03.21.2007 Red Sparrows / Born of Ashes

The first time I saw Red Sparrows was maybe two years ago in Portland at Sabalas, pretty much double headlining with Pelican - Big Business opened for you that care. That was a very good show. Definitely a good night of post rock. Then again, a band with members of Isis and Neurosis in their pedigree is probably bound to be worthwhile.



Get there to the venue about 8:30, doors are already open. (Oh I should mention this show got moved from Pat's Pub to Richards on Richards, so I guess that says something.) Get inside, pretty barren - guess people found out that it was just local support for the night (more later). Initial impressions: Looks like Red Sparrows brought their projector/visuals again and pretty good shirts at a decent price (15 CDN).



Local nu-metal act, Born of Ashes, hits the stage first to a fairly empty floor. Suprisingly this isn't the first time that I've seen them. They were actually on the cheesy cable-access metal show "Revolution 2K or something" and even before then, they opened up for Darkest Hour. Someone out there must really like them. Someone who must value their association with them more than their interest in BoA's music. In fact it really re-enforces the stereotype that local bands from Vancouver suburbs (*cough* Surrey *cough*) are really behind music wise. Their sound is rather dated and almost laughable at times. Actually it was outdated back when i saw them in 2004 with Darkest Hour.



After a short break, Red Sparrows hit the stage and begin with a wall of noise and effects. They quickly launched into Buildings began to stretch... from their first album, At the soundless Dawn. For the most part there was little banter that disrupted the 5-6 song set that they played. Most of the material was pulled from their latest album, but there were 2-3 that were off of the first album. The experience of the 3 layers of guitars definitely separated the band from other post-rock bands of the genre. The new album doesn't really do it for me as much as the first album, but then again I still need to listen to it more. The new songs did sound alright live I'll admit. And not to beat a dead horse, but the visuals were once again stunning to say the least. Probably the best use of visuals in a small venue setting that I've seen in a while. Overall I was definitely not disappointed, nor was I blown away, just satisfied with a good night of music.

$15/$15