Thursday, June 11, 2009
processing plant
I spent the entire second night of Music Waste at the Cobalt as well. That wasn't my initial plan, but I got to Shudder Gallery just as Prophecy Sun was set to start and it was packed and I bailed on heading over to Honey to finish off the evening since Sex Negatives and Boogie Monster were on last at the Cobalt.
Speaking of the latter, they were definitely the highlights of a pretty good night all around. If you read this fairly regularly, you know that I'm not opposed to seeing the same bands over and over if I really like them, but one thing about seeing Sex Negatives is that it's always different, sometimes markedly so. Boogie Monster just get better every time I see them.
It was also my first time seeing Ahna (although I think I've seen Anju play solo once or twice), who were awesome.
Chip's Not Dead is a charity run that benefits the BC Children's Hospital. You can find out more and register for the run HERE, but you should also know that there are some bands playing. Daniel Wesley, Run GMC, Armchair Cynics, and Current Swell all perform.
On June 26th, Collapsing Opposites, Fanshaw, Julianna Barwick, and Tally Ho! (Rose Melberg and Larissa Lloyva) play Funky Winkerbean's.
Discorder presents a Canada Day party at the Astoria with Gang Violence, MT-40, and Reflektionss.
Grouper, Empty Love, and Diadem are at St. Andrew's Wesley Church on July 18th.
Mika Miko play the Biltmore on July 22nd with Audacity, White Lung, and Nu Sensae.
And, Bert Jansch is canceled. No word on why. (thanks Rachel)
now playing: the Rolling Stones - When the Whip Comes Down
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)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
police and thieves
So, as Jonny mentioned in the comments a couple of posts back, the ER show this past Saturday was, in addition to being their 2nd anniversary, also the last show in the space. I was asked not to make a big deal out of that fact, which is why I didn't post it on the main page after he kindly commented about it.
Unfortunately, the cops weren't as pysched about the party as the loads of people who showed up.
I made it down around 11:30pm and had missed No Gold, which was a bummer. Although, it wasn't as disappointing as finding out that they announced that it would be their last time performing together. I talked to Liam briefly and he mentioned other projects to come though.
I did catch White Owl and Sex Negatives before the place got shut down. It was disappointing that so many other great bands didn't get a chance to do their thing there one more time, but it was great that Justin, who took the lead in keeping the place running for the last two years, had one more go behind the kit that night.
A big thank you to him, the bands, and everyone else who made the ER what it was: one of my favourite places to see live music in this city.
Ryan Walter Wagner has a couple of much nicer pics up on his flickr.
Speaking of Ryan, his new band Tight Solid, which also features Burnside (ex-Treacherous Machete), is playing the Balmoral on the 17th with the Best Revenge, and Elton Bong.
The same day (from midnight that morning to midnight on the 18th), tune into CiTR for 24 Hours of Radio Art, which is a full day of sound collage, audio experimentation, and noise. For more, check the Facebook event page here.
On Sunday, Grace Gallery hosts the release of the book "Fifty One Ways to Make New Friends." In addition to the book release, the evening also features a collaborative performance from Andy Dixon and Basketball's Luka Rogers. Andy describes it as a cross between Basketball and Secret Mommy. Door and bar proceeds go to the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre.
On January 23rd, Centre A Gallery is home to Up With Hope, featuring Corbin Murdoch & the Nautical Miles and Shindig runners-up, the Sappers. All the proceeds go to the Up with Hope Project.
Low Decibel Festival goes down at the Shed on January 31st. The evening features over 20 acts doing two songs each without the aid of any electricity, not even batteries, and not even for microphones. Show starts at 7pm, so get there early if you plan on going. Check the full line-up here.
Cadence Weapon is at the Biltmore on February 28th with Thunderheist. Seeing as it's a Saturday, I'd imagine it's part of Glory Days.
Bonnie Prince Billy is at the Vogue on March 25th.
Acid Mother's Temple is at the Biltmore on April 7th.
And, Lions in the Street have a new EP up for download from their website for the increasingly popular price point of "whatever you want."
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
relevant issues
AIDS Wolf at the Emergency Room was one of my favourite shows last year, so I was pretty psyched for their show at the Biltmore last night. Also, while I was into Lovvers, I think Cities of Glass is a big step up, so anticipation was high. Thankfully, the band, who have a new guitarist, didn't disappoint. They were loud, noisy, and totally uncompromising. If that sounds like your thing and you missed it, you missed out.
There's a reason that Shearing Pinx are Vancouver's most well known (in a relatively unknown scene) noise act. If you've seen them, you know what I'm talking about.
All of the Sex Negatives sets that I've seen have been purely improvisational, which means the quality varies. According to Justin (drums), they were going to write some songs this time around, but "couldn't get (their) shit together." I'd be interested to see what some composed pieces sound like, but they were still pretty good. Not the best set I've seen by them (Music Waste 07 takes that crown), but still enjoyable.
Oh, and I should mention, even though it's almost a week later (I was writing some articles), that Deerhunter was wonderful at Richard's last week.
Bend Sinister plays an all-ager at the Sweatshop on November 28th with Elizabeth and Bad Moves.
Transmission Festival goes down from December 3rd-5th. The Ladyhawk/Twin Crystals/Said the Whale show at the Biltmore kicks it off and you can see the line-ups for days two and three at their website.
Bad Moves also plays with Animal Names on December 4th at Honey.
On December 9th, the Cobalt hosts Duofest, which, as you would expect, features a bunch of two-piece acts. Tight Solid (Burnside from Treacherous Machete's new band), Boogie Monster, Stamina Mantis, Perlisk, Yagin, Baboob Torture Division, Botox Sharpei, and Chaos, Disorder, & Panic all perform.
Annuals are at the Pit on February 24th.
Land of Talk are at the Biltmore on February 7th, which is great, because I always like it when I can see one of my favourite bands within walking distance to home.
Speaking of that, I'm really excited about My!Gay!Husband!'s latest venture. Glory Days goes down at the Biltmore every Saturday and features, in addition to a rotating cast of great DJs, one local band a night (sometimes more). Here's the first few bands:
December 13th, for the grand opening, Gang Violence plays.
December 20th features Bend Sinister.
And the 27th is the Clips' last show for about a half a year.
There are more rad bands booked, but I'll leave it at that for now.
Lastly, the show booked for this Friday at the Astoria is off, since the venue is still closed. If you can offer up a replacement venue, let me know, and I'll get you in touch with the organizer.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
petite mort
But here's what I got up to...
On Friday, I hit up the AMS Block Party. I can't say that I was especially keen on seeing most of the bands, but my friend Neil was djing, and drinking free beer in a field is better than working on a Friday afternoon.
Stars headlined. People threw stuff at them. I quite like Stars, but romantic pop + 5000 or so annihilated university students blowing off steam on the last day of classes is a good recipe for projectiles.
On Saturday, I made it down to the ER (sadly, I missed Mutators the night before) for Sex Negatives, Sissy Spacek, Yellow Swans, and Shearing Pinx. It was rather hot inside the Emergency Room, so my show mates and I were keen to spend the downtime between bands outside, and somehow we missed Yellow Swans. Either they were on first, or they played for about 20 minutes. I'm not sure which. Disappointing, never the less. Shearing Pinx were there usually grand selves and Sissy Spacek (who actually did play for about 20 minutes) were pretty great too. But Sex Negatives, who came on last, were on a whole other level. Cam (ex-Hot Loins, currently judging your Music Waste submission) joined them on guitar to add an extra wall of crushing noise. It seemed like it bummed out all the people who show up and chat when the bands are on too... which is a bonus of sorts.
M.I.A. is at the Forum on May 25th. On the plus side, it's all ages. On the downside, it's going to sound like crap in that venue.
The Field is at Open Studios on May 3rd.
Nas is at Plush on May 23rd. Ticket prices slowly went up in price since whenever it was first announced... so now they'll set you back $94.50.
Erykah Badu is at the Commodore on June 6thwith the Roots. (thanks Chris)
The Black Angels, whose new record is pretty rad, are at Richard's with the Warlocks on June 10th.
Emmylou Harris is at the Orpheum on July 23rd.
!!! are at a venue tba on August 31st.
And, I swear I mentioned this, but Aaron kindly pointed out (thanks!) that I neglected to fix the side bar, but, as you probably already know if you care, the Cure's rescheduled date is May 26th at GM Place.
processing plant
I spent the entire second night of Music Waste at the Cobalt as well. That wasn't my initial plan, but I got to Shudder Gallery just as Prophecy Sun was set to start and it was packed and I bailed on heading over to Honey to finish off the evening since Sex Negatives and Boogie Monster were on last at the Cobalt.
