06.19.2009 The Pack A.D. / Sorcerers / Canaries

I must admit, I really don't see that many non-touring acts. As good as the local Vancouver scene is, the last local show that I saw was probably Fake Shark, Real Zombie. Even that was almost a year ago. I'm not really sure why this is, but this show was all local, so there you go.

The first band up were Canaries. No "The". Apparently this is important. I wasn't too into them. They had a very lo-fi, synth/party/screamo sort of feel to them, or as my friend put it, "Hey look it's Andrew WK".

Sorcerers were a little better. Firmly planted in the Vancouver Skate scene, their music had a interesting stoner/dub/punk feel to them. Actually throughout their set, they blasted out the smoke machine, making the stage seem like, for lack of better words, an opium den. Ironically, I don't remember much about their set, I do recall their bass player being really tight and their guitar player using a lot of effects, but that's about it.

The Pack A.D.hit the stage to a pretty packed house. The crowd was a bit on the older side (including the owner of Neptoon Records), but there were a couple of the usual indie crowd. The overall vibe of the show was very much like a homecoming gig despite the fact that it was more of tour send off show. Lots of crowd interaction as well as a surprise guest for a song or two. Two things really stood out for me. The first being the presence and power of singer/guitarist Becky. The second being that it was quite apparent that there was an abundance of chemistry between the two girls in the band. The seemed to be playing off of each other all throughout the set. Despite a couple of technical difficulties, the show went off without too much of hitch - a good send off for a band who probably won't be playing Vancouver again until December.

06.19.2009 Wintersleep / The Clicks / In Flight Saftey (Toronto)

There was a point in time where NXNE and NXNW were pretty much on the same par in terms of quality. No where near the same size or stature of what SXSW is now, but both were growing at a pretty good rate. Somewhere down the road, NXNW completely died, but NXNE seems to have grown up quite nicely. I'm not going to go into too much detail, (seeing as how as I write this it's been over a few days now), but I will say this, the quality of free shows was amazing: Wintersleep, GZA!, the Sonics, The Black Lips and more. It's really a shame NXNW went the way it did.

I think I've been watching too much TV because I could swear that at one of the NXNE booths I saw someone from one of the bands on Much Music's sort of reality band tv show, disBand. The person in question was the blonde from the sort of teen pop duo, that the judges thought were trying to be too sexy for minors, that sung that cheesy song "Sugar Free." Actually what's even funnier, is that I think I also saw the older rapper from Dog Bus shopping at Zehrs with his mom. I need to stop watching tv.

In Flight Safety, are a band from Nova Scotia. They sound like indie rock, I think. I don't really remember to much, except that their singer, unfortunately sounds like Bono. Unfortunate, because that comparison will be made every time someone tries to describe them to someone else, like I just did.

The Clicks, I wasn't really sure if I liked them or not. They're from Toronto, so it was a home town show of sorts, and they might have been an all girl trio as well. They weren't bad, I just didn't really feel a connection I guess.

I stood near the back for Wintersleep, which was actually kind of nice because I didn't need ear plugs. For once I got to hear the songs being played live without the muffle of the ear plugs I normally wear. Anyways, they attracted a really large sized crowd (yeah I know being free helps). Most people seemed to like it as I didn't see very many people leave during their set. Oh yeah all three of these sets were broadcasted live on sirius radio. Pretty cool I guess. Sort of a normal show. The only thing worth mentioning was that after they finished their set, and the Sirius people came on to do their outro talk, about 5 min after the everyone had left the stage, Wintersleep came back on and did Listen (Listen, Listen) as an encore.

Setlist:

Miasmal Smoke & The Yellow Bellied Freaks
Archaeologists
Caliber
Jaws Of Life
Murderer
Search Party
Weighty Ghost
Astronaut
Oblivion
Laser Beams
Baltic
Drunk On Aluminum
Danse Macabre
===
listen [listen, listen]

$20/$0

06.18.2009 Wintersleep / Chris Bell (Hamilton)

This show was sort of a warm up show for Wintersleep as they would be playing NXNE the next day. What was cool about this show was that the venue is a lot smaller than what they would normally play these days. (at least in Canada) Downtown Hamilton (The "Hammer!") is kind of a sketchy place.



I had a chuckle when I saw who was the opener. Chris Bell does sound for Wintersleep. He's from Hamilton so it would make sense for him to open at this particular show. He's also happens to be the drummer for Sons of Butcher. Yep that Sons of Butcher, though I don't think he was ever featured on the cartoon. There are a lot of mediocre singer song writers out there, but Chris isn't one of them. I was pretty surprise how good it was. There seem to be some Neil Young and Radiohead influences going on. He should do the solo thing more often.



I should really stop doing Wintersleep reviews. this blog has done too many of them. Technical difficulties, kept the doors to the Casbah main room's door closed until around 30 min or so before Chris was scheduled to go on. Wintersleep actually started sound checking pretty late, in fact, after the doors were supposed to open. If you were standing by the door, you would have heard Astronaut and a sort of Jam on the Temptations' classic "My Girl". As for the main set, it was one of the longer Wintersleep sets I've seen, around 100 min. The only new song played was Baltic. Astronaut wasn't on the setlist. Insomnia was added to the encore, which was nice because it isn't played often enough. I think I'm starting to like Listen now as an encore. Having seen the band so many times in the past couple of years, it was nice seeing them in a packed small venue.

