Photos by Alex Ramon
I swore to myself when I started this website that I would never write a bad review. I’ve been getting criticized of late for always having positive things to say about the bands I go out and see, and that in order for me to credible, I have to write something a little more controversial. Sure that’s all fine and dandy, but why put down bands that are starting up and trying something that most people don’t have the balls to do? Of course, there’s always the saying that any exposure is good exposure, but I beg to differ. Most bands I review are not signed to any major label, or any label for that matter. But when I do see a band I don’t particularly enjoy, I rather not discourage them from creating, but instead, wait for a better day when they manage to produce something that catches my attention. Read more »
I’ve come to see Sex With Strangers because I love them. Jimmy and I arrive at the Railway Club just before 10 p.m. and it’s already packed. We can barely push through the entrance, let alone make it to the bar, cramming through this mass of human warmth, wiping my snot unintentionally on some dude’s expensive winter coat.
Jimmy bumps into me. “This place sucks for watching shit. Either way you’re in someone’s way.”
Four bands are on the bill and none have played. The first band, Streetlight, has their gear all set up and ready roll. The Nearly Famous banner is splayed across the back of the stage. They’ve used a hippy van as the logo. It’s a pleasant touch. Read more »
Photos by Alex Ramon
When I was over in Toronto covering the Virgin Music Festival, I had the great opportunity of interviewing The Pigeon Detectives. They’re from a little place known as the United Kingdom and boy were they tall. Aside from Loose Change Trio, these guys are quite possibly the tallest band to grace any stage. Sure I’m Asian, but for a Chinese dude I’m fairly tall but when I stood up next to Matt and Ryan, I felt like a small little ant in a world of giants. But enough about my insecurities, let’s get to know a little bit about TPD. Read more »
Photos by Alex Ramon
Alright so like I said before, there was just too much to cover to fit all of Day 2 in one article. I know a lot of people, me included, have the attention span of an A.D.D. adolescent child tripping out on acid. There was just too much talent to cover in one article and with the day over and the afternoon just beginning, there was much more in store for festival goers. Running back and forth between stages (and getting stuck in between at some points) was tough enough, especially getting on a tiny little bridge connecting the two islands (it was like we were cows being herded into the meat plant). But when all was said and done, the organization of the entire festival was amazing. What more could you ask for than a great line-up of gifted musicians and a beautiful scenic backdrop of downtown Toronto? Read more »
Photos by Alex Ramon
When I woke up in our rented car (Yes… we slept in a car), the weather couldn’t have been better. Alright I’m lying, the weather was horrible. Before I left Vancouver, I specifically checked the weather report for Toronto just so I would know what to pack. Oh Tamara Taggart, you may be beautiful but I guess your meteorology needs a little work. She claimed that it was going to be highs of 25 (we’re talking Celsius for all you American readers) and lows of 22, but in reality, it was rainy and cold, well for the first part anyways. Considering I’m from Vancouver, I’m used to this sort of, how can I put this lightly, shitty weather. However, I was not prepared for this because good ol’ Tammy Tag led me to believe I would be wearing shorts and flip flops. I, instead, had to rough it out in my lone hoodie and jeans. But of course that didn’t stop me from going balls to the wall for this festival. Read more »
Photos by Alex Ramon
Every music festival seems to have the same problem, garbage. With music put aside for just a minute, I want to talk about the cons of these large outdoor festivals that bring thousands and thousands of people into a cramped environment, where food and water (or beer) is incredibly over priced, and the aftermath of all this consumption leads to an ecological disaster. I saw it at Pemberton, where after the first day water bottles and empty beer cans lay rampant across the field and the staff they employed to collect all this, well let’s just say there weren’t enough of them. That’s one of the reasons why Pemberton might not happen again next year, and it’s a real shame because it was a great festival and everyone I talked to, despite the horrible line ups, really enjoyed the entire weekend. Read more »
Photos by Jon Healy
I swore I wouldn’t get stoned for this Black Mountain set. This’ll be the sixth time in little over a year that I’ve seen ‘em live and each time has been a blaaaaazed affair. Just once I’d like to experience them with sober ears and sober eyes.
Alas, the second these homegrown boys and girl laid the “Wucan” groove upon us, I knew it wasn’t meant to be. That Pink Floydian Moog beckons some deep-rooted psychological response to smoke something. I’m like Pavlov’s dog with marijuana. Why deny it, anyway? Every Vancouver Black Mountain show is a hazy smoke show and this one, so far, has been no different…except there’s no roof overhead to hotbox. Pot goes hand in hand with these guys. A stranger passed along a little something special and I don’t turn it down…. Read more »
Posted by Steve Smysnuik in
Festivals |
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Photos by Jon Healy
Nardwuar the Human Serviette does jumping jacks with that goofy grin and clucking nonsense into the mic while his band of preppy punk rockers, the Evaporators, belt tunes ranging in subject matter from rashes to lack of government subsidies for the homelessness. The Serviette is, without a question, the most irritating personality to have been berthed by Canadian media but he’s entertaining. He runs through the audience, assembles a measly version of the wave in the sparse clusters of people sitting comfortably on their blankets, enjoying the sunshine. The music itself is, well, less than stellar.
“It’s like chaffing up your ass,” Jon the photographer says, “and we have to listen to it.”
Indeed, but the people are smiling and they seem to enjoy it. It’s not about the music, anyway. The Evaporators are a band we watch for “kicks,” for a “larf,” even as Nardwuar takes his shirt off and reveals to the humble below his nappy, hairy chest, as thick as a fleece pullover. And this, Faithful Reader, is how the day begins. Read more »
Photos by Alex Ramon
So we’re back on the Pemberton train and going full speed with Low vs Diamond. You might not have heard about this band, or maybe you have, but trust me when I say this, they are the NEXT BIG THING. That is to say if they don’t crash and burn and bite each others heads off, which I highly doubt will happen. But let’s take a look at the bigger picture for a second. There are so many bands out there that have great success off their first album, and then you just don’t hear about them anymore. Why is that the case you ask? Well I just can’t tell you because every band I’ve been in hasn’t had success, but what I think happens (with an emphasis on the “I think” part) is that they just aren’t friends to begin with. Many bands form on the basis of either a hobby between friends or getting rich and famous, or even both for that matter. Those, in my opinion (because I don’t want to upset anyone…), whose sole purpose is to make it big will crash and burn, while those who are friends to begin with have that core group that will last and continue to make great music. Low vs Diamond falls into the later category, and that is why I think they will soon be a household name. Read more »
Photos by Alex Ramon
Day 3 probably had the most ridiculous line-up, what with Jay-Z and Coldplay ending the night off. To be frank, I expected them to kick some major ass on stage and I wasn’t disappointed. But they get enough exposure as it is. Com’on, it’s the Jigga man for crying out loud! As much as I want to write about them, I think I’ll leave it up to the others to praise Coldplay for having an outstanding set. All I have to say is, it takes a band of outstanding calibre to come to the back of the audience and play a few acoustic songs. But on to some of the bands you most likely have heard of, but not enough of! Read more »