Speaking of the latter, they were definitely the highlights of a pretty good night all around. If you read this fairly regularly, you know that I'm not opposed to seeing the same bands over and over if I really like them, but one thing about seeing Sex Negatives is that it's always different, sometimes markedly so. Boogie Monster just get better every time I see them.
It was also my first time seeing Ahna (although I think I've seen Anju play solo once or twice), who were awesome.
Chip's Not Dead is a charity run that benefits the BC Children's Hospital. You can find out more and register for the run HERE, but you should also know that there are some bands playing. Daniel Wesley, Run GMC, Armchair Cynics, and Current Swell all perform.
On June 26th, Collapsing Opposites, Fanshaw, Julianna Barwick, and Tally Ho! (Rose Melberg and Larissa Lloyva) play Funky Winkerbean's.
Discorder presents a Canada Day party at the Astoria with Gang Violence, MT-40, and Reflektionss.
Grouper, Empty Love, and Diadem are at St. Andrew's Wesley Church on July 18th.
Mika Miko play the Biltmore on July 22nd with Audacity, White Lung, and Nu Sensae.
And, Bert Jansch is canceled. No word on why. (thanks Rachel)
now playing: the Rolling Stones - When the Whip Comes Down
Labels: ahna, boogie monster, music waste, sex negatives, show announcements, show recaps
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)
Labels: boogie monster, orlando magic, robe and allied, sex negatives, show announcements, show recaps
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
police and thieves
So, as Jonny mentioned in the comments a couple of posts back, the ER show this past Saturday was, in addition to being their 2nd anniversary, also the last show in the space. I was asked not to make a big deal out of that fact, which is why I didn't post it on the main page after he kindly commented about it.
Unfortunately, the cops weren't as pysched about the party as the loads of people who showed up.
I made it down around 11:30pm and had missed No Gold, which was a bummer. Although, it wasn't as disappointing as finding out that they announced that it would be their last time performing together. I talked to Liam briefly and he mentioned other projects to come though.
I did catch White Owl and Sex Negatives before the place got shut down. It was disappointing that so many other great bands didn't get a chance to do their thing there one more time, but it was great that Justin, who took the lead in keeping the place running for the last two years, had one more go behind the kit that night.
A big thank you to him, the bands, and everyone else who made the ER what it was: one of my favourite places to see live music in this city.
Ryan Walter Wagner has a couple of much nicer pics up on his flickr.
Speaking of Ryan, his new band Tight Solid, which also features Burnside (ex-Treacherous Machete), is playing the Balmoral on the 17th with the Best Revenge, and Elton Bong.
The same day (from midnight that morning to midnight on the 18th), tune into CiTR for 24 Hours of Radio Art, which is a full day of sound collage, audio experimentation, and noise. For more, check the Facebook event page here.
On Sunday, Grace Gallery hosts the release of the book "Fifty One Ways to Make New Friends." In addition to the book release, the evening also features a collaborative performance from Andy Dixon and Basketball's Luka Rogers. Andy describes it as a cross between Basketball and Secret Mommy. Door and bar proceeds go to the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre.
On January 23rd, Centre A Gallery is home to Up With Hope, featuring Corbin Murdoch & the Nautical Miles and Shindig runners-up, the Sappers. All the proceeds go to the Up with Hope Project.
Low Decibel Festival goes down at the Shed on January 31st. The evening features over 20 acts doing two songs each without the aid of any electricity, not even batteries, and not even for microphones. Show starts at 7pm, so get there early if you plan on going. Check the full line-up here.
Cadence Weapon is at the Biltmore on February 28th with Thunderheist. Seeing as it's a Saturday, I'd imagine it's part of Glory Days.
Bonnie Prince Billy is at the Vogue on March 25th.
Acid Mother's Temple is at the Biltmore on April 7th.
And, Lions in the Street have a new EP up for download from their website for the increasingly popular price point of "whatever you want."
Labels: no gold, sex negatives, show announcements, show recaps, the emergency room, white owl
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
relevant issues
AIDS Wolf at the Emergency Room was one of my favourite shows last year, so I was pretty psyched for their show at the Biltmore last night. Also, while I was into Lovvers, I think Cities of Glass is a big step up, so anticipation was high. Thankfully, the band, who have a new guitarist, didn't disappoint. They were loud, noisy, and totally uncompromising. If that sounds like your thing and you missed it, you missed out.
