are always a good time.
Fake Jazz presents Blouse, Allport/Wilcox/Burns, Broken Sleep, LSDJ, and Jason Kahn at the Western Front on April 3rd.
CR Avery is at the Biltmore on May 1st. He's doing a solo set, one with a string quartet, and one with a backing band.
And, not a local show, but Japandroids got added to the Sunday of Sasquatch. Way to go, guys.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
picture bloodbaths in elevator shafts
I made it down to the Commodore for the GZA last night. I'm reviewing it for Discorder, so I'll keep it brief here. The Genius was in fine form, although the setlist was a bit front-loaded with Liquid Swords stuff, and while I do like his new material, it's hard to top Liquid Swords, so the pacing was a bit awkward. As with all Wu-related shows, his own material was interspersed with verses from some Clan classics, including the crowd taking most of Inspectah Deck's verse on "Triumph" before GZA did his. The highlight, however, came when Talib Kweli was invited on stage (what he was doing in Vancouver, I have no idea) to freestyle for 10-minutes or so. He remarked that he was "too drunk for this," but an intoxicated Kweli can still get by.
I'm sorry for that terrible pun.
Creaking Planks, Al Mader, the Minimalist Jug Band, Eryn Holbrook, Ehren Salazar, Paul Hendriks, John Barbour, and magician Travis Bernhardt all perform at the April Ship of Foold Birthday Celebration at Cafe Montmartre on April 4th.
Sebastien Grainger plays Richard's on April 5th. Ahead of that, he'll do an instore at Zulu at 3:30pm.
Jon-Rae Fletcher is having a belated CD release party for his latest, the very good, Oh, Maria on April 10th. The Sleepy Sun and Darcy from Ladyhawk support.
Laura Barrett plays Blim on April 11th with the Phonemes and Prairie Cat.
On April 17th, Apollo Ghosts, Collapsing Opposites, Search Parties, Zombie Pistolero are playing at Mel Lehan's Provincial Election campaign headquarters (at Broadway & Trutch). Lehan's attempting the noble, yet rather daunting task of unseating Gordo in May.
Handsome Furs are at Richard's on June 4th.
The next night, Camera Obscura is at the Commodore.
Death Cab plays the Coliseum with the New Pornographers and Ra Ra Riot on July 16th.
Black Lips play the Commodore with Deerhunter on July 23rd. This sounds pretty awesome.
The Church of Very Bright Lights has been added to the Women bill on the 5th.
And, a correction on the May 30th Chain & the Gang/Hive Dwellers gig. It'll now be at Little Mountain. Rose Melberg is now playing as well.
now playing: Fine Mist - Stop or Start
Monday, March 23, 2009
here comes a regular
March 23rd-28th
Monday
Skinny Mondays @ the Biltmore: the Living Deadbeats and Le Gem
Tuesday
Boosh Tuesdays @ the Cobalt: returns March 31st
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ the Cobalt: 3x3, Badlands, and Whip of the UFO
The Beehive @ Honey: Adjective and Pretty Vanilla
Nightshift @ the Biltmore: Defektors and Channels 3x4
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: My Mom is a Werewolf, Hightower, and Lengthy List of Lovers
Friday
Someone start a regular Friday thing with bands already...
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: back on April 4th
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Hermetic and Haunted Beard.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
I don't need an answer, so don't answer
Why don't we start with some new music?
The Paper Cranes are giving away their new single, "Telephone," on their website. You don't even have to sign up for a mailing list or anything like that. I was really high on "I'll Love You Til My Veins Explode" and I'm equally stoked on this track. The two tracks share a plunking piano base and some wiry guitar lines over top, but the harmonica is a nice touch. The hook is pretty huge too.
On Friday, the Astoria re-opens. Neil Hillbrandt (Glory Days/Better Than Loneliness) and Dustin (Sex Attack/Adjective) are DJing. No bands are booked for Friday, but the room should start hosting some of those quite soon.
Speaking of resurrected venues, the Sex Negatives headlined show that was supposed to go down at the Peanut Gallery this Saturday, before it's closure was announced, will now be at the original Emergency Room. (thanks Ben.
The Mohawk Lodge return to Vancouver on Saturday as well. They'll play Pub 340 with Bel Riose, the Painted Birds, and Quinzy.
