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
Monday, February 25, 2008
damaged enough
I was going to take it sort of easy this weekend, but there was a ton of stuff going on, so that resolution became one those "who am I kidding?" statements.
On Friday, I headed down to the Astoria to catch Twin Crystals. They weren't as intense and loud as last time I've seen them, but that wasn't worse per se, just different. Jesse only rocked a guitar on the first song, with the rest of the set being characterized by he and Jeremiah's dueling synths. Oh, and just because it was less loud, doesn't mean it wasn't loud enough.
They've got a super-limited (50 copies) lathe cut 10" up for sale at Summer Lovers Unlimited that I should order soon.
I'm pretty into Taxes at the worst of times, but they were on fire on Friday. Best performance of their's that I've seen for sure. When Twin Crystals took the stage, Jesse quipped that he "(didn't) know how (they) could follow Taxes." Usually such statements - even when the opening band really delivers - are a polite way to give a nod to whomever went on before you, but as good as Twin Crystals consistently are, he may have had a legitimate point that night. That's not taking anything away from Twin Crystals, Taxes were just really on point.
I bailed during Owl Drugs first song. That's not a reflection on them, since I wasn't even there long enough to form a proper opinion, but I was still under the false impression that I was going to have a relaxed (and sleep filled) Friday/Saturday.
On Saturday, I started things off at Hoko's, getting there in time for Nihilist Party. I was down with the beats, but less down with the rhymes (well, vocals, not necessarily "rhymes"). But there are worse side dishes for your sushi, I suppose.
Terrorbird were up next, and were playing as a two-piece. Good stuff as usual, though when they had the extra keys, they definitely added something to the overall product.
Nu Sensae were their usual wonderful selves: loud and fast. So fast, in fact, that I stepped out for a moment and missed most of their set. My loss.
gr8-2000 finished things off with his frenetic brand of electro. Tom, as always, was full of boundless energy, and was also having fun throwing thinly veiled barbs at the people chatting in the back.
And also worth a mention (and some praise): Ben from Crystal Beard was there with the lovely ladies who do videos at BtL to provide some added visual flavour to the evening.
I was going to head to the Biltmore after that, but apparently they've been rezoned and can only stay open until 1am now, so it was off to the Emergency Room.
I got there in time for Mutators, whom I have nothing new to say about... favourite live act in Vancouver... slayed... etc. etc. etc.
Actually, on that note, Shearing Pinx were up next, and my sentiments are similar: quality as usual.
The main event of the evening was Monotonix, who were here all the way from Tel Aviv. To put it succinctly, they were mind blowing.
I was standing around wondering when they were going to start when my question was answered by a drum cymbal that was thrust in the air... on fire. From there it was about an hour of absolute madness. Throw their name into google, and you'll note that Vancouver isn't the only place that's been totally destroyed by these guys.
The recorded material just isn't the same, but if they ever come back, definitely go see them.
And if you were there, no, that wasn't Frank Zappa.
Speaking of Twin Crystals, they're kicking off their tour (which takes them down to SXSW and back) on Friday at the ER. Nu Sensae, Basketball, and Adjective are going to help give them a proper send off. Justin, Jesse, and Benjamin spin records after the bands.
Attack in Black and Smoosh open up the Tokyo Police Club show on May 16th at the Plaza.
Atmosphere is at the Commodore on May 14th with Abstract Rude
Mutators and Modern Creatures are having a fundraiser for the epic (seriously, check the dates) tour that they're set to embark on this Spring/Summer on April 26th at the ER.
The SSRIs are giving away their music. I haven't listened yet, but if you like it, make sure you toss them some money by paying to see them play... but that goes without saying.
Speaking of free music, if you haven't already checked out the latest Radio Zero podcast, you should get on that. All of them are quality, but #47 features one of my favourite tracks from the (sadly) now-defunct local unit, Fuck Me USA, "Infinite Slope."
now playing: Radio Zero Podcast (December 9th, 2005)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
fight & kiss
We Are Wolves have great tunes, but I kind of feel like they're the musical equivalent of bacon (forgive me vegetarians and/or people who hate shitty metaphors). If you have a couple slices of bacon, it's pretty much the best thing ever. Four or five slices, and you're still feeling pretty awesome. But even bacon can get old if that's all you get, and you'd probably have to be pretty drunk to truly enjoy, say, a pound of bacon between two people.
It was definitely $7 well spent though.
Terrorbird, who set up in front of the stage on the dance floor, opened things up, and were once again, pretty fantastic. Only has a rather bizarre interview with Nikki (vox/keys) up.
Destroyer is at the Commodore on May 31st. Trouble in Dreams has the usual dose of Bejar's wonderful lyricism, but it's also dripping with Nic Bragg's guitar work (much like This Night), so I'm even more amped than usual for this one.
Chris-a-riffic is having a CD release show on February 8th at the Secret Space (down the alley from the emergency room). The next couple of Friday's are busy nights. (thanks Luisa)
Turbonegro are at the Commodore on April 22nd.
Bodies of Water open up the Sons & Daughters show at Richard's on April 4th.
And Collapsing Opposites, gr8-2000, Search Parties, Russian Words, Aaron Read, Stefana Fratila, and Golden Touch are at Hoko's on February 29th.
now playing: Iron Chef America
.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
Monday, February 25, 2008
damaged enough
I was going to take it sort of easy this weekend, but there was a ton of stuff going on, so that resolution became one those "who am I kidding?" statements.
