THE POST WAR / IF WE ARE MACHINES / HIDDEN TOWERS…yeah it happened!

The Post War marks the threshold for soundscape rock. Within their
live show you can find erie but throbbing guitar riffs accompanied by
tight drums and pounding base lines. These guys make you think twice
with only having to listen once. With frontman Eric Scotts’s
vocals sweeping amongst the soundscape of instrumental sounds with
themes ranging from hope found to love lost, its no wonder where The
Post War found their name. When all is said and done, when the war is
over, the question remains where do we go from here? The Post War
journeys in search of that answer for you as the rebuilding process
begins. With a new video soon hitting the waves tomorrow take a second to check it out at http://thepostwar.com/.

~

The year is 2073 and the information age has passed its prime. Yet
technology is still in a full force leadership role and then somewhere
within the mix along comes an uprising known as If We Are Machines.
A defining moment in history. Now the truth. It is February 23, 2011
and If We Are Machines has truly defined itself amongst the present
age. Their live show consists of five guys thrashing about hidden
behind a wall of meticulous sound and crafty skills. One could easily
raise the question as to whether or not these guys are machines and
truthfully, underneath the brilliance of their songwriting, there is
no better explanation. They meet each moment with precision only to
better it by leaving you to wonder as an audience, am I really
experiencing this? The true ideology of any well-fed uprising. If you
didn’t get a chance to be a part of the uprising If We Are Machine
tonight I suggest you join them at there next show whenever that may be…the easiest way to find out take a daily slide over to there page http://ifwearemachines.blogspot.com/

~

Within the name itself Hidden Towers holds a mystery. Like some
cutting edge fairytale these guys produce a live show that leads the
audience through some dark woods. There, well sought dissonance
between guitars mesh with a dirty [in a good sense] bass line and
drums that make you want to quicken your pace to a frantic run. Before
long, you come to that clearing where the world around you dissipates
and there clear in front of you are the Hidden Towers for which you’ve
search so long. Here in lies the mystery and like many of there songs
Hidden Towers allows you to write what lies ahead as they proceed into
instrumental genius. Although Hidden Towers is not for the faint of
heart I’d trade a couple palpatating heartbeats to get one step closer
to discovering the mystery. To catch these guys in the act check them
out at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=180045325370378

March 16, 2010 SHOWCASE : Like Animals Again / Darker The Sky / Free City Collective

Like Animals Again (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 1 : Like Animals Again (myspace.com/likeanimalsagain)

After getting a bit of a late start, Like Animals Again kicked off the evening with a synth intro straight out of a late 80s video game. From there, though, their self-proclaimed “barock” sound took over – a sort of crossover between classical and classic rock, reminiscent of Trans-Siberian Orchestra (but without the unhealthy obsession with Christmas carols). But there’s a lot more to it than Rachmaninoff meets the Rolling Stones; Like Animals Again threw in some reggae/ska-type guitar riffs, and at one point betrayed a possible influence by Ennio Morricone, the mastermind behind the scores of Clint Eastwood’s Man Without a Face trilogy. However, all the musical energy – which was there in abundance, supported by driving rhythms and highlighted by stellar vocals from both singers – failed to translate into a visible stage presence, leaving the audience noticeably disconnected from what was, in all other respects, a top-notch performance.

Darker The Sky (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 2 : Darker The Sky (myspace.com/darkerthesky)

The second act of the evening, Darker The Sky, kept up the energy established by Like Animals Again, and managed to convey that energy to the crowd much more effectively. Their particular brand of synth-driven indie pop/rock is far from groundbreaking (cf. Hoobastank), but they deliver it with as much passion as anyone else in the scene – you can tell that singer/guitarist Robin Younge really cares about what he’s singing (either that, or he audited Nick Carter’s course on reaching out and banging your chest for emphasis). That passion almost makes up for the vocal glitches; Younge would be better served finding a comfortable range and staying within it than constantly commuting from his upper to lower registers and back again – and probably leave the falsetto to Jim James. Darker The Sky closed  with “Sara”, a fantastic song that can only be described as a power-pop ballad – or as the perfect ending to a strong set.