The same night, Sex With Strangers play the Biltmore with You Say Party! We Say Die!, Beast, and 16mm.
On April 3rd, Seven, Nines, & Tens play the Railway with the Ludvico Treatment, My Mom's A Werewolf.
On April 15th, Fake Shark-Real Zombie, the SSRIs, and Hard Feelings are at the Media Club.
The Mt. Eerie show originally scheduled for May 16th is now on May 30th, still at St. James Hall. The Chain & the Gang/Hive Dwellers show on the same night, originally scheduled at the Sweatshop, will now be at Riley Park Community Centre. The promoters are working together to time things so you can check out both things, if you're so inclined.
now playing: The Pink Mountaintops - Execution
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
join the gun club
On Friday at Richard's, they pulled heavily from Madonna and Source Tags and Codes, but the songs drawn from the more recent part of their catalogue--songs that tend to fall on the softer side of the musical spectrum--were played with equal intensity.
Older tracks were still the highlights for me ("A Perfect Teenhood," "Richter Scale Madness," and a version of "Totally Natural" that ended with an entire drum kit spilling into the audience), but a performance of "Caterwaul" that featured Jason Reece crowd surfing and then wandering through the audience while singing was pretty ace.
The Biltmores are set to do another set of covers at... well, guess... on March 24th. Apparently the first go round was a riot.
Brad emailed about a party he's throwing at the ANZA on March 27th. Looks like they'll be spinning a little bit of everything, which is always nice in my books.
B-Lines, Search Parties, Dead Ghosts, and Golden Touch play a show at the showboat by Kits Pool on April 11th.
Half Alive and Exclaim! bring Thunderheist back to the Biltmore on April 25th. Winter Gloves support.
The same night, Atmosphere is at the Commodore.
Lucero is at the Biltmore on May 23rd with Black Joe Louis & the Honeybears.
now playing: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Poor Song
Thursday, March 12, 2009
like a stone
Duofest 3 goes down at Pat's tomorrow with Shindig winners, Hermetic, Tight Solid, Quite Testy, and JPMP
Chris-a-riffic plays Little Mountain on March 28th with Fine Mist, gr8-2000, and Nihilist Party.
The same night, Shout Out Out Out Out play Richard's. Afterwards, they'll join the 1/2 Alive guys at the Astoria for a DJ set.
Attack in Black is at the Biltmore on April 23rd.
Peaches is at the Commodore on May 31st.
now playing: Sleater-Kinney - What's Mine is Yours
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
.00001 (repeating)
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Biltmore on Sunday. There was significantly less swapping going on compared to last time, although what was there was great and the bands were awesome.
Anyone who reads this blog with any regularity knows that Japandroids are one of my favourite bands to come out of Vancouver. This was their last show before they head back East for some dates in Toronto next month, and while 5pm isn't really an ideal rock 'n' roll time, they were great as usual. After TO, they're back for one show and then touring around N. America in support of their forthcoming LP, Post-Nothing, so tell your out of town friends to get familiar.
Sunday was my second time seeing Adjective in 24 hours, the first being their EP release show (more on that later). I was pretty luke warm on them the very first time I saw them (a couple of years ago), but they've sounded better and better each successive time (to the point where I was thrilled when they said they'd play this). Their new EP, I'm Sorry for Your Loss, is pretty great, and more importantly, it hints at better things to come in the future. They're also going on tour (albeit in the Summer), so once again, tell your out of town friends.
This was actually my first time seeing DRMHLLR, though I'd heard good things from a few people before last weekend. As with most bands I see for the first time, I wouldn't mind giving them another shot before forming an opinion, but they sounded pretty good. I'm a sucker for the instrumental quiet/loud/quiet/louder formula and they do it well.
Terror Bird are always great (and I finally picked up their 7"). And while they won't be on tour soon, Twin Crystals (Jeremiah's other gig) and Nu Sensae (Daniel's) will be... also, check out the rad glam rock threads that Daniel played in.
As mentioned, the night before, I caught Adjective at their EP release show at the Media Club. I already talked about Adjective, so I'll just add that they closed with a fun and sloppy cover of "Baba O'Riley" (my only complaint was not enough guitar windmills or mic twirls).
