04.03.2007 Elias

The following words appeared on Elias' tour dates page on monday in regards to this show: Free Beer, Free Admittance. Not suprisingly 'Free Beer' appears to have been part of a bait and switch ploy in order to drum up patrons for a industry showcase. Fortuneately it wasn't really needed as the Railway Club has their own clientele that'll be there any day of the week regardless if there's a show going on or not. I first saw Elias back in the fall and thought they were alright and would have to wait a few months to see if they were progressing along musically before attending another show. At the time i thought they were still a little too unpolished for my tastes. Fastforward a couple months and I see they're playing an industry showcase, so it looks like they're doing something right. I guess i might as well check it out because it's also free.



anyways, the actual show started an hour before their scheduled time. i'm relieved to see that they're no opening bands. however, their set is pretty short for them being the only band playing. They played a mix of old and new songs. The guitarist either seems to have gotten better, or he's now doing something that's making me pay attention. The singer/keyboardist is still doing the Thom Yorke, drony voice, weird expression and keyboard thing, but it works. Plus the bassist is still putting in solid bass lines. The general consensus around town is that they're at the forefront of indie music in Vancouver and they certainly lived up to that reputation. I just wish it was a longer set.

$5/0