Free City Collective (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 3 : Free City Collective (myspace.com/freecitycollective)

Free City Collective rounded out the excellent line-up, and immediately stole the show.  Their stage presence is unmistakable – singer/keyboardist Ben Rowley is nothing if not a bona fide frontman, and the rest of the band exhibited a comparable level of showmanship. The interplay between guitarists Theo Milloy and Sam Romero was impeccable, each taking a few turns showcasing their shredding skills while drummer Brandon Rowley and bassist Derek Rohde held things together rhythmically. I’m pretty sure the only people who could have had more fun than these guys on a Tuesday night are the committed handful of music fans who stuck around to witness them on-stage. Free City Collective is releasing a record soon, and while their songwriting is top-notch and the album will kick some serious ass, it’s hard to imagine any recording capturing the passion, intensity, or raw energy of their live show. Here’s to hoping!

Review by : Devin Weening

March 9, 2010 SHOWCASE : Vespertine / Pigeon Park / Young Pacific

Vespertine (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 1 : Vespertine (myspace.com/vespertinevancouver)

Vespertine inject just the right amount of rock-tane into their high energy folk sound. Though their chuggin’ acoustics carry a certain City and Colour swagger, Dean Acheson’s bar floor melodies are ripped straight from the Dave Grohl power-ballad handbook. It gives these guys a particularly fascinating mix between roots credibility and pop sensibility; bona fide ear candy, no matter what end of the spectrum you’re impartial to. And that passion and energy only amplifies on the stage. The floor was packed for a reason, and it’s Vespertine’s sharp sense of spirit in their audience. Even the too-cool-for-schoolers had trouble containing their innate desires to shimmy and shake. Congratulations, boys. For just a moment, pompous pretention became shattered in lives of a few Tuesday-night hipsters, and you did without names or fists or sticks and stones. You did it the right way. With good music.

Pigeon Park (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 2 : Pigeon Park (myspace.com/pigeonparkband)

It had been a long time since I rocked and rolled. I almost forgot the taste. You know…ash, grass, and your old pal Jack? The guy you swore you’d never kiss again, then next thing you know he’s shoving something fierce down your throat, yelling “call me Mr. Daniels!” Listen to me carefully. If you truly want to relive the glory and splendour of that magical world we all wish we grew up in (my parents call it the 1970s), watch Pigeon Park live. Heads cocked and locked as guitarist Kevin Okabe launched into Whole Lotta Love’s E-blues orgy, and they did not turn away. The perfect tone had been set for a night of dazzling shreds and classic arrangements, carried by their collectively mind-blowing stage exuberance and a seriously killer classic-rock-croon, courtesy of frontman Nick Weber. But for every nod to those pillars of popular rock, there’s a wildly innovative spin that hints at a slightly more progressive future for the boys. Think of the Chilli Peppers at the height of their drug-addled psycho funk phase. Now think of them making sweet, sweet love to Chris Robinson. Pigeon Park, my friends.

Young Pacific (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 3 : Young Pacific (myspace.com/youngpacificmusic)

Having made their live debut on the SHOWCASE stage a few months ago (see the review from that night here), Young Pacific returned with a similar set, but also with the confidence of having a few more shows under their belt – and it showed. Everything about their performance – from the tightness of their sound, to their interaction with the crowd, to the crowd’s reception and willingness to sing along with songs like “Purple Skyline” – served as proof that these guys are learning what it takes to put on a good show, and learning quickly. I, for one, can’t wait to see where they’re at in a few more months.

review by : Ben Rowley & Devin Weening

March 2, 2010 SHOWCASE : Chimpanzebras / 11 Hour Orchestra / Tough Lovers

After a two-week hiatus for some sort of large sporting event happening in and around Vancouver, GRAHAM PENCE ARTISTS presents SHOWCASE @ Republic was back in action last Tuesday, and they didn’t miss a beat. Chimpanzebras, 11 Hour Orchestra, and Tough Lovers put together one of the tightest shows beginning-to-end that SHOWCASE has hosted so far, feeding off this city’s recent party atmosphere and adding to it in their own way.

Chimpanzebras (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 1: Chimpanzebras (myspace.com/chimpanzebras)

Newcomers Chimpanzebras kicked off the night with a very surprising bang. Well, when a band opens with something as utterly bodacious as Elvis Costello’s “Pump It Up”, one doesn’t really have a say in the matter; it’s time to pump it up. And boy, do these guys ever know how to rock and roll. From pitch-perfect renditions of modern classics like the Strokes’ “Last Nite” and the Foo Fighter’s “Times Like These”, to relentlessly funky versions of “Eleanor Rigby” and the Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” (that’s right… they managed to make “Psycho Killer” EVEN funkier). But perhaps the most striking element of their performance was a taut handful of original material, effortlessly blended among the iconic anthems littered throughout the set. It’s tough to pull off unless your shit is off the hook, and Chimpanzebras’ authentic blend of progressive pop and dance rock is nothing short of mesmerizing. Amidst an electric set honouring only the best in twentieth century rock, it’s safe to say these boys are influenced in all the right places.

11 Hour Orchestra (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 2: 11 Hour Orchestra (myspace.com/11hourorchestra)

11 Hour Orchestra’s easy-going, rhythmic rock sound probably wouldn’t be out of place at the Gorge in central Washington, an annual summer stop for alternative pop-rockers Dave Matthews Band and Jack Johnson, but it wasn’t out of place on this night at Republic either. Their eclectic melange of instruments – including classical guitar, saxophone, and various forms of percussion – and the odd freestyle rap give them an absolutely unique sound. Their soulful energy – proof that they live by the maxim stated in one of their songs that “nothin’ don’t grow if it’s not from the soul” – make it impossible to listen without moving, and being moved.

Tough Lovers (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 3: Tough Lovers (myspace.com/toughloversmusic)

Charged with rounding out the fantastic line-up on this night was Tough Lovers – and they didn’t disappoint. Their sound is certifiable indie rock/pop that is hella catchy and easy to listen to without being simplistic or watered down – think Death Cab for Cutie meets Modest Mouse. The vocal chemistry between singers Jamie Small and Stephanie McMahon is strong, as is that of the band behind them. As with both of the preceding acts, Tough Lovers exhibited copious amounts of energy and managed to pass a fair amount of that energy along to the audience, even as they – along with the rest of the city – recovered from an all-out two-week celebration.

Review by: Ben Rowley & Devin Weening (devinweening.wordpress.com)

February 9, 2010 SHOWCASE : Lovers Love Haters / Lillix

Lovers Love Haters (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 1: Lovers Love Haters (myspace.com/loverslovehaters)

Lovers Love Haters is the latest musical venture undertaken by Debora Cohen (formerly the creative mastermind behind The Organ). Cohen and her band (which includes Todd Fancey of The New Pornographers and Paul Hawley of Hot Hot Heat) deliver a fairly mellow brand of indie rock that wouldn’t have sounded out of place alongside The Cure and Joy Division in late 70s England. For Cohen, not much has changed stylistically since her days with The Organ, but the addition of her own vocals is an improvement. While not exactly infectious, the songs are definitely danceable, even if the crowd didn’t show it on this night.

Lillix (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 2: Lillix (lillixonline.com)

Led by sisters Lacey-Lee and Tasha-Ray Evin, Lillix has matured quite a bit since their 2003 Maverick Records debut Falling Uphill, with its hit single “It’s About Time.” They haven’t released any new material since 2005’s Inside the Hollow, but their hiatus has come to an end – and that’s a very good thing. Backed by male musicians for the first time, the “new” Lillix is pop-rock at its finest. Their latest single, “Dance Alone”, is penetratingly catchy – though any one of their songs could convince even the most hesitating wallflower to spend a couple minutes on the floor – and their cover of The Romantics’ “What I Like About You” (from Falling Uphill) was a highlight of the much-too-short set. The Evin sisters have undeniable vocal and musical chemistry, and their band exploits that chemistry swimmingly. If this show is any indication, Lillix is back in a big way, and should become a household name once again soon.

The crowd at Republic (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Click here to see the rest of Devin’s photos from the show. To stay informed with what’s coming up at SHOWCASE @ Republic, click here to check out the Facebook group, or subscribe to the GRAHAM PENCE ARTISTS presents SHOWCASE @ Republic blog by clicking “Sign me up!” at the top of this page!

Review by: Devin Weening (devinweening.wordpress.com)

February 2, 2010 SHOWCASE : Lemming Dynasty / Whitey / Quickness

Lemming Dynasty (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 1: Lemming Dynasty

If you’ve lived in Vancouver for the past ten years, and you fancy yourself a local music lover, then you’re well aware of Ninja Spy. These boys have been dominating the underground fusion-metal scene for the past twelve years. So, when arguably the best live band in the city decides to form a new project, it’s hard not to expect anything but pure awesome. Well, I’m happy to report that Lemming Dynasty deliver on every bit of excellence they’re cracked up to be. The addition of lead singer/songwriter Bruno Dominelli only strengthens their chemistry, taking blistering arrangements to new heights with absolutely killer vocalizations. The hooks are fresh, the melodies are strong…provided these gents have nowhere to go but up, I’ll have no qualms trading my democracy for dynasty. Metal!

Catch Lemming Dynasty at the Bourbon on March 19th.

Whitey (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 2: Whitey

Ninja Spy BFFs Whitey have been there and back again: five cross-Canada tours, two EPs, two full length discs…and it shows. Blurring the line between artist and audience, Whitey ropes its listeners in with piercing ska breakdowns and funkadelic freakouts (picture Chicago after a few tabs of acid). When one isn’t jamming with lead guitarist/singer Joe Matheson in the middle of a frenzied crowd shuffle, all eyes are focused on their thrilling dynamics. Hard work and dedication pours through every note in their eclectic set, leaving the listener anything but restless. There’s literally no room for gentle swaying when this act lights up the stage. Not bad for a few oddball rockers out of Chilliwack. Easily the wildest act of the night.

Catch Whitey at The Bourbon on March 17th.

Quickness (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 3: Quickness

Quickness delivers radio rock in all its post-hardcore glory. Soaring melodies and vigorous riffage round out their sound, while echoing hints of reggae and new-age anthem rock. Coupled with skin-tight, K-os certified drummer Ray Garraway, Quickness is unstoppable in its hard-hitting soundscapes. “It’s easy to get into!” exclaims the man behind the kit. Well, that’s an understatement if I ever heard one. Not only are these veterans astounding in their musical accessibility, but lead singer/guitarist Jacob Dryden’s lyrics are simply overflowing with everyman-imagery. It’s the kind of stuff relatable to anyone with a heart and a social conscience, and it makes for some downright feel-good rock-n-roll.

Catch Quickness at the Shark Club on March 26th.

Click here to see the rest of Devin’s photos from the show. To stay informed with what’s coming up at SHOWCASE @ Republic, click here to check out the Facebook group, or subscribe to the GRAHAM PENCE ARTISTS presents SHOWCASE @ Republic blog by clicking “Sign me up!” at the top of this page!

Review by: Ben Rowley

January 26, 2010 SHOWCASE : ByStarlight / Stars of Boulevard / Timothy

The crowd at Republic (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Last night’s SHOWCASE @ Republic presented by GRAHAM PENCE ARTISTS was a fantastic night of music and dancing. ByStarlight, Stars of Boulevard, and Timothy played to – and captivated – a nearly full house, each managing to present their various takes on modern rock music confidently and effectively. The three bands that took the stage on this unassuming Tuesday evening showcased three very different sounds, but they were all well-received by the nearly 200 music fans in attendance.

ByStarlight (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 1: ByStarlight (myspace.com/bystarlightband)

If anyone knows how to get a party started, it’s this five-piece power-pop outfit. They had the crowd hooked right out of the gate with their infectious, highly danceable tunes. Although they only started playing together a few months ago, their chemistry is evident already; the rhythm and lead guitars complemented each other very well, and the inclusion of keys and synthesizers added to the sound without taking it over. Nigel Crowe’s vocals are reminiscent of Ed Kowalczyk (of LIVE), and were strong despite sounding slightly flat at times. While spending less time chatting and more time rocking would have kept the crowd more tightly engaged, ByStarlight set the tone early, and the next two bands followed their lead.

Stars of Boulevard (photo credit: Derek Rohde)

Act 2: Stars of Boulevard (myspace.com/starsofboulevard)

If ByStarlight got the engine running, Stars of Boulevard shifted it into a higher gear. While Detroit Rock City played silently on the screen behind them, these four rockers provided the soundtrack by testing the limits of Republic’s sound system, proving to the highly entertained crowd that the artists adorning their attire (Frank Zappa, Billy Idol, and Mötley Crüe) are but a few of their many influences. Matty Carolei absolutely abused the drumkit while Ken Abbey’s expertly executed guitar riffs (most notably, the solo on “Sabretooth”) soared behind – and alongside of – Josh Helgason’s powerful vocals. Their cover of Lady Gaga’s latest club standard, “Bad Romance”, was arguably the turning point of the set, causing Stars of Boulevard to garner the strongest, most enthusiastic response from a SHOWCASE crowd yet.

Timothy (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 3: Timothy (myspace.com/timothy.music)

As the final act of the night, Timothy did a fantastic job of building on the energy generated by the previous two bands, while still managing to make their set stand out. Unlike the acts before them, they even dared to pull things back for a song or two, but did so without losing the intensity and momentum of the evening. Their mature indie-rock sound – powered by the best drumming of the night (courtesy of Todd Bjerkness) and a great interplay between the rhythm and lead guitars – kept the crowd involved up until the very end of what will be remembered as one of the greatest nights of local independent music Tuesday has ever seen.

The crowd at Republic (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Click here to see the rest of my photos from the show. To stay informed with what’s coming up at SHOWCASE @ Republic, click here to check out the Facebook group, or subscribe to the GRAHAM PENCE ARTISTS presents SHOWCASE @ Republic blog by clicking “Sign me up!” at the top of this page!

review by: Devin Weening (devinweening.wordpress.com)

January 19, 2010 SHOWCASE : Young Pacific / Familia / Tara Lett

Young Pacific (photo credit: Derek Rohde)

Act 1: Young Pacific (myspace.com/youngpacificmusic)

A band debut is a lot like a middle school dance. Remember those? The girls point and laugh on one side, the guys look down and shuffle on the other? The night gets better after each bathroom visit, coupled with a few swigs of daddy’s Beefeater, but the tension never seems to lift, does it? I’ve been to my fair share of indie-introductions, and this is all I can picture when I see that daunting gap between artist and audience. So, when a band like Young Pacific comes along and practically leaves the dance floor in shambles, it’s hard not to sit up and take notice. The band expertly fits their self-described “happy-go-lucky-indie” mould, with singer/guitarist Mike Holden crooning to melancholic perfection above breezy synth leads and a skin-tight rhythm section. “We want people to know it’s ok to dance!” declares the front man to our writers. Considering the amount of brat pack, fist-pumping enthusiasm they inspired throughout the set, I’d say these boys are on the right track.

Catch Young Pacific this Friday, January 29 at Pub 340, with guests Pigeon Park and Timothy.

Familia (photo credit: Devin Weening)

Act 2: Familia (familiafamilia.com)

Peak Performance finalists Famlia are anything but a flash in the ever-growing hipster pan. Cool threads and an even cooler swagger make for some pleasing eye candy, but the real leg-up they have on this competitive market comes from undeniable band chemistry. Understandable, seeing as the group has been playing in and around Vancouver for the past 6 years. Singer Tamara Umlah is utterly infectious, with a delightful bounce in her step I can only attribute to an innate rhythmic bond she shares with brother/drummer Cody Hiles. Lone guitarist Bronson Izzard switches flawlessly between soaring leads and reggae-toned riffage, while bassist Dwight “DJ” Abell is nothing short of lovable in his Flea-esque cadence. Truly, this is a band to look out for. Unfortunately, even our loudest cries for an encore couldn’t stop the generic house music from kicking in.

Catch Familia February 23 at the Biltmore Cabaret, with guests Ben Sigston and Fields of Green.

Tara Lett (photo credit: Derek Rohde)

Act 3: Tara Lett (myspace.com/taralettmusic)

So, I have already used the middle-school dance analogy to describe the tension between a new band and a new audience, but confidence is not an issue with this sizzling house-tart and her wrecking crew of midi magicians. Literally, the band is too attractive. Combined with a room full of gawky scenesters and their insecure girlfriends, you can’t really blame anyone for keeping their distance. I for one had a fantastic time letting my inner-gaga loose. Tara Lett’s setup is simple and sexy, with a sugar-coated punch so sweet it stings. Sometimes, when it’s 12:30am on a particularly fantastic Tuesday night, and you’re not quite ready to pack it in…a little dancing and a glossy shot of girl power is all you need. Shots of tequila are also good for that, which we inevitably purchased and raised triumphantly to Ms. Tara Lett and her frustratingly gorgeous backing band; a fitting end to a night of whimsical indie-pop.

Click here to see who’s up next at the SHOWCASE, here to learn more about GRAHAM PENCE ARTISTS presents SHOWCASE @ Republic, and here for the rest of Devin Weening’s photos from the show!