I got their in time to catch the aforementioned Twin Crystals. The "best band in the city" tag sort of changes from time to time in my mind, but every time I see them, these guys sure make a case for themselves.
March 14th marks the start of a new night (at Funky Winkerbean's of all places) called No More Strangers. Cairo plays the first night and a couple of the guys from WinnieCooper.net spin regularly. It goes down every second Saturday.
On March 16th, Los Malos, Mexican Drug Patrol, and Zombie Pistolero & His Guns play Skinny Mondays at the Biltmore.
Vision Quest goes down at Video-In on March 19th. It features a bunch of video shorts as well as a live performance by Haunted Beard (gr8-2000 and Ben Jacques) who will back Jess from DNGROUS ADDRESS (who, for disclosure purposes, is my girlfriend--but I still don't know why they spell it like that). Videos start at 8pm and it's free.
Azeda Booth are at the Biltmore on March 30th with No Gold and Search Parties.
Ahna plays a tour benefit at Honey with Robe & Allied, Nihilist Party, and Solars on April 2nd.
Los Campesinos are at Richard's on April 11th.
Intelligence is at the Biltmore on April 13th with Sex Church and Gang Violence.
The Stones Throw tour is at the Biltmore on April 27th.
Vivian Girls are at the Biltmore on April 29th with Abe Vigoda.
The Virgins are at the Biltmore on May 15th.
The next night, the Twee Death guys are bringing Mt. Eerie to St. James Hall.
And Rose Melberg is opening the Marissa Nadler show.
now playing: Spiritualized - the Straight and Narrow
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Just a reminder that this is today.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
tv wisdom
Speaking of Tyler, he's got a new weekly called Far Away. It's at the Media Club with Mike Barrow (Expendable Youth) and Cam Dales (Ice Cream Social) and starts on Friday the 13th.
Speaking of Justin, he's starting a new night at the Biltmore with Andy Dixon, Andrea from Nu Sensae, Mike Lapointe, and Ian Wyatt (Blastramp). It's an all hip-hop night called, House Party and it starts on St. Patrick's Day... which isn't all that appropriate, but there's no St. RZA day (yet). It'll go down monthly for May and June and then weekly after that.
And while we're on the topic of things that aren't shows, the Biltmore is showing movies on Saturday afternoons.
On Sunday, gr8-2000, Stamina Mantis, and Nihilist Party are at the Cobalt.
Grizzly Bear is at the Commodore on May 26th.
Neko Case is at the Vogue on June 3rd.
Stereo Heroes spin at the Modern on March 19th.
And Immaculate Machine is at the Biltmore on May 8th.
Oh, and if you haven't already seen it, this is pretty amazing.
now playing: Twin Crystals - Two Girls
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
heart sweats
You may have received the Facebook invite already, but if not, I'm very pleased to announce the second Sunday afternoon swap meet at the Biltmore.
This time around, personal and Pitchfork faves, Japandroids are playing, in addition to a fresh-from-their-cd-release-party Adjective, the always great Terror Bird, and DRMHLLR, who I'll actually be hearing for the first time.
The actual swap meet part runs more or less the same as last time: there will be local vendors on hand to sell things, the Kitchen Coup will be selling snacks (once again, their rad pulled pork sandwiches), and anyone is invited to come sell garage sale type stuff (though you might want to get there closer to the noon start time if you want a decent spot).
And now, some bad news:
On Saturday, Fanshaw, Lost Lovers Brigade, Role Mach, Sajia Kabir, and Sweet Potatoes are at Little Mountain.
Shipyards, Air Castle, Stamina Mantis, and Geographing are at Little Mountain on the 13th.
Women are at WISE Hall on April 5th with Nu Sensae and Kidnapping.
The night after that, White Denim play the Media Club. Japandroids open up.
Fucked Up are at the Biltmore on April 14th.
The weekly's gone underground, but Half Alive is still throwing the odd special event. They'll bring Glass Candy back to town on April 22nd at Richard's. Johnny Jewel does double duty when he opens as Desire and local favourites Channels 3x4 play a rare show to round things out.
The next night Mastodon play the Commodore with Kylesa and Intronaut. As PFork reports, they'll play the forthcoming Crack the Skye in it's entirety before delving into their back catalogue. I'm pretty psyched for this.