On Friday, I headed down to the Astoria to catch Twin Crystals. They weren't as intense and loud as last time I've seen them, but that wasn't worse per se, just different. Jesse only rocked a guitar on the first song, with the rest of the set being characterized by he and Jeremiah's dueling synths. Oh, and just because it was less loud, doesn't mean it wasn't loud enough.
They've got a super-limited (50 copies) lathe cut 10" up for sale at Summer Lovers Unlimited that I should order soon.
I'm pretty into Taxes at the worst of times, but they were on fire on Friday. Best performance of their's that I've seen for sure. When Twin Crystals took the stage, Jesse quipped that he "(didn't) know how (they) could follow Taxes." Usually such statements - even when the opening band really delivers - are a polite way to give a nod to whomever went on before you, but as good as Twin Crystals consistently are, he may have had a legitimate point that night. That's not taking anything away from Twin Crystals, Taxes were just really on point.
I bailed during Owl Drugs first song. That's not a reflection on them, since I wasn't even there long enough to form a proper opinion, but I was still under the false impression that I was going to have a relaxed (and sleep filled) Friday/Saturday.
On Saturday, I started things off at Hoko's, getting there in time for Nihilist Party. I was down with the beats, but less down with the rhymes (well, vocals, not necessarily "rhymes"). But there are worse side dishes for your sushi, I suppose.
Terrorbird were up next, and were playing as a two-piece. Good stuff as usual, though when they had the extra keys, they definitely added something to the overall product.
Nu Sensae were their usual wonderful selves: loud and fast. So fast, in fact, that I stepped out for a moment and missed most of their set. My loss.
gr8-2000 finished things off with his frenetic brand of electro. Tom, as always, was full of boundless energy, and was also having fun throwing thinly veiled barbs at the people chatting in the back.
And also worth a mention (and some praise): Ben from Crystal Beard was there with the lovely ladies who do videos at BtL to provide some added visual flavour to the evening.
I was going to head to the Biltmore after that, but apparently they've been rezoned and can only stay open until 1am now, so it was off to the Emergency Room.
I got there in time for Mutators, whom I have nothing new to say about... favourite live act in Vancouver... slayed... etc. etc. etc.
Actually, on that note, Shearing Pinx were up next, and my sentiments are similar: quality as usual.
The main event of the evening was Monotonix, who were here all the way from Tel Aviv. To put it succinctly, they were mind blowing.
I was standing around wondering when they were going to start when my question was answered by a drum cymbal that was thrust in the air... on fire. From there it was about an hour of absolute madness. Throw their name into google, and you'll note that Vancouver isn't the only place that's been totally destroyed by these guys.
The recorded material just isn't the same, but if they ever come back, definitely go see them.
And if you were there, no, that wasn't Frank Zappa.
Speaking of Twin Crystals, they're kicking off their tour (which takes them down to SXSW and back) on Friday at the ER. Nu Sensae, Basketball, and Adjective are going to help give them a proper send off. Justin, Jesse, and Benjamin spin records after the bands.
Attack in Black and Smoosh open up the Tokyo Police Club show on May 16th at the Plaza.
Atmosphere is at the Commodore on May 14th with Abstract Rude
Mutators and Modern Creatures are having a fundraiser for the epic (seriously, check the dates) tour that they're set to embark on this Spring/Summer on April 26th at the ER.
The SSRIs are giving away their music. I haven't listened yet, but if you like it, make sure you toss them some money by paying to see them play... but that goes without saying.
Speaking of free music, if you haven't already checked out the latest Radio Zero podcast, you should get on that. All of them are quality, but #47 features one of my favourite tracks from the (sadly) now-defunct local unit, Fuck Me USA, "Infinite Slope."
now playing: Radio Zero Podcast (December 9th, 2005)
Labels: gr8-2000, monotonix, mutators, nihilist party, nu sensae, shearing pinx, show announcements, show recaps, ssris, taxes, terrorbird, twin crystals
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
fight & kiss
We Are Wolves have great tunes, but I kind of feel like they're the musical equivalent of bacon (forgive me vegetarians and/or people who hate shitty metaphors). If you have a couple slices of bacon, it's pretty much the best thing ever. Four or five slices, and you're still feeling pretty awesome. But even bacon can get old if that's all you get, and you'd probably have to be pretty drunk to truly enjoy, say, a pound of bacon between two people.
It was definitely $7 well spent though.
Terrorbird, who set up in front of the stage on the dance floor, opened things up, and were once again, pretty fantastic. Only has a rather bizarre interview with Nikki (vox/keys) up.
Destroyer is at the Commodore on May 31st. Trouble in Dreams has the usual dose of Bejar's wonderful lyricism, but it's also dripping with Nic Bragg's guitar work (much like This Night), so I'm even more amped than usual for this one.
Chris-a-riffic is having a CD release show on February 8th at the Secret Space (down the alley from the emergency room). The next couple of Friday's are busy nights. (thanks Luisa)
Turbonegro are at the Commodore on April 22nd.
Bodies of Water open up the Sons & Daughters show at Richard's on April 4th.
And Collapsing Opposites, gr8-2000, Search Parties, Russian Words, Aaron Read, Stefana Fratila, and Golden Touch are at Hoko's on February 29th.
now playing: Iron Chef America
Labels: show announcements, show recaps, terrorbird, we are wolves
