Thursday, May 05, 2011
psychoholic
There's a ton of stuff going on this weekend (including Damaged Goods on Friday, where Harsh Words plays live and I'll be playing some records), but I wanted to point out Sunday's show at the Waldorf for the culmination of Ladies Rock Camp, the grown up edition of Girls Rock Camp. White Lung and Joyce Collingwood headline a night that features four bands formed during this coming weekend's camp.
I'm always stoked to see White Lung and Joyce Collingwood, but I'm extra excited to see what the camp graduates come up with over the course of three days. There's not even a hockey game on Sunday, so what else are you going to do?
Get more info on Girls Rock Camp Vancouver and spread the word to any aspiring young Mish Way or Grady Mackintoshes out there.
now playing: Tyler, the Creator - AU79
Monday, February 08, 2010
long way home
It was my first time at the El Dorado since they started putting shows on. The stage is only about a foot off the ground (a la Pat's before they raised their's), but the sound was decent, and the beer special was cheap.
It was my first time checking out Black Wizard, who were already half way through some sweet stoner-metal jams when I showed up. By the end of their set I was sort of kicking myself for waltzing in late.
Daniel and Andrea were their usually wonderful selves: loud, fast, and heavy.
White Lung finished things off with a set of mostly new songs that are making me even more excited to hear their forthcoming debut long player. I was worried when they lost their guitarist, but after seeing them a couple of times with Kenny, it seems that everything sounds just fine.
Oh, and in case you haven't noticed, that "Olympics" thing starts on Friday. I was gong to get something together, but got too lazy to wade through the Cultural Olympiad website (for all that money, you think could design a better website). Don't fret though. The Straight's got a calendar of free shows and Discorder has their picks up (from free up to really expensive) in the latest issue, and I'm sure both of them do a better job than I would have. Let that be a lesson to you: if you procrastinate long enough, someone will do the job for you.
Regulars: February 8th-February 14th
Monday
Tuesday
Sailing @ the Astoria: unknown
Wednesday
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back on February 17th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in March
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: off until the Olympics are over
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: back on the 19th
Deadbeatz @ Roy G. Biv: back on February 26th
Good Burger @ Goody: Gang Silence (Gang Violence still don't have a new singer, so they're playing instrumentally)
First Friday @ the El Dorado: back in March
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Sun Wizard and Makeout Videotape
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back later this month? Next month?
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Techromancer and the Zolas
Sunday
Dream Date @ the Astoria: no live act
now playing: Beach House - Take Care
Thursday, January 21, 2010
you explode
New White Lung!
(via Cam)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
jail stripes
Quickly:
- Above you will find the latest installment of Winnie TV, featuring Andrew WK and the Evaporators (who put out a pretty great little split 7" awhile back)
- White Lung debuted with their new guitar player on Saturday at the Astoria and the guy's (yes, guy) is pretty good at replicating their familiar licks. Can't wait to hear their soon-to-be-recorded full length.
- Also, on Saturday, I finally caught Random Cuts, the solo project by Justin from Mutators/Sex Negatives/etc, live. Definitely worth the way and I definitely can't wait to catch him again. I'm willing to confidently proclaim it the best band mostly made up of mannequins ever.
Regulars: October 19th-25th
Monday
Tuesday
Shindig @ the Railway: Weathered Pines, Manta Ray-Gun, and Witch Water
Sailing @ the Astoria: Walter TV
Wednesday
The Beehive @ Honey: Defektors and the New Values
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in the beginning of November
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back on October 28th
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Quiet Kids, All Purpose Voltage Heroes, the High Arctic, and the Planes
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Bravo Juliet
Far Away @ the Media Club: Modern Creatures and Needles & Pins
Good Burger @ Funky Winkerbean's: Dead Ghosts
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Sex With Strangers (CD release)
Night Shift @ the Astoria: Astoria Soul Club is on instead
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Wreck Beach, the Bad Fate, and thee Ahs
Friday, August 07, 2009
magazines
If you think you've go the chops, email the band at whitelungwhitelung [at] gmail.com.
This Sunday, the No More Strangers guys present Mexican Drug Patrol, Witch Water, and Makeout Videotape as part of the weekly "Summer Spaces" shutdown of Commercial Drive (between 1st and Venables).
On August 15th, No Horses, Rose Melberg, The Evaporators, Ora Corgan, and Apollo Ghosts play out front of Zulu as part of 4th Avenue's "Summer of Love Revisited."
Also at Zulu (but inside the store), Jay Reatard performs as part of his string of West Coast in-store dates on August 28th.
Coco Rosie is at the Red Room on September 16th.
Titus Andronicus is at the Biltmore on the same night.
Deer Tick are at the Biltmore on September 25th.
Butthole Surfers are at the Commodore on October 12th.
Shonen Knife are at the Biltmore on October 25th with the Strange Magic.