There's a reason that Shearing Pinx are Vancouver's most well known (in a relatively unknown scene) noise act. If you've seen them, you know what I'm talking about.
All of the Sex Negatives sets that I've seen have been purely improvisational, which means the quality varies. According to Justin (drums), they were going to write some songs this time around, but "couldn't get (their) shit together." I'd be interested to see what some composed pieces sound like, but they were still pretty good. Not the best set I've seen by them (Music Waste 07 takes that crown), but still enjoyable.
Oh, and I should mention, even though it's almost a week later (I was writing some articles), that Deerhunter was wonderful at Richard's last week.
Bend Sinister plays an all-ager at the Sweatshop on November 28th with Elizabeth and Bad Moves.
Transmission Festival goes down from December 3rd-5th. The Ladyhawk/Twin Crystals/Said the Whale show at the Biltmore kicks it off and you can see the line-ups for days two and three at their website.
Bad Moves also plays with Animal Names on December 4th at Honey.
On December 9th, the Cobalt hosts Duofest, which, as you would expect, features a bunch of two-piece acts. Tight Solid (Burnside from Treacherous Machete's new band), Boogie Monster, Stamina Mantis, Perlisk, Yagin, Baboob Torture Division, Botox Sharpei, and Chaos, Disorder, & Panic all perform.
Annuals are at the Pit on February 24th.
Land of Talk are at the Biltmore on February 7th, which is great, because I always like it when I can see one of my favourite bands within walking distance to home.
Speaking of that, I'm really excited about My!Gay!Husband!'s latest venture. Glory Days goes down at the Biltmore every Saturday and features, in addition to a rotating cast of great DJs, one local band a night (sometimes more). Here's the first few bands:
December 13th, for the grand opening, Gang Violence plays.
December 20th features Bend Sinister.
And the 27th is the Clips' last show for about a half a year.
There are more rad bands booked, but I'll leave it at that for now.
Lastly, the show booked for this Friday at the Astoria is off, since the venue is still closed. If you can offer up a replacement venue, let me know, and I'll get you in touch with the organizer.
Labels: aids wolf, deerhunter, lazy show recaps, sex negatives, shearing pinx, show announcements, show recaps
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
petite mort
It was nice out this weekend, so I did less internetting and more real-life-ing.
But here's what I got up to...
On Friday, I hit up the AMS Block Party. I can't say that I was especially keen on seeing most of the bands, but my friend Neil was djing, and drinking free beer in a field is better than working on a Friday afternoon.
Stars headlined. People threw stuff at them. I quite like Stars, but romantic pop + 5000 or so annihilated university students blowing off steam on the last day of classes is a good recipe for projectiles.
On Saturday, I made it down to the ER (sadly, I missed Mutators the night before) for Sex Negatives, Sissy Spacek, Yellow Swans, and Shearing Pinx. It was rather hot inside the Emergency Room, so my show mates and I were keen to spend the downtime between bands outside, and somehow we missed Yellow Swans. Either they were on first, or they played for about 20 minutes. I'm not sure which. Disappointing, never the less. Shearing Pinx were there usually grand selves and Sissy Spacek (who actually did play for about 20 minutes) were pretty great too. But Sex Negatives, who came on last, were on a whole other level. Cam (ex-Hot Loins, currently judging your Music Waste submission) joined them on guitar to add an extra wall of crushing noise. It seemed like it bummed out all the people who show up and chat when the bands are on too... which is a bonus of sorts.
M.I.A. is at the Forum on May 25th. On the plus side, it's all ages. On the downside, it's going to sound like crap in that venue.
The Field is at Open Studios on May 3rd.
Nas is at Plush on May 23rd. Ticket prices slowly went up in price since whenever it was first announced... so now they'll set you back $94.50.
Erykah Badu is at the Commodore on June 6th
The Black Angels, whose new record is pretty rad, are at Richard's with the Warlocks on June 10th.
Emmylou Harris is at the Orpheum on July 23rd.
!!! are at a venue tba on August 31st.
And, I swear I mentioned this, but Aaron kindly pointed out (thanks!) that I neglected to fix the side bar, but, as you probably already know if you care, the Cure's rescheduled date is May 26th at GM Place.
Labels: sex negatives, shearing pinx, show announcements, show recaps, sissy spacek, Stars