Monday, March 02, 2009
house music
I caught This Frontier Needs Heroes on Thursday at Little Mountain. Honestly, I only checked out the show because my friend Katie was putting it on (she was roomates with Jessica Lauretti from the band when she lived in NYC), but I was really pleasantly surprised. The brother-sister duo plays the folk thing pretty straight, but Brad's got a really interesting singing voice that's complimented quite nicely by his sibling's harmonies.
Saturday, I was at the Biltmore early for Thunderheist and Cadence Weapon. The show was part of the Cultural Olympiad series, which, the way things are going, might yet be the only part of the Olympics to break even (although, I really don't know how many comps their giving away to these things). At any rate, Thunderheist is always a good time and Cadence Weapon is a personal favourite.
Speaking of, if you haven't already picked it up, Rollie has a mixtape up for download. And, as is the trend these days, Robert Smith be damned, you can pay whatever you want.
Tonight, Tight Solid, Johnny Wakeham, and Streetlight play Skinny Mondays at the Biltmore.
Wednesday, the Internet, gr8-2000, Reflektionss, Passenger, and Jeff Younger are at the Cobalt for Fake Jazz. Sounds like a good one.
Speaking of the Cobalt, they've been getting all kinds of flack in the last couple of weeks about noise courtesy of the residents in the fairly newly built condos across the street... which is curious since 1) the bar has been operating as a live venue for mainly hardcore and metal for almost a decade with few problems and 2) if you've ever walked up Main on the other side of the street, you'll note that you can't hear all that much above the street noise. If you're interested in keeping tabs on things, you can do that here.
On Friday, Fine Mist, SSRIs, and Sappers help Discorder celebrate their March issue in UBC's Gallery Lounge.
now playing: Idlewild - Idea Track
shape shifters
On Saturday, I made it out to the original ER for the Sex Negatives 7" release. Seeing as this show was originally booked at the now defunct Peanut Gallery, the "emergency" part of the makeshift venue's name was once again in full effect.
Boogie Monster got the evening started. The first time I caught them, at the last Shindig, I wasn't super stoked, though that was mostly due to the fact that Ben's guitar was really hard to hear, especially over Tony's drumming, which made it difficult to form any sort of real opinion at all. This time around, that definitely wasn't a problem, and the guitar fittingly matched the ferocity of the drums. Good stuff.
Robe and Allied played next, showing up in some nice looking attire and messily covering a single, 50s surf tune, before calling it a night. Not the most stunning thing musically that night, but considering the fact that all the bands who played come from a scene where, at times, the goal is to be as jarring as possible, I could get behind the concept.
Sex Negatives were up third and were enjoyable as usual. I picked up the 7" as well, which you'll love if you're into the band (or bands like them)/
It was my first time seeing Orlando Magic. It was also their last show together, which is a shame, because they were awesome.
Hermetic is playing Our Town Cafe on Sunday with Prof. Prawns and Chris-a-riffic. Show goes early (7:00pm) and ends early (9:30pm).
ISIS is at the Commodore on June 19th.
White Whale Records celebrates its 5th Anniversary on June 25th at the Biltmore. Mohawk Lodge, Octoberman, Precious Fathers, and Eamon McGrath all play.
And the Stones Throw Tour show originally scheduled for April 27th has been canceled.
now playing: Sleater-Kinney - Entertain (live in Portland)
Labels: boogie monster, orlando magic, robe and allied, sex negatives, show announcements, show recaps
Monday, March 30, 2009
squall
Regulars: March 30th-April 5th
Monday
Skinny Mondays @ the Biltmore: Azeda Booth, No Gold, and Search Parties.
Tuesday
Boosh Tuesdays @ the Cobalt: B-Lines, Nu Sensae, and Pompoir
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ the Cobalt: 4 Divine Mother, Mr. Ugly/Dulmoofs, Your Grumpy Uncle, Fortune, Nihlist Party
The Beehive @ Honey: back on April 8th
Nightshift @ the Biltmore: back on April 29th(?)
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Robe and Allied, Ahna, Solars, and Nihlist Party
Weirdness @ the Biltmore: Vitaminsforyou, Vincent Parker, and Shipyards
Friday
Someone start a regular Friday thing with bands already...
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Modern Creatures and DJ Sega
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: back on April 11th
Labels: show announcements, weekly listings
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Just a heads up that the show at Little Mountain tonight is off. They're trying to move it to next weekend (updates if/when that happens).
Friday, March 27, 2009
expenses
I made it down to the Biltmore on Wednesday for the first edition of Night Shift, a monthly night of punk--both on stage and on the turntables--that Tyler (1/2 Alive, etc) and Justin (ER, Sex Negatives, Mutators) started.
They kicked off the night with performances by Channels 3x4 and Defektors. Not a bad way to start.
This was actually the first time I've managed to catch Channels since their hiatus, so I was pretty amped on it. And Defektors are always a good time.
Fake Jazz presents Blouse, Allport/Wilcox/Burns, Broken Sleep, LSDJ, and Jason Kahn at the Western Front on April 3rd.
CR Avery is at the Biltmore on May 1st. He's doing a solo set, one with a string quartet, and one with a backing band.
And, not a local show, but Japandroids got added to the Sunday of Sasquatch. Way to go, guys.
Labels: channels 3x4, defektors, night shift, show announcements
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
picture bloodbaths in elevator shafts
I made it down to the Commodore for the GZA last night. I'm reviewing it for Discorder, so I'll keep it brief here. The Genius was in fine form, although the setlist was a bit front-loaded with Liquid Swords stuff, and while I do like his new material, it's hard to top Liquid Swords, so the pacing was a bit awkward. As with all Wu-related shows, his own material was interspersed with verses from some Clan classics, including the crowd taking most of Inspectah Deck's verse on "Triumph" before GZA did his. The highlight, however, came when Talib Kweli was invited on stage (what he was doing in Vancouver, I have no idea) to freestyle for 10-minutes or so. He remarked that he was "too drunk for this," but an intoxicated Kweli can still get by.
I'm sorry for that terrible pun.
Creaking Planks, Al Mader, the Minimalist Jug Band, Eryn Holbrook, Ehren Salazar, Paul Hendriks, John Barbour, and magician Travis Bernhardt all perform at the April Ship of Foold Birthday Celebration at Cafe Montmartre on April 4th.
Sebastien Grainger plays Richard's on April 5th. Ahead of that, he'll do an instore at Zulu at 3:30pm.
Jon-Rae Fletcher is having a belated CD release party for his latest, the very good, Oh, Maria on April 10th. The Sleepy Sun and Darcy from Ladyhawk support.
Laura Barrett plays Blim on April 11th with the Phonemes and Prairie Cat.
On April 17th, Apollo Ghosts, Collapsing Opposites, Search Parties, Zombie Pistolero are playing at Mel Lehan's Provincial Election campaign headquarters (at Broadway & Trutch). Lehan's attempting the noble, yet rather daunting task of unseating Gordo in May.
Handsome Furs are at Richard's on June 4th.
The next night, Camera Obscura is at the Commodore.
Death Cab plays the Coliseum with the New Pornographers and Ra Ra Riot on July 16th.
Black Lips play the Commodore with Deerhunter on July 23rd. This sounds pretty awesome.
The Church of Very Bright Lights has been added to the Women bill on the 5th.
And, a correction on the May 30th Chain & the Gang/Hive Dwellers gig. It'll now be at Little Mountain. Rose Melberg is now playing as well.
now playing: Fine Mist - Stop or Start
Labels: gza, show announcements, show recaps, talib kweli
Monday, March 23, 2009
here comes a regular
I decided to start posting listings for the regular live music-related happenings once a week at the beginning of the week. Happily, there are now enough weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly nights that feature at least one live band that it's possible... and I was missing some shows here and there doing it the usual way. So, from here on in, feel free to check here on Monday (or more likely Sundays from now on) to find what's going on at Fake Jazz, Glory Days, etc.
March 23rd-28th
Monday
Skinny Mondays @ the Biltmore: the Living Deadbeats and Le Gem
Tuesday
Boosh Tuesdays @ the Cobalt: returns March 31st
Wednesday
Fake Jazz Wednesday @ the Cobalt: 3x3, Badlands, and Whip of the UFO
The Beehive @ Honey: Adjective and Pretty Vanilla
Nightshift @ the Biltmore: Defektors and Channels 3x4
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: My Mom is a Werewolf, Hightower, and Lengthy List of Lovers
Friday
Someone start a regular Friday thing with bands already...
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: back on April 4th
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Hermetic and Haunted Beard.
Labels: show announcements, weekly listings
Sunday, March 22, 2009
I don't need an answer, so don't answer
Why don't we start with some new music?
The Paper Cranes are giving away their new single, "Telephone," on their website. You don't even have to sign up for a mailing list or anything like that. I was really high on "I'll Love You Til My Veins Explode" and I'm equally stoked on this track. The two tracks share a plunking piano base and some wiry guitar lines over top, but the harmonica is a nice touch. The hook is pretty huge too.
On Friday, the Astoria re-opens. Neil Hillbrandt (Glory Days/Better Than Loneliness) and Dustin (Sex Attack/Adjective) are DJing. No bands are booked for Friday, but the room should start hosting some of those quite soon.
Speaking of resurrected venues, the Sex Negatives headlined show that was supposed to go down at the Peanut Gallery this Saturday, before it's closure was announced, will now be at the original Emergency Room. (thanks Ben.
The Mohawk Lodge return to Vancouver on Saturday as well. They'll play Pub 340 with Bel Riose, the Painted Birds, and Quinzy.
The same night, Sex With Strangers play the Biltmore with You Say Party! We Say Die!, Beast, and 16mm.
On April 3rd, Seven, Nines, & Tens play the Railway with the Ludvico Treatment, My Mom's A Werewolf.
On April 15th, Fake Shark-Real Zombie, the SSRIs, and Hard Feelings are at the Media Club.
The Mt. Eerie show originally scheduled for May 16th is now on May 30th, still at St. James Hall. The Chain & the Gang/Hive Dwellers show on the same night, originally scheduled at the Sweatshop, will now be at Riley Park Community Centre. The promoters are working together to time things so you can check out both things, if you're so inclined.
now playing: The Pink Mountaintops - Execution
Labels: paper cranes, show announcements
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
join the gun club
I adored ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead from their debut straight through to The Secret of Elena's Tomb, but despite a recent effort that's a big step back in the right direction, they've existed almost solely as a live band for me since then. But as a live band they still rule.
On Friday at Richard's, they pulled heavily from Madonna and Source Tags and Codes, but the songs drawn from the more recent part of their catalogue--songs that tend to fall on the softer side of the musical spectrum--were played with equal intensity.
Older tracks were still the highlights for me ("A Perfect Teenhood," "Richter Scale Madness," and a version of "Totally Natural" that ended with an entire drum kit spilling into the audience), but a performance of "Caterwaul" that featured Jason Reece crowd surfing and then wandering through the audience while singing was pretty ace.
The Biltmores are set to do another set of covers at... well, guess... on March 24th. Apparently the first go round was a riot.
Brad emailed about a party he's throwing at the ANZA on March 27th. Looks like they'll be spinning a little bit of everything, which is always nice in my books.
B-Lines, Search Parties, Dead Ghosts, and Golden Touch play a show at the showboat by Kits Pool on April 11th.
Half Alive and Exclaim! bring Thunderheist back to the Biltmore on April 25th. Winter Gloves support.
The same night, Atmosphere is at the Commodore.
Lucero is at the Biltmore on May 23rd with Black Joe Louis & the Honeybears.
now playing: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Poor Song
Labels: show announcements, show recaps, trail of dead
Thursday, March 12, 2009
like a stone
Piper Davis plays Blastramp at the Bourbon tonight.
Duofest 3 goes down at Pat's tomorrow with Shindig winners, Hermetic, Tight Solid, Quite Testy, and JPMP
Chris-a-riffic plays Little Mountain on March 28th with Fine Mist, gr8-2000, and Nihilist Party.
The same night, Shout Out Out Out Out play Richard's. Afterwards, they'll join the 1/2 Alive guys at the Astoria for a DJ set.
Attack in Black is at the Biltmore on April 23rd.
Peaches is at the Commodore on May 31st.
now playing: Sleater-Kinney - What's Mine is Yours
Labels: show announcements
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
.00001 (repeating)
Thanks to everyone who came out to the Biltmore on Sunday. There was significantly less swapping going on compared to last time, although what was there was great and the bands were awesome.
Anyone who reads this blog with any regularity knows that Japandroids are one of my favourite bands to come out of Vancouver. This was their last show before they head back East for some dates in Toronto next month, and while 5pm isn't really an ideal rock 'n' roll time, they were great as usual. After TO, they're back for one show and then touring around N. America in support of their forthcoming LP, Post-Nothing, so tell your out of town friends to get familiar.
Sunday was my second time seeing Adjective in 24 hours, the first being their EP release show (more on that later). I was pretty luke warm on them the very first time I saw them (a couple of years ago), but they've sounded better and better each successive time (to the point where I was thrilled when they said they'd play this). Their new EP, I'm Sorry for Your Loss, is pretty great, and more importantly, it hints at better things to come in the future. They're also going on tour (albeit in the Summer), so once again, tell your out of town friends.
This was actually my first time seeing DRMHLLR, though I'd heard good things from a few people before last weekend. As with most bands I see for the first time, I wouldn't mind giving them another shot before forming an opinion, but they sounded pretty good. I'm a sucker for the instrumental quiet/loud/quiet/louder formula and they do it well.
Terror Bird are always great (and I finally picked up their 7"). And while they won't be on tour soon, Twin Crystals (Jeremiah's other gig) and Nu Sensae (Daniel's) will be... also, check out the rad glam rock threads that Daniel played in.
As mentioned, the night before, I caught Adjective at their EP release show at the Media Club. I already talked about Adjective, so I'll just add that they closed with a fun and sloppy cover of "Baba O'Riley" (my only complaint was not enough guitar windmills or mic twirls).
I got their in time to catch the aforementioned Twin Crystals. The "best band in the city" tag sort of changes from time to time in my mind, but every time I see them, these guys sure make a case for themselves.
March 14th marks the start of a new night (at Funky Winkerbean's of all places) called No More Strangers. Cairo plays the first night and a couple of the guys from WinnieCooper.net spin regularly. It goes down every second Saturday.
On March 16th, Los Malos, Mexican Drug Patrol, and Zombie Pistolero & His Guns play Skinny Mondays at the Biltmore.
Vision Quest goes down at Video-In on March 19th. It features a bunch of video shorts as well as a live performance by Haunted Beard (gr8-2000 and Ben Jacques) who will back Jess from DNGROUS ADDRESS (who, for disclosure purposes, is my girlfriend--but I still don't know why they spell it like that). Videos start at 8pm and it's free.
Azeda Booth are at the Biltmore on March 30th with No Gold and Search Parties.
Ahna plays a tour benefit at Honey with Robe & Allied, Nihilist Party, and Solars on April 2nd.
Los Campesinos are at Richard's on April 11th.
Intelligence is at the Biltmore on April 13th with Sex Church and Gang Violence.
The Stones Throw tour is at the Biltmore on April 27th.
Vivian Girls are at the Biltmore on April 29th with Abe Vigoda.
The Virgins are at the Biltmore on May 15th.
The next night, the Twee Death guys are bringing Mt. Eerie to St. James Hall.
And Rose Melberg is opening the Marissa Nadler show.
now playing: Spiritualized - the Straight and Narrow
Labels: adjective, drmhllr, japandroids, show announcements, show recaps, terrorbird, twin crystals
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Just a reminder that this is today.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
tv wisdom
Why don't we start with a new monthly: Nightshift with Tyler Fedchuk (1/2 Alive) and Justin Gradin(the ER) starts on March 25th at the Biltmore. Defektors and Channels 3x4 help them kick things off.
Speaking of Tyler, he's got a new weekly called Far Away. It's at the Media Club with Mike Barrow (Expendable Youth) and Cam Dales (Ice Cream Social) and starts on Friday the 13th.
Speaking of Justin, he's starting a new night at the Biltmore with Andy Dixon, Andrea from Nu Sensae, Mike Lapointe, and Ian Wyatt (Blastramp). It's an all hip-hop night called, House Party and it starts on St. Patrick's Day... which isn't all that appropriate, but there's no St. RZA day (yet). It'll go down monthly for May and June and then weekly after that.
And while we're on the topic of things that aren't shows, the Biltmore is showing movies on Saturday afternoons.
On Sunday, gr8-2000, Stamina Mantis, and Nihilist Party are at the Cobalt.
Grizzly Bear is at the Commodore on May 26th.
Neko Case is at the Vogue on June 3rd.
Stereo Heroes spin at the Modern on March 19th.
And Immaculate Machine is at the Biltmore on May 8th.
Oh, and if you haven't already seen it, this is pretty amazing.
now playing: Twin Crystals - Two Girls
Labels: show announcements
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
heart sweats
You may have received the Facebook invite already, but if not, I'm very pleased to announce the second Sunday afternoon swap meet at the Biltmore.
This time around, personal and Pitchfork faves, Japandroids are playing, in addition to a fresh-from-their-cd-release-party Adjective, the always great Terror Bird, and DRMHLLR, who I'll actually be hearing for the first time.
The actual swap meet part runs more or less the same as last time: there will be local vendors on hand to sell things, the Kitchen Coup will be selling snacks (once again, their rad pulled pork sandwiches), and anyone is invited to come sell garage sale type stuff (though you might want to get there closer to the noon start time if you want a decent spot).
And now, some bad news:
As most of you have heard the cops shut the party down on Saturday and the Peanut Gallery has had to come to an end. Out back got too busy, they came down and wrote Michael up. That’s it for the Peanut Gallery.Not entirely surprising, for obvious reasons, of course. But still a bummer.
Thanks for supporting us over the past year and a bit. It was a lot of fun. I would like to collect any photos that were taken down there. If you could send them to info@peanugallerybasement.com I will be putting together a collection of the past year. Even if it only makes in onto the website at least it will all be in one place.
Cheylene.
On Saturday, Fanshaw, Lost Lovers Brigade, Role Mach, Sajia Kabir, and Sweet Potatoes are at Little Mountain.
Shipyards, Air Castle, Stamina Mantis, and Geographing are at Little Mountain on the 13th.
Women are at WISE Hall on April 5th with Nu Sensae and Kidnapping.
The night after that, White Denim play the Media Club. Japandroids open up.
Fucked Up are at the Biltmore on April 14th.
The weekly's gone underground, but Half Alive is still throwing the odd special event. They'll bring Glass Candy back to town on April 22nd at Richard's. Johnny Jewel does double duty when he opens as Desire and local favourites Channels 3x4 play a rare show to round things out.
The next night Mastodon play the Commodore with Kylesa and Intronaut. As PFork reports, they'll play the forthcoming Crack the Skye in it's entirety before delving into their back catalogue. I'm pretty psyched for this.
Labels: show announcements
Monday, March 02, 2009
house music
Really quick, with more to come tomorrow:
I caught This Frontier Needs Heroes on Thursday at Little Mountain. Honestly, I only checked out the show because my friend Katie was putting it on (she was roomates with Jessica Lauretti from the band when she lived in NYC), but I was really pleasantly surprised. The brother-sister duo plays the folk thing pretty straight, but Brad's got a really interesting singing voice that's complimented quite nicely by his sibling's harmonies.
Saturday, I was at the Biltmore early for Thunderheist and Cadence Weapon. The show was part of the Cultural Olympiad series, which, the way things are going, might yet be the only part of the Olympics to break even (although, I really don't know how many comps their giving away to these things). At any rate, Thunderheist is always a good time and Cadence Weapon is a personal favourite.
Speaking of, if you haven't already picked it up, Rollie has a mixtape up for download. And, as is the trend these days, Robert Smith be damned, you can pay whatever you want.
Tonight, Tight Solid, Johnny Wakeham, and Streetlight play Skinny Mondays at the Biltmore.
Wednesday, the Internet, gr8-2000, Reflektionss, Passenger, and Jeff Younger are at the Cobalt for Fake Jazz. Sounds like a good one.
Speaking of the Cobalt, they've been getting all kinds of flack in the last couple of weeks about noise courtesy of the residents in the fairly newly built condos across the street... which is curious since 1) the bar has been operating as a live venue for mainly hardcore and metal for almost a decade with few problems and 2) if you've ever walked up Main on the other side of the street, you'll note that you can't hear all that much above the street noise. If you're interested in keeping tabs on things, you can do that here.
On Friday, Fine Mist, SSRIs, and Sappers help Discorder celebrate their March issue in UBC's Gallery Lounge.
now playing: Idlewild - Idea Track
Labels: cadence weapon, show announcements, show recaps, this frontier needs heroes, thunderheist