Broadcast plays the Biltmore on October 30th with Atlas Sound.
now playing: White Lung - Amy White Out
Thursday, July 23, 2009
turkey sandwich
The headliners were pretty great, and since I was sick when they came last with No Age, it was my first time seeing them, but they were shown up a little by White Lung, if you ask me.
The Audacity were sandwiched in between the two and played some fun, good enough, punk tunes. It's nothing that I'd go out of my way to see again, but it wasn't bad either.
Tomorrow, Plus Perfect, the City Streets, and the Falklands play Pat's.
No Bunny, Dead Ghosts, and B-Lines are at Pat's on the 28th.
Fake Sleep makes it's return on July 31st at VIVO. This time around, the night of drone features Freida Abtan, Empty Love, Secret Pyramid, the Robot Rim.
Woolworm, Aunts & Uncles, and T-T-Tracey are doing a free, all-ager at Our Town Cafe on August 2nd. Starts early (7:30pm).
Discorder presents Fine Mist, Role Mach, and Humans on August 5th at the Astoria.
The Frustrations are at Pat's with Defektors and Manic Attracts on the same night.
Adjective, Defektors, Animal Bodies, and Katastroya are at the Rickshaw on August 8th.
Katastroya plays the next night as well. They're at Red x Red (apparently it's a vodka bar?) with Girlfriends & Boyfriends and Sevens Nines & Tens.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
backhouse
Speaking of Music Waste, have you picked up your pass yet?
Speaking of passes, if you're looking for a road trip, Sled Island just added a bunch of acts and released their full roster. Lots of Vancouver representation, along with with lots of non-Vancouver acts to make the trip out to Calgary worth it.
Speaking of Mish (and also Daniel from Nu Sensae and Louise from Blue Violets), check out Shove (their new band). They'll be playing their first show for the next From Blown Speakers curated edition of Damaged Goods on the 19th (along with Healthy Students!). Needless to say, I'm pretty amped.
The Wooden Birds (featuring members of American Analog Set) are at the Media Club tonight. (thanks Jordan)
Falcao & Monashee play a CD release show at Hoko's on June 6th. The Magician and Zombie Pistolero & His Guns support.
Dylan Thomas & Your Vancouver Vipers play the Biltmore on June 17th with Spoon River and Red Cedar.
Dirty Projectors are at Richard's on July 2nd.
Abe Vigoda is at the Media Club on July 31st with Talbot Tagora. (thanks to Jordan for the last two too)
Jon-Rae Fletcher is at the Biltmore on July 13th with Bruce Peninsula.
Destroyer is at the Biltmore on July 17th.
A-Trak is at Richard's on July 22nd.
now playing: Manic Street Preachers - Me and Stephen Hawking
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
double nelson or my face
I got there just in time to catch Womankind. They were noisy, with lots of low end (there were two bass players), and as Mark noted a few months back, people have made comparisons to the Jesus Lizard, which are pretty apt. I'm stoked to check them out again.
Robe & Allied closed out the live portion of the evening with their last show. Think of the same vein as Womankind, but with less going on (though, less is sometimes more). Glad I could catch them, though I'm sure the guys will have other ventures ready to go soon.
The DJ'd music, courtesy Tyler Fedchuk and Anne-Marie from White Lung, was an awesome mix that was mostly dominated by classic punk. There are tons of regular DJ/live music night combos right now, and after one visit, this one might be my favourite.
Last night, I made it down to the Cobalt for Boosh Tuesday, getting there just in time to catch the last bit of Juvenile Hall. They're three women who play no-nonsense, old school punk (think older Bratmobile with a little less Riot Grrl and a little more Ramones)
Nu Sensae were up next. I haven't seen Andrea and Daniel play in awhile, so it was even better than usual to catch their set.
White Lung closed things out. They're one of my favourite... I was going to say "local bands," but it's probably just favourite bands, period. At any rate, they killed it, as per usual.
Speaking of White Lung and Nu Sensae, they're playing the Biltmore on July 22nd, opening for Mika Miko.
This Friday, Bend Sinister and the Good News play a fundraiser for the forthcoming Olio Festival. Bronx Cheer and Man Hussy perform before the bands and the Glory Days DJs spin between sets.
The next night, Acts of Sedition, Hermetic, Staring Problem, and Dichotomy play an all-ager at the APC space (Main @ Pender).
Plus Perfect play the Met... I mean, Metropole, on May 17th with the City Streets, and Eamon McGrath.
Child Bite play the Cobalt on May 18th with Hard Feelings and Sick.
On May 19th, Needles & Pins play their first show at Boosh Tuesday at the Cobalt. It's also Boosh organizer, MJ's birthday and a by-donation fundraiser for Girls Rock Camp Vancouver, "a non-profit society that builds self esteem in female youth through music creation and performance."
Grouper plays an instore at Zulu on May 24th, ahead of her opening stint for Animal Collective that night.
South Rakkas Crew are at the Modern on May 29th.
Patrick Wolf is at Richard's on June 6th.
Crystal Antlers are at the Biltmore on June 15th.
Cut Off Your Hands are at the Media Club on June 22nd.
Major Lazer (aka Diplo and Switch) are at the Commodore on June 24th.
Bert Jansch is at Richard's on July 3rd.
Bonobo is at Richard's on July 20th.
And finally, the Mt. Eerie show scheduled for May 30th is now on June 5th, due to a scheduling mix-up. It's still at St. James Hall.
now playing: Tyrades - Incinerated
Monday, June 16, 2008
don't panic
I was going to start off by saying that the Emergency Room Compilation, Vol. 1 is the most important collection of local underground music since "X"... but I can't really think of another truly notable document of Vancouver music other than this one that sort of slipped under the radar a few years ago (and that one included some acts that had very deservedly become relatively well known already).
While it's certainly not exhaustive, the LP is a snapshot of some of the most exciting things going on musically in this city that, largely, have yet to be noticed outside of the Lower Mainland. Plus, it shines a light on the locale that doesn't just serve as your primary place to see these bands play, but also as a practice space/recording studio/and hangout for many of the artists involved.
It's also one of my favourite places to see a show.
On Saturday, the eight bands on the comp all played the DIY space to celebrate the record's release.
I actually thought I was going to be late, but in typical ER fashion, despite the lengthy bill, Nu Sensae was just getting ready to go on when I arrived at midnight. The place was packed, so I didn't snap any pics of them (or that many in general), but my "photography" leaves much to be desired anyhow.
Daniel and Andrea were awesome, as per usual.
Petroleum By-Products were up next, but I actually missed them, when I stepped out for a bit (everyone played pretty short sets, due to the number of bands).
This was second time that I've seen Vapid, and while I thought they were pretty good the first time, I wasn't dying to see them again. They were great on Saturday though, and I'm looking forward to checking them out again soon now.
Sick Buildings were amazing. I'm bummed that I missed them at Wolf Eyes, as their "set" was completely different at Pat's (it involved eight people amongst the crowd blowing on rape whistles while Josh Rose fired sampled whistles back at them).
I knew Josh ran Run Down Sun, but beyond that, I only recognized him as the very polite, soft spoken guy at Zulu, so it was a bit of a surprise to see him looking rather surly on stage and then spitting out, "I call myself Sick Buildlings... this is the last harsh noise set I'm going to do, so consider yourselves lucky."
And then he did what was, quite frankly, the most "punk rock" thing that you could do at a noisy, avant garde, punk rock show, and jumped into a monologue about a plane ride, keeping things going long enough to illicit a fair amount of groans, calls of "you suck," and "play some fucking music," before leaving the story hanging with "and then she said..." and launching into the sickest, nastiest sounding "music" I've heard in ages. The contrast made the latter half of the performance sound even more powerful.
I sincerely hope that the "last harsh noise set" admission was just stage banter, and if not, I hope he reconsiders. If you're a fan of this type of thing, and you see "Sick Buildings" on a show poster, do yourself a favour and get your ass to wherever Josh is playing.
White Lung were nothing out of the ordinary for them, meaning they were great. Hopefully, we get some more recorded output out of them soon, because the songs seem to be coming at a fairly rapid clip.
Twin Crystals continue to get better every time I see them, and considering that they started out pretty goddamn good, that's saying quite a bit. They sounded amazing and Jesse was full of energy to the point where I thought he might knock out a ceiling panel or two with his guitar.
You probably know what I'm going ot say about Mutators, so I'll leave it at that (it was 4am already, so I bailed before Defektors).
But here's a Mutators update. Their was a mastering problem with their full-length, so the 28th won't be an LP release party. It will be a tour fundraiser though. So go down and check out one of Vancouver's best bands before they head out on tour for the rest of the Summer.
Oh, and if you didn't pick up a copy on Saturday, you can get your hands on the ER comp at Scratch (and I presume also Zulu and RedCat) now.
This Friday, Octoberman, Katie Stelmanis, and Chris-a-riffic are at Grace Gallery. This show was originally scheduled for Astoria, as you may or may not recall. And it's worth noting, since galleries usually don't have such restrictions, that this one is licensed and therefore 19+. Sorry kids.
This Saturday, DD/MM/YYYY are at the Cobalt with JPNDRDS, No Gold, and the SSRIs.
Also this Saturday, Basketball plays a Saturday edition of Friendship at the Astoria.
Forest City Lovers are at Little Mountain Studios with Aaron Beckum on June 26th.
And last, but definitely not least (not even close), Spiritualized are at the Commodore on September 13th. Tix are on sale Friday at 10am. Shit yes! (thanks Brian)
now playing: My Bloody Valentine - live in London, 06-18-2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
get off the internet
I was kind of busy, hence no internerding...
On Thursday, I made it down to the Unicorn to catch Secret Mommy headlining Technotown Boogiedown. They were great as usual.
Montag opened up. And while, I was pretty impressed with the recorded material that I've heard by him, I was thinking that he'd be a little too low key for the evening. He was low key, but he was also very good. Pleasant surprise of the evening for sure.
Although, with that said, Colby Sparks was also a pretty pleasant surprise. He was the most traditional fit on the bill of a monthly electronic showcase, and his stuff sort of reminded me of Atari Teenage Riot, minus the political sloganeering.
The next morning, I woke up hungover and hit the I5 down to Seattle (while miraculously avoiding the reported 3 hour border waits) to see the Boredoms. To put it succinctly, they blew my mind. No pics, since I forgot my camera and since they also didn't allow any in the venue, which is a shame, because they had some ridiculously awesome contraptions (not to mention 3[!] drummers up on stage with them). If you get the chance, go see them, even if it's a bit of a trek.
On Saturday, I was back home and sort of exhausted, but I made it to the Peanut Gallery to catch White Lung's return to the stage (or in this case, art space floor). They seemed a touch rusty, but it was still a nice homecoming. Plus, a rusty White Lung is still better than a practiced anybody - or, at least, almost anybody - in my books.
Vapid opened up. It was actually my first time seeing them, which is surprising. Good stuff. I'd want to check them out again before forming a proper opinion though.
Sunday saw the Fake Shark-Real Zombie CD release show at No Tofu. I'd only ever been there for events that didn't involve live bands. The space is a bit weird for a show, but the band were their usual entertaining selves. Their formerly Japan-only debut, Zebra! Zebra! is available at HMVs across canada for $11 right now. That, my friends, is a steal.
I spent the rest of my (extra) long weekend in Victoria with my friend Neil and the DNGROUS ADDRESS ladies (whose videos you might recognize from various shows/dance parties), but none of that really relates to here.
As mentioned, a whole bunch of show announcements tomorrow, and I'll clean up the sidebar as well. In the meantime, book off work and start planning a trip to Calgary for Sled Island. Wire, the RZA, and Jonathan Richman (among many others)? Yes, please.
Friday, March 14, 2008
breaking boxes
There goes my Saturday plans.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
don't go to the clinic without me
Cheerleader Camp played second. Their stuff was a nice mix of thrashy guitars and no-wave keys, and while they didn't blow my mind, I'd definitely see them again. It sort of seemed like Jesse's (from Channels 3X4/Twin Crystals) keyboard parts were inadvertently stealing the show though.
It probably speaks to my general level of ignorance, but I had no idea that White Lung was an actual medical condition. That really has nothing to do with the band's performance last night, but I don't know what I can say about White Lung other than: go see them now! They're playing the Vic Square Block Party (for free!) on Monday, and then they'll be on hiatus until the new year while singer, Mish, is overseas. Before last night, it had been awhile since I'd seen them last, and I'm a little down that I can't make the Block Party this year to seem them again (and in general about the Block Party). Check the interview they did with Only.
Canaries closed out the evening (Suspiria didn't end up playing), and they weren't bad. Although, they weren't as good as they thought they were either. Conceptually they were pretty awesome. If someone told me about a band with complimentary guy/girl vocals, dance synths, and punk drums, I'd be sold. Again, they weren't bad, they just weren't as good as they maybe could've been.
Unrelated, but apparently the last STREETS (note: no "the") is out this month on vinyl. Killer.
now playing: Wu-Tang Clan feat. Isaac Hayes - I Can't Go to Sleep
psychoholic
There's a ton of stuff going on this weekend (including Damaged Goods on Friday, where Harsh Words plays live and I'll be playing some records), but I wanted to point out Sunday's show at the Waldorf for the culmination of Ladies Rock Camp, the grown up edition of Girls Rock Camp. White Lung and Joyce Collingwood headline a night that features four bands formed during this coming weekend's camp.
I'm always stoked to see White Lung and Joyce Collingwood, but I'm extra excited to see what the camp graduates come up with over the course of three days. There's not even a hockey game on Sunday, so what else are you going to do?
Get more info on Girls Rock Camp Vancouver and spread the word to any aspiring young Mish Way or Grady Mackintoshes out there.
now playing: Tyler, the Creator - AU79
Labels: girls rock camp, joyce collingwood, white lung
Monday, February 08, 2010
long way home
I made it down to First Friday at the El Dorado to catch White Lung, Nu Sensae, and Black Wizard.
It was my first time at the El Dorado since they started putting shows on. The stage is only about a foot off the ground (a la Pat's before they raised their's), but the sound was decent, and the beer special was cheap.
It was my first time checking out Black Wizard, who were already half way through some sweet stoner-metal jams when I showed up. By the end of their set I was sort of kicking myself for waltzing in late.
Daniel and Andrea were their usually wonderful selves: loud, fast, and heavy.
White Lung finished things off with a set of mostly new songs that are making me even more excited to hear their forthcoming debut long player. I was worried when they lost their guitarist, but after seeing them a couple of times with Kenny, it seems that everything sounds just fine.
Oh, and in case you haven't noticed, that "Olympics" thing starts on Friday. I was gong to get something together, but got too lazy to wade through the Cultural Olympiad website (for all that money, you think could design a better website). Don't fret though. The Straight's got a calendar of free shows and Discorder has their picks up (from free up to really expensive) in the latest issue, and I'm sure both of them do a better job than I would have. Let that be a lesson to you: if you procrastinate long enough, someone will do the job for you.
Regulars: February 8th-February 14th
Monday
Tuesday
Sailing @ the Astoria: unknown
Wednesday
Rock N Roll Pizza Party @ the Biltmore: back on February 17th
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in March
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: off until the Olympics are over
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: back on the 19th
Deadbeatz @ Roy G. Biv: back on February 26th
Good Burger @ Goody: Gang Silence (Gang Violence still don't have a new singer, so they're playing instrumentally)
First Friday @ the El Dorado: back in March
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Sun Wizard and Makeout Videotape
Night Shift @ the Astoria: back later this month? Next month?
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Techromancer and the Zolas
Sunday
Dream Date @ the Astoria: no live act
now playing: Beach House - Take Care
Labels: black wizard, nu sensae, olympics, show recaps, weekly listings, white lung
Thursday, January 21, 2010
you explode
White Lung - Atlanta from Ryan D. Anderson on Vimeo.
New White Lung!
(via Cam)
Labels: white lung
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
jail stripes
Quickly:
- Above you will find the latest installment of Winnie TV, featuring Andrew WK and the Evaporators (who put out a pretty great little split 7" awhile back)
- White Lung debuted with their new guitar player on Saturday at the Astoria and the guy's (yes, guy) is pretty good at replicating their familiar licks. Can't wait to hear their soon-to-be-recorded full length.
- Also, on Saturday, I finally caught Random Cuts, the solo project by Justin from Mutators/Sex Negatives/etc, live. Definitely worth the way and I definitely can't wait to catch him again. I'm willing to confidently proclaim it the best band mostly made up of mannequins ever.
Regulars: October 19th-25th
Monday
Tuesday
Shindig @ the Railway: Weathered Pines, Manta Ray-Gun, and Witch Water
Sailing @ the Astoria: Walter TV
Wednesday
The Beehive @ Honey: Defektors and the New Values
Discorder Presents... @ the Astoria: back in the beginning of November
Gypsy Fade Wednesday @ the Media Club: back on October 28th
Thursday
Honey Lung Thursday @ Honey: Quiet Kids, All Purpose Voltage Heroes, the High Arctic, and the Planes
Blastramp @ the Bourbon: no live act
Friday
Damaged Goods @ the Astoria: Bravo Juliet
Far Away @ the Media Club: Modern Creatures and Needles & Pins
Good Burger @ Funky Winkerbean's: Dead Ghosts
Saturday
Glory Days @ the Biltmore: Sex With Strangers (CD release)
Night Shift @ the Astoria: Astoria Soul Club is on instead
No More Strangers @ Funky Winkerbean's: Wreck Beach, the Bad Fate, and thee Ahs
Labels: lazy show recaps, random cuts, show announcements, white lung
Friday, August 07, 2009
magazines
White Lung is in need of a new guitarist. They've got studio time booked and are writing a new album (which shot to the top of my anticipated albums list as soon as Mish mentioned it) and they're set to head out with Nu Sensae for a winter tour.
If you think you've go the chops, email the band at whitelungwhitelung [at] gmail.com.
This Sunday, the No More Strangers guys present Mexican Drug Patrol, Witch Water, and Makeout Videotape as part of the weekly "Summer Spaces" shutdown of Commercial Drive (between 1st and Venables).
On August 15th, No Horses, Rose Melberg, The Evaporators, Ora Corgan, and Apollo Ghosts play out front of Zulu as part of 4th Avenue's "Summer of Love Revisited."
Also at Zulu (but inside the store), Jay Reatard performs as part of his string of West Coast in-store dates on August 28th.
Coco Rosie is at the Red Room on September 16th.
Titus Andronicus is at the Biltmore on the same night.
Deer Tick are at the Biltmore on September 25th.
Butthole Surfers are at the Commodore on October 12th.
Shonen Knife are at the Biltmore on October 25th with the Strange Magic.
Broadcast plays the Biltmore on October 30th with Atlas Sound.
now playing: White Lung - Amy White Out
Labels: show announcements, white lung
Thursday, July 23, 2009
turkey sandwich
I was at the Biltmore last night to catch Mika Miko, making it down a little too late to see Nu Sensae, unfortunately (I was finishing a speech for a wedding this weekend).
The headliners were pretty great, and since I was sick when they came last with No Age, it was my first time seeing them, but they were shown up a little by White Lung, if you ask me.
The Audacity were sandwiched in between the two and played some fun, good enough, punk tunes. It's nothing that I'd go out of my way to see again, but it wasn't bad either.
Tomorrow, Plus Perfect, the City Streets, and the Falklands play Pat's.
No Bunny, Dead Ghosts, and B-Lines are at Pat's on the 28th.
Fake Sleep makes it's return on July 31st at VIVO. This time around, the night of drone features Freida Abtan, Empty Love, Secret Pyramid, the Robot Rim.
Woolworm, Aunts & Uncles, and T-T-Tracey are doing a free, all-ager at Our Town Cafe on August 2nd. Starts early (7:30pm).
Discorder presents Fine Mist, Role Mach, and Humans on August 5th at the Astoria.
The Frustrations are at Pat's with Defektors and Manic Attracts on the same night.
Adjective, Defektors, Animal Bodies, and Katastroya are at the Rickshaw on August 8th.
Katastroya plays the next night as well. They're at Red x Red (apparently it's a vodka bar?) with Girlfriends & Boyfriends and Sevens Nines & Tens.
Labels: mika miko, show announcements, show recaps, the audacity, white lung
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
backhouse
This weekend, the only live music that I caught was White Lung at Glory Days at the Biltmore. They were great, as usual, and the only out of the ordinary part of their set was when a drunk girl jumped on stage and attempted to dance with Mish, who was laughing so hard she had trouble singing for awhile. Catch them, perhaps once again with unscheduled visual accompaniment, at Music Waste next week.
Speaking of Music Waste, have you picked up your pass yet?
Speaking of passes, if you're looking for a road trip, Sled Island just added a bunch of acts and released their full roster. Lots of Vancouver representation, along with with lots of non-Vancouver acts to make the trip out to Calgary worth it.
Speaking of Mish (and also Daniel from Nu Sensae and Louise from Blue Violets), check out Shove (their new band). They'll be playing their first show for the next From Blown Speakers curated edition of Damaged Goods on the 19th (along with Healthy Students!). Needless to say, I'm pretty amped.
The Wooden Birds (featuring members of American Analog Set) are at the Media Club tonight. (thanks Jordan)
Falcao & Monashee play a CD release show at Hoko's on June 6th. The Magician and Zombie Pistolero & His Guns support.
Dylan Thomas & Your Vancouver Vipers play the Biltmore on June 17th with Spoon River and Red Cedar.
Dirty Projectors are at Richard's on July 2nd.
Abe Vigoda is at the Media Club on July 31st with Talbot Tagora. (thanks to Jordan for the last two too)
Jon-Rae Fletcher is at the Biltmore on July 13th with Bruce Peninsula.
Destroyer is at the Biltmore on July 17th.
A-Trak is at Richard's on July 22nd.
now playing: Manic Street Preachers - Me and Stephen Hawking
Labels: show announcements, show recaps, white lung
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
double nelson or my face
On Saturday, I finally made it down to the Astoria for Night Shift. The "punk rock party" has been going on every second week since April (and it's now weekly), but this was my first visit. And it was a good one.
I got there just in time to catch Womankind. They were noisy, with lots of low end (there were two bass players), and as Mark noted a few months back, people have made comparisons to the Jesus Lizard, which are pretty apt. I'm stoked to check them out again.
Robe & Allied closed out the live portion of the evening with their last show. Think of the same vein as Womankind, but with less going on (though, less is sometimes more). Glad I could catch them, though I'm sure the guys will have other ventures ready to go soon.
The DJ'd music, courtesy Tyler Fedchuk and Anne-Marie from White Lung, was an awesome mix that was mostly dominated by classic punk. There are tons of regular DJ/live music night combos right now, and after one visit, this one might be my favourite.
Last night, I made it down to the Cobalt for Boosh Tuesday, getting there just in time to catch the last bit of Juvenile Hall. They're three women who play no-nonsense, old school punk (think older Bratmobile with a little less Riot Grrl and a little more Ramones)
Nu Sensae were up next. I haven't seen Andrea and Daniel play in awhile, so it was even better than usual to catch their set.
White Lung closed things out. They're one of my favourite... I was going to say "local bands," but it's probably just favourite bands, period. At any rate, they killed it, as per usual.
Speaking of White Lung and Nu Sensae, they're playing the Biltmore on July 22nd, opening for Mika Miko.
This Friday, Bend Sinister and the Good News play a fundraiser for the forthcoming Olio Festival. Bronx Cheer and Man Hussy perform before the bands and the Glory Days DJs spin between sets.
The next night, Acts of Sedition, Hermetic, Staring Problem, and Dichotomy play an all-ager at the APC space (Main @ Pender).
Plus Perfect play the Met... I mean, Metropole, on May 17th with the City Streets, and Eamon McGrath.
Child Bite play the Cobalt on May 18th with Hard Feelings and Sick.
On May 19th, Needles & Pins play their first show at Boosh Tuesday at the Cobalt. It's also Boosh organizer, MJ's birthday and a by-donation fundraiser for Girls Rock Camp Vancouver, "a non-profit society that builds self esteem in female youth through music creation and performance."
Grouper plays an instore at Zulu on May 24th, ahead of her opening stint for Animal Collective that night.
South Rakkas Crew are at the Modern on May 29th.
Patrick Wolf is at Richard's on June 6th.
Crystal Antlers are at the Biltmore on June 15th.
Cut Off Your Hands are at the Media Club on June 22nd.
Major Lazer (aka Diplo and Switch) are at the Commodore on June 24th.
Bert Jansch is at Richard's on July 3rd.
Bonobo is at Richard's on July 20th.
And finally, the Mt. Eerie show scheduled for May 30th is now on June 5th, due to a scheduling mix-up. It's still at St. James Hall.
now playing: Tyrades - Incinerated
Labels: juvenile hall, nu sensae, robe and allied, show announcements, show recaps, white lung, womankind
Monday, June 16, 2008
don't panic
I was going to start off by saying that the Emergency Room Compilation, Vol. 1 is the most important collection of local underground music since "X"... but I can't really think of another truly notable document of Vancouver music other than this one that sort of slipped under the radar a few years ago (and that one included some acts that had very deservedly become relatively well known already).
While it's certainly not exhaustive, the LP is a snapshot of some of the most exciting things going on musically in this city that, largely, have yet to be noticed outside of the Lower Mainland. Plus, it shines a light on the locale that doesn't just serve as your primary place to see these bands play, but also as a practice space/recording studio/and hangout for many of the artists involved.
It's also one of my favourite places to see a show.
On Saturday, the eight bands on the comp all played the DIY space to celebrate the record's release.
I actually thought I was going to be late, but in typical ER fashion, despite the lengthy bill, Nu Sensae was just getting ready to go on when I arrived at midnight. The place was packed, so I didn't snap any pics of them (or that many in general), but my "photography" leaves much to be desired anyhow.
Daniel and Andrea were awesome, as per usual.
Petroleum By-Products were up next, but I actually missed them, when I stepped out for a bit (everyone played pretty short sets, due to the number of bands).
This was second time that I've seen Vapid, and while I thought they were pretty good the first time, I wasn't dying to see them again. They were great on Saturday though, and I'm looking forward to checking them out again soon now.
Sick Buildings were amazing. I'm bummed that I missed them at Wolf Eyes, as their "set" was completely different at Pat's (it involved eight people amongst the crowd blowing on rape whistles while Josh Rose fired sampled whistles back at them).
I knew Josh ran Run Down Sun, but beyond that, I only recognized him as the very polite, soft spoken guy at Zulu, so it was a bit of a surprise to see him looking rather surly on stage and then spitting out, "I call myself Sick Buildlings... this is the last harsh noise set I'm going to do, so consider yourselves lucky."
And then he did what was, quite frankly, the most "punk rock" thing that you could do at a noisy, avant garde, punk rock show, and jumped into a monologue about a plane ride, keeping things going long enough to illicit a fair amount of groans, calls of "you suck," and "play some fucking music," before leaving the story hanging with "and then she said..." and launching into the sickest, nastiest sounding "music" I've heard in ages. The contrast made the latter half of the performance sound even more powerful.
I sincerely hope that the "last harsh noise set" admission was just stage banter, and if not, I hope he reconsiders. If you're a fan of this type of thing, and you see "Sick Buildings" on a show poster, do yourself a favour and get your ass to wherever Josh is playing.
White Lung were nothing out of the ordinary for them, meaning they were great. Hopefully, we get some more recorded output out of them soon, because the songs seem to be coming at a fairly rapid clip.
Twin Crystals continue to get better every time I see them, and considering that they started out pretty goddamn good, that's saying quite a bit. They sounded amazing and Jesse was full of energy to the point where I thought he might knock out a ceiling panel or two with his guitar.
You probably know what I'm going ot say about Mutators, so I'll leave it at that (it was 4am already, so I bailed before Defektors).
But here's a Mutators update. Their was a mastering problem with their full-length, so the 28th won't be an LP release party. It will be a tour fundraiser though. So go down and check out one of Vancouver's best bands before they head out on tour for the rest of the Summer.
Oh, and if you didn't pick up a copy on Saturday, you can get your hands on the ER comp at Scratch (and I presume also Zulu and RedCat) now.
This Friday, Octoberman, Katie Stelmanis, and Chris-a-riffic are at Grace Gallery. This show was originally scheduled for Astoria, as you may or may not recall. And it's worth noting, since galleries usually don't have such restrictions, that this one is licensed and therefore 19+. Sorry kids.
This Saturday, DD/MM/YYYY are at the Cobalt with JPNDRDS, No Gold, and the SSRIs.
Also this Saturday, Basketball plays a Saturday edition of Friendship at the Astoria.
Forest City Lovers are at Little Mountain Studios with Aaron Beckum on June 26th.
And last, but definitely not least (not even close), Spiritualized are at the Commodore on September 13th. Tix are on sale Friday at 10am. Shit yes! (thanks Brian)
now playing: My Bloody Valentine - live in London, 06-18-2008
Labels: mutators, nu sensae, petroleum by-products, show announcements, show recaps, sick buildings, the emergency room, twin crystals, vapid, white lung
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
get off the internet
A bunch of shows got announced, but I think I'll just stick with recapping the weekend for now, ok? Ok.
I was kind of busy, hence no internerding...
On Thursday, I made it down to the Unicorn to catch Secret Mommy headlining Technotown Boogiedown. They were great as usual.
Montag opened up. And while, I was pretty impressed with the recorded material that I've heard by him, I was thinking that he'd be a little too low key for the evening. He was low key, but he was also very good. Pleasant surprise of the evening for sure.
Although, with that said, Colby Sparks was also a pretty pleasant surprise. He was the most traditional fit on the bill of a monthly electronic showcase, and his stuff sort of reminded me of Atari Teenage Riot, minus the political sloganeering.
The next morning, I woke up hungover and hit the I5 down to Seattle (while miraculously avoiding the reported 3 hour border waits) to see the Boredoms. To put it succinctly, they blew my mind. No pics, since I forgot my camera and since they also didn't allow any in the venue, which is a shame, because they had some ridiculously awesome contraptions (not to mention 3[!] drummers up on stage with them). If you get the chance, go see them, even if it's a bit of a trek.
On Saturday, I was back home and sort of exhausted, but I made it to the Peanut Gallery to catch White Lung's return to the stage (or in this case, art space floor). They seemed a touch rusty, but it was still a nice homecoming. Plus, a rusty White Lung is still better than a practiced anybody - or, at least, almost anybody - in my books.
Vapid opened up. It was actually my first time seeing them, which is surprising. Good stuff. I'd want to check them out again before forming a proper opinion though.
Sunday saw the Fake Shark-Real Zombie CD release show at No Tofu. I'd only ever been there for events that didn't involve live bands. The space is a bit weird for a show, but the band were their usual entertaining selves. Their formerly Japan-only debut, Zebra! Zebra! is available at HMVs across canada for $11 right now. That, my friends, is a steal.
I spent the rest of my (extra) long weekend in Victoria with my friend Neil and the DNGROUS ADDRESS ladies (whose videos you might recognize from various shows/dance parties), but none of that really relates to here.
As mentioned, a whole bunch of show announcements tomorrow, and I'll clean up the sidebar as well. In the meantime, book off work and start planning a trip to Calgary for Sled Island. Wire, the RZA, and Jonathan Richman (among many others)? Yes, please.
Labels: better than loneliness, boredoms, colby sparks, fake shark real zombie, montag, secret mommy, show recaps, vapid, white lung
Friday, March 14, 2008
breaking boxes
Unfortunately, due to illness, tomorrow's White Lung homecoming show is canceled.
There goes my Saturday plans.
Labels: white lung
Saturday, September 01, 2007
don't go to the clinic without me
I made it down to the Cobalt last night in time to catch Fake Shark-Real Zombie's last three tunes. My friend Tristan told me that Malcolm and Parker (drums and bass, respectively) were lending their talents to Curtis Santiago later in the evening evening, so that might explain their early set time. Crowd was a bit sparse, but as per usual, the band played like they were rocking it at Red Rocks or something.
Cheerleader Camp played second. Their stuff was a nice mix of thrashy guitars and no-wave keys, and while they didn't blow my mind, I'd definitely see them again. It sort of seemed like Jesse's (from Channels 3X4/Twin Crystals) keyboard parts were inadvertently stealing the show though.
It probably speaks to my general level of ignorance, but I had no idea that White Lung was an actual medical condition. That really has nothing to do with the band's performance last night, but I don't know what I can say about White Lung other than: go see them now! They're playing the Vic Square Block Party (for free!) on Monday, and then they'll be on hiatus until the new year while singer, Mish, is overseas. Before last night, it had been awhile since I'd seen them last, and I'm a little down that I can't make the Block Party this year to seem them again (and in general about the Block Party). Check the interview they did with Only.
Canaries closed out the evening (Suspiria didn't end up playing), and they weren't bad. Although, they weren't as good as they thought they were either. Conceptually they were pretty awesome. If someone told me about a band with complimentary guy/girl vocals, dance synths, and punk drums, I'd be sold. Again, they weren't bad, they just weren't as good as they maybe could've been.
Unrelated, but apparently the last STREETS (note: no "the") is out this month on vinyl. Killer.
now playing: Wu-Tang Clan feat. Isaac Hayes - I Can't Go to Sleep
Labels: canaries, cheerleader camp, fake shark real zombie, show recaps, white lung