Setlist:

Miasmal Smoke & The Yellow Bellied Freaks
Archaeologists
Caliber
Jaws Of Life
Drunk On Aluminum
Baltic
Weighty Ghost
Murderer
Search Party
Astronaut (not on setlist)
Oblivion
Laser Beams
Orca
Danse Macabre
====
listen [listen, listen]
Insomnia (not on setlist)
nerves normal. breath normal


$40/$0

06.14.2009 Julie Doiron / Dog Day

We've done a write up on Julie Doiron pretty recently, so this will be a bit of a shorter review for the Vancouver Biltmore show.

Dog Day started out the night with a blend of rock not so much unlike Eric's Trip. Boy/girl vocals and post grunge like sound. Their set seemed a little rushed, but I think they were under some time constraints. They played well, but I wouldn't say they rocked out like what other people have described. I'd probably still check them out again. Maybe a headlining show.





I don't know why I'm mentioning this, but during the set change I went and tried to play some of the arcade games at the Biltmore. To my chagrin, after about 2 minutes trying to fish out my quarter from the busted money slot of the Marvel vs Capcom machine, I decided I probably won't be doing that again. The other writer of this blog tells me that the pinball machine has a sketchy launcher.

Similar to the Waterloo show, Julie hit the stage with 2 or 3 solo songs. After that the rest of the band came in and rocked out. I'll try not to repeat the previous review, but this show was a little longer. Usual Julie Doiron fun banter and overall charm was present. Actually there was one point in the show where she sort of implied feeding her kids wine. At the end of the show, one thing was fairly obvious. Julie's backing band is incredibly talented. As mentioned before, her shows don't really use a setlist, but instead are based on what she wants to play and usually will entertain some requests. This night was no different. Some in the crowd requested a song from one of her side projects. She obliged, which resulted in her band fumbling through the song. In fact, I get the feeling the lead guitarist pretty much just improvises all his solos. Which leads me to a whole new appreciation for her live show.



$20/$17

Interview: Delhi 2 Dublin (June 2009)

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. I'm not 100% sure, (though I am 100% serious) but I think I remember seeing Kytami play in a local doom/sludge/noise band once.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

I am- Kytami: Violin Shredder, Back up vocals

The other members are-

Tarun: Production, Ableton Live, Tablas, Back up vocals, Shaker

Ravi: Dhol (a.k.a. “thatfuckingdrum”)

Kimchi/Zandrew: Electric Sitar, Electric Guitar

Sanj: Lead Vocals, Hype Man


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

Our first show for Celtic Fest Vancouver was off the hook, then we started to get booked even though we weren't officially a band. As we continued on, we discovered we liked working together, had similar goals and inspired each other. We've had tremendous response and that combined with the belief in ourselves is what keeps us going.


How would you describe your sound?

A couple of Punjabi guys walk in to an Irish Pub, have a couple of drinks with the fiddle player then they all decide to go hear a DJ playing at an afterhours warehouse party and on the way there they pick up a Korean guy busking with his sitar on the side of the street.


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

Every show is important.


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

How can you pick from 10 years of music? Could it at least be top ten? Many different phases and influences within that time period.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

My black electric Skyinbow violin.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

Come party with us!


Thanks for doing the interview; you have the last word, say what you want to say.

A huge thank you to our families, our colleagues and our fans.




http://www.delhi2dublin.com/
www.myspace.com/delhi2dublin

06.13.09 Bell Orchestre (Toronto)

I gotta say, as much as I like Vancouver, it just can't touch Toronto in terms of free shows. I think Malajube played a free show the night before, Bell Orchestre tonight, and in the next 2 months, I'll probably see Holy Fuck and Broken Social Scene. Anyways, today's show was at the Sirius Stage at Harbourfront center as part of the L'Oreal's Luminato Festival. From what I understand, it's basically an arts/life/culture festival. Lots of free shows and other events to free and feed, your mind. It's a very cool festival.

The Sirius Stage at Harbourfront Center is an outdoor stage on the Harbourfront overlooking the lake. It's also covered so the good times aren't dependent on the weather. Since this was a free show, it attracted both fans of the band, and music lovers of all varieties. Actually I was quite amused to see a large diverse number of 40-?? year olds who thought: "Sunny day, free music, ORCHESTRE ? I'm there!" despite having never heard of the band.






The band was actually introduced by none of than the Mayor of Toronto himself, flanked by one of the organizers and some Cirque de Soleil performers. Kinda cool I guess. Before they started the Mayor relayed a request by the band. They wanted people to dance. A few people stood up to the barricade, but most were content with sitting down as if they were listening to a real... uhh no, a more conventional "orchestre" err "orchestra." They played a pretty tight set of new and old songs that were really quite enjoyable, with the sun just beginning to set just as they started. Despite their best efforts, the band could only muster up minimal crowd reaction, until they played their "dance" numbers: "Les Lumieres Pt. 2", off their first album and "The Gaze", off their recently released album " As Seen Through Windows". Those 2 songs got the crowd (well some of them) off their feet and moving in the aisle (also a good way to get a better view). It was one of the band member's birthday, so there was cover tune thrown in there was well. They ended their set after a little over an hour. An encore followed, with a couple extra songs, which was kind of surprising, but was welcomed by much of the crowd.






$10/$0

Interview: Dan Mangan

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. I wish I could ask him what kind of chips he buys.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

Dan Mangan. I play the fool. Then there are some hired guns - they are nice enough.


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

It's me and some people I pay to be my friends. When I buy bags of potato chips, I share them with the band - but some of them don't share chips when they buy them. Isn't that crazy?


How would you describe your sound?

I would describe it with adjectives.


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

I like NXNE because there are lots of great bands to go see. I like playing at NXNE because it makes me feel like I'm as cool as the other bands.


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

Footloose.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

A picture of Corey Hart.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

If they don't I'll waterboard the picture of Corey Hart. Don't worry, it's not torture. It's information seeking in a loving manner.


Thanks for doing the interview; you have the last word, say what you want to say.

Be cool, stay in school.



http://www.danmanganmusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/danmangan

Interview: The Abramson Singers

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. That was the best photo I could find.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

My name is Leah Abramson and I play guitar, sing and write the songs in The Abramson Singers. The band morphs depending on time and circumstance. Sometimes I have an 8-piece choir and band, and sometimes it's just me and two other singers.


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

The band started when I had tendonitis in my wrist and I couldn't play guitar, so I started writing songs with just my 8-track and voice. Then my hand got better and I turned it into a band.


How would you describe your sound?

My sound is usually harmony and melody heavy. I'm a folkie who likes playing indie-rock.


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

I don't get out east very often, so it's a good way to meet people out there, since everyone kind of gathers there at once. Besides, I'll get to see some amazing acts all in one weekend.


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

Gee, that's hard. Probably something off of the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. Maybe "I had the time of My life"... it's so grade 2.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

My sweet little orange Framus guitar from the 60's.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

My album isn't downloadable yet! So the only way to get it is at my live show!


Thanks for doing the interview; you have the last word, say what you want to say.

Um... thanks? It's nice to see people supporting the scene, especially in Vancouver.



http://www.myspace.com/leahabramson
http://leahabramson.com

Interview: T. Nile and the Children Of Mercey (June 2009)

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. If you're actually reading this and today's date is June 11, 2009, then you can check her out tonight, 9pm at the Railway Club. If not, whatevs.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

We are T. Nile and the Children Of Mercey.

T. Nile - Banjo, hollow-body electric guitar, harmonicas
Christa Mercey - Drums and percussion
Laura Mercey - Harmonies, keyboard, trumpet
Mike Mercey - Bass, harmonies
Burke Carrol - Pedal steel


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

Christa (drums) and i did a duo-tour of Ontario and Quebec last summer. It was quite the (sometimes hilarious) adventure and between playing festivals and shows, we kept on going back to her folks place to "re-fuel".

I was fortunate enough to get to know her family, which are all very musical;
Her dad is Ray Mercey, of the legendary 7-time Juno winning 70s era band called "The Mercey Brothers".

Over the year Christa and I discussed wanting to form a band together and at some point it crossed my mind that her sister and brother would be great additions. Burke Carrol, while not officially a Mercey, looks quite a bit like their uncle Lloyd, (also of the Mercey Bros) so he's become an honorary member of the family.

The musical chemistry is electric with this band, and I'm so excited to play with them again on June the 20th at C'est What.


How would you describe your sound?

A raw-sexy blend of indie-folk, pop, rock, reggae and awesomeness!

We've already been compared to Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, The Police and Paul Simon (from his Graceland days).


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

It's never just another show... I can't wait to play with C.O.M.

again... we always get so high of the music!

Also it will be the Toronto CD release show for my brand new CD, "The Cabin Song EP", that was released to the public on june 9th (available on ),


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

how to pick just one??

right now I love "Tide Is High" - Blondie


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

My Cherry-Red Ibanez hollow-body electric guitar, and Fender Blues Jr. Amp.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

T. Nile and The Children Of Mercey are addictive live. If you come out the show on the 20th, you'll understand why! ;)


Thanks for doing the interview; you have the last word, say what you want to say.

C'est what is the place to be on June 20th @ 9pm! (actually, you might want to get there a little early because word on the street is that it's gonna be packed).



http://myspace.com/tnile
http://tamaranile.com

Interview: Times Neue Roman (June 2009)

From Left to Right: Clay Jones and Josh of Styrofoam Ones, with Alexander The and Arowbe of Times Neue Roman

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. A friend of mine read this interview and thought TNR were dicking me around with non-sensical answers. Nope looks pretty legit to me.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

Arowbe: I'm arowbe arowbe arowbe in recