Alabama Shakes + Quiet Life
Media Club
January 29th, 2012
Soul vocals, blues rock, amazing ambiance, receptive audience.
Did I mention soul vocals?
Rockabilly sounds that should be mandatory for everyone.
It's educative. It cleanses the soul.
I was blown away by their performance and the sold out crowd showed their appreciation for the blues band.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Deaf From Above 1979
Death From Above 1979
Commodore Ballroom
November 21, 2011
Sebastien Grainger and Jesse F. Keeler make up DFA 1979, a notorious Canadian dance/punk, noise rock duo. They disbanded in 2006 but reunited for a long awaited North American tour. Selling out two shows at The Commodore Ballroom, the excitement in the venue was pulsating.
Distorted bass, reverberating synths, clashing drums and screaming vocals together created a huge wall of deafening sound.
This was by far the loudest show I had ever been to. It added to the incredible anticipation of seeing them for the first time.
They came onto stage and blew through their set playing audience favourites.
The crowd exploded into a frenzy and danced, pushed and shoved to the sounds of DFA 1979.
It was a memorable show, if anything, my ears still resonate their sound after all these weeks.
Commodore Ballroom
November 21, 2011
Sebastien Grainger and Jesse F. Keeler make up DFA 1979, a notorious Canadian dance/punk, noise rock duo. They disbanded in 2006 but reunited for a long awaited North American tour. Selling out two shows at The Commodore Ballroom, the excitement in the venue was pulsating.
Distorted bass, reverberating synths, clashing drums and screaming vocals together created a huge wall of deafening sound.
This was by far the loudest show I had ever been to. It added to the incredible anticipation of seeing them for the first time.
They came onto stage and blew through their set playing audience favourites.
The crowd exploded into a frenzy and danced, pushed and shoved to the sounds of DFA 1979.
It was a memorable show, if anything, my ears still resonate their sound after all these weeks.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Grimes + Myths @ Electric Owl
Grimes
Guest: MYTHS
Electric Owl
November 17th, 2011
Show 9:45 - 11:45pm
The hype about the opening act hadn't prepared me for what I was about to witness. Myths are comprised of two Vancouver-born female vocalists -- and the night began when the curtains were drawn back to show the two mysterious and taunting performers draped in DIY white dresses, which were splattered with florescent paint.
With their siren-like vocals they screamed white noise into their reverberating microphones with static-like and electronic backing instrumentals and moved like incredibly twisted swans. They electrified the audience and sent some of us into spastic dance. Their sound is unique and eclectic. It takes a particular type of music listener to be drawn into their experimental world, but it isn't hard to appreciate the intentional drift from the familiar song structures of verse and chorus. Disregarding some technical difficulties the show continued onwards with their interchanging war cries and vocal sounds.
Throughout the set their singing and uninhibited interpretive dance became enthralling and they slowly but surely cast their spell on all of us.
MYTHS - Prism Portraits
GRIMES finally graced the stage with her adorable presence at around 11 and here began the night we've all been waiting for. Her contagious ethereal sounds, childlike and quirky voice was what drew us all in. Dressed to set the mood, she donned a lime green leopard patterned robe which countered her all black ensemble and combat boots. Upon drawing back the curtains herself she introduced her personal interpretative dancer Jeff (?) (a well dressed hipster) who slowly but surely worked up a sweat bending and twisting his body into contorted shapes along with the sounds of Grimes, -- he danced with such intensity that his eyes could have bore holes into you.
Oblivion, Genesis and Vanessa threw the audience into a fury of dance. Body rolling, feet shuffling, hand raving and head bopping all carried the night along. Between songs she informed us it was her second time headlining her own show (after opening for the likes of Lykke Li and Austra) and so her set was short and a little disorganized but she would try to play one more song until the night would eventually end. Closing the set with a new song Claire Boucher performed with excited enthusiasm and wrapped up her 45 minute set.
What added to the show were the female (and male) audience members dancing onstage alongside Grimes, it was like we were invited to special house party. The show would have ended on a high note if it wasn't for one particularly drunk girl who felt the need to take the microphone and share that someone she knew had overdosed on Oxycontin just a year ago. It was not a good time for her sentiments, it was an awkward nightmare -- one where you just couldn't tear your eyes away from.
Disregarding this, Grimes ultimately stole the show with her eerie sounding vocals, who also kicked off her shoes early on in the set which pissed her off and unraveled her pinned braided pigtails. We all let our hair down and danced until all we saw were the blur of stage lights and heard nothing but the music of Grimes echoing in our ears.
** If you missed this show, don't worry, Grimes now calls Vancouver home and is scheduled to play at Fortune Sound on February 19th of next year.
Guest: MYTHS
Electric Owl
November 17th, 2011
Show 9:45 - 11:45pm
The hype about the opening act hadn't prepared me for what I was about to witness. Myths are comprised of two Vancouver-born female vocalists -- and the night began when the curtains were drawn back to show the two mysterious and taunting performers draped in DIY white dresses, which were splattered with florescent paint.
With their siren-like vocals they screamed white noise into their reverberating microphones with static-like and electronic backing instrumentals and moved like incredibly twisted swans. They electrified the audience and sent some of us into spastic dance. Their sound is unique and eclectic. It takes a particular type of music listener to be drawn into their experimental world, but it isn't hard to appreciate the intentional drift from the familiar song structures of verse and chorus. Disregarding some technical difficulties the show continued onwards with their interchanging war cries and vocal sounds.
Throughout the set their singing and uninhibited interpretive dance became enthralling and they slowly but surely cast their spell on all of us.
MYTHS - Prism Portraits
GRIMES finally graced the stage with her adorable presence at around 11 and here began the night we've all been waiting for. Her contagious ethereal sounds, childlike and quirky voice was what drew us all in. Dressed to set the mood, she donned a lime green leopard patterned robe which countered her all black ensemble and combat boots. Upon drawing back the curtains herself she introduced her personal interpretative dancer Jeff (?) (a well dressed hipster) who slowly but surely worked up a sweat bending and twisting his body into contorted shapes along with the sounds of Grimes, -- he danced with such intensity that his eyes could have bore holes into you.
Oblivion, Genesis and Vanessa threw the audience into a fury of dance. Body rolling, feet shuffling, hand raving and head bopping all carried the night along. Between songs she informed us it was her second time headlining her own show (after opening for the likes of Lykke Li and Austra) and so her set was short and a little disorganized but she would try to play one more song until the night would eventually end. Closing the set with a new song Claire Boucher performed with excited enthusiasm and wrapped up her 45 minute set.
What added to the show were the female (and male) audience members dancing onstage alongside Grimes, it was like we were invited to special house party. The show would have ended on a high note if it wasn't for one particularly drunk girl who felt the need to take the microphone and share that someone she knew had overdosed on Oxycontin just a year ago. It was not a good time for her sentiments, it was an awkward nightmare -- one where you just couldn't tear your eyes away from.
Disregarding this, Grimes ultimately stole the show with her eerie sounding vocals, who also kicked off her shoes early on in the set which pissed her off and unraveled her pinned braided pigtails. We all let our hair down and danced until all we saw were the blur of stage lights and heard nothing but the music of Grimes echoing in our ears.
** If you missed this show, don't worry, Grimes now calls Vancouver home and is scheduled to play at Fortune Sound on February 19th of next year.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Lost in a Genesis.
Austra - Lose It
I thought the album recording of 'Lose It' was phenomenal.
I didn't expect Katie Stelmanis to sound this good live.
It makes me want to see them at Electric Owl this Wednesday Nov, 16th.
But it's SOLD OUT, and a little birdie told me that they will absolutely be touring again next year at a bigger venue.
I also hear that that there are assholes reselling Austra tickets on Craigslist for $70. (It's a shame the ticket will go to waste.)
Decisions, decisions.
------------------
On the other hand though, I did buy a ticket to Grimes for her show on the 17th at Electric Owl.
Maybe seeing Claire Boucher live will make up for perhaps missing Austra's show.
Grimes - Genesis
I read in recent concert reviews that Grimes had opened for Austra in Portland
That concert sounds divine and well... I think that should happen in Vancouver. Now.
I thought the album recording of 'Lose It' was phenomenal.
I didn't expect Katie Stelmanis to sound this good live.
It makes me want to see them at Electric Owl this Wednesday Nov, 16th.
But it's SOLD OUT, and a little birdie told me that they will absolutely be touring again next year at a bigger venue.
I also hear that that there are assholes reselling Austra tickets on Craigslist for $70. (It's a shame the ticket will go to waste.)
Decisions, decisions.
------------------
On the other hand though, I did buy a ticket to Grimes for her show on the 17th at Electric Owl.
Maybe seeing Claire Boucher live will make up for perhaps missing Austra's show.
Grimes - Genesis
I read in recent concert reviews that Grimes had opened for Austra in Portland
That concert sounds divine and well... I think that should happen in Vancouver. Now.
CITY GRRRL.
"I wish I would dye my hair pink
put on black lipstick
no one would give a shit.
Short shorts, short skirts, flower tops, denim shirts
in the big city
nothing hurts, nothing hurts."
CSS - City Grrrl (Ft. SSION)
Love love love this video.
Lovefoxxx hits the streets of New York in badass clothes with pink hair and black lipstick, all the while singing this anthemic song about being liberated in the 'big city.'
Add in some glitter and flashing lights as Lovefoxxx whips her hair throughout outfit changes and dances her way to liberation.
put on black lipstick
no one would give a shit.
Short shorts, short skirts, flower tops, denim shirts
in the big city
nothing hurts, nothing hurts."
CSS - City Grrrl (Ft. SSION)
Love love love this video.
Lovefoxxx hits the streets of New York in badass clothes with pink hair and black lipstick, all the while singing this anthemic song about being liberated in the 'big city.'
Add in some glitter and flashing lights as Lovefoxxx whips her hair throughout outfit changes and dances her way to liberation.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Wild Flag.
Wild Flag
Guests: Drew Grow and the Pastors' Wives
The Biltmore Cabaret
November 12, 2011
DAMN. That was an amazing show.
Seeing Wild Flag live probably will be the best show you could ever attend.
I had been a long time admirer of Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss and their other band together Sleater Kinney. Now, if you have never heard of Sleater Kinney. You should go out, learn about them, listen to them and understand that these talented musicians could teach mainstream music a few lessons.
Now together along with Mary Timony of Helium and Rebecca Cole of The Minders, they form Wild Flag, an American punk supergroup, who're on tour to support their self-titled album. (Which absolutely kicks ass.)
When Wild Flag finally took to the stage I stood mostly in awe that I was able to stand in the same room as these talented musicians. Carrie Brownstein and Mary Timony shared vocals throughout the night. Carrie high-kicked, jumped and shredded on her guitar in heeled ankle boots. All the while the stage and band members were cast in a red, and blue lights. Janet Weiss was phenomenal on drums and Mary and Rebecca all played their role in hair whipping, guitar wailing, and vocals.
They played from their self-titled album in it's entirety (I think). Each song receiving incredibly enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. 'Future Crimes,' 'Electric Band,' 'Boom,' and 'Glass Tambourine' were highlights for me. My favourites from the album.
I'm still in awe of Wild Flag.
The show was the last of their North American Tour, and I think one of the best shows I've been to.
After the show, I high-fived Janet Weiss -- and took home their album.
During the show I reflected momentarily and thought about how incredibly inspiring this band is, to me and possibly to many in the audience. I remember listening to Sleater Kinney in high school and re-inventing new meanings of the songs and applying them to myself.
Wild Flag re-invents, re-establishes, and re-news what inspiring music can be. I wholeheartedly appreciate that.
Guests: Drew Grow and the Pastors' Wives
The Biltmore Cabaret
November 12, 2011
DAMN. That was an amazing show.
Seeing Wild Flag live probably will be the best show you could ever attend.
I had been a long time admirer of Carrie Brownstein and Janet Weiss and their other band together Sleater Kinney. Now, if you have never heard of Sleater Kinney. You should go out, learn about them, listen to them and understand that these talented musicians could teach mainstream music a few lessons.
Now together along with Mary Timony of Helium and Rebecca Cole of The Minders, they form Wild Flag, an American punk supergroup, who're on tour to support their self-titled album. (Which absolutely kicks ass.)
When Wild Flag finally took to the stage I stood mostly in awe that I was able to stand in the same room as these talented musicians. Carrie Brownstein and Mary Timony shared vocals throughout the night. Carrie high-kicked, jumped and shredded on her guitar in heeled ankle boots. All the while the stage and band members were cast in a red, and blue lights. Janet Weiss was phenomenal on drums and Mary and Rebecca all played their role in hair whipping, guitar wailing, and vocals.
They played from their self-titled album in it's entirety (I think). Each song receiving incredibly enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. 'Future Crimes,' 'Electric Band,' 'Boom,' and 'Glass Tambourine' were highlights for me. My favourites from the album.
I'm still in awe of Wild Flag.
The show was the last of their North American Tour, and I think one of the best shows I've been to.
After the show, I high-fived Janet Weiss -- and took home their album.
During the show I reflected momentarily and thought about how incredibly inspiring this band is, to me and possibly to many in the audience. I remember listening to Sleater Kinney in high school and re-inventing new meanings of the songs and applying them to myself.
Wild Flag re-invents, re-establishes, and re-news what inspiring music can be. I wholeheartedly appreciate that.
Jessica 6 @ Fortune Sound
Jessica 6 + Holy Ghost
Fortune Sound
November 8, 2011
Nomi Ruiz is a powerhouse on vocals --- this is what drew me into her music.
I bought a tickets months before just to see Jessica 6 open for Holy Ghost.
Being a college student and having midterms the next day, I went just to see Nomi.
I arrived at 9:30pm to meet up with friends at Fortune Sound, located in the heart of Chinatown.
It was my first time at the club and I was impressed, the velvet red seats, dim and dancing lights and low stage was an ideal place.... (to dance!).
My friends and I stood up front eagerly awaiting Jessica 6 to take the stage.
Once they did, we didn't stop dancing
Nomi dressed in heels, tight skinnies and a cropped boudoir with a red leather jacket, she looked stunning and danced sultrily, exotically and sensually. --- (I was jealous and envious of her.)
It's strange to say and think that -- I had never been the type to envy other women. I suppose Nomi is an exception.
Backed by three talented male musicians she performed songs from her album White Horse while men (and women) lusted and reached their hands out to her.
Her set ended all too soon and I bought her album before leaving. I didn't stick around for Holy Ghost. After Jessica 6, I don't think many bands can match them, but... maybe that's just my opinion.
On the way home I replayed the concert in my mind, and with "White Horse" blasting from my speakers... I remember thinking to myself... "this song was absolutely amazing live."
Fortune Sound
November 8, 2011
Nomi Ruiz is a powerhouse on vocals --- this is what drew me into her music.
I bought a tickets months before just to see Jessica 6 open for Holy Ghost.
Being a college student and having midterms the next day, I went just to see Nomi.
I arrived at 9:30pm to meet up with friends at Fortune Sound, located in the heart of Chinatown.
It was my first time at the club and I was impressed, the velvet red seats, dim and dancing lights and low stage was an ideal place.... (to dance!).
My friends and I stood up front eagerly awaiting Jessica 6 to take the stage.
Once they did, we didn't stop dancing
Nomi dressed in heels, tight skinnies and a cropped boudoir with a red leather jacket, she looked stunning and danced sultrily, exotically and sensually. --- (I was jealous and envious of her.)
It's strange to say and think that -- I had never been the type to envy other women. I suppose Nomi is an exception.
Backed by three talented male musicians she performed songs from her album White Horse while men (and women) lusted and reached their hands out to her.
Her set ended all too soon and I bought her album before leaving. I didn't stick around for Holy Ghost. After Jessica 6, I don't think many bands can match them, but... maybe that's just my opinion.
On the way home I replayed the concert in my mind, and with "White Horse" blasting from my speakers... I remember thinking to myself... "this song was absolutely amazing live."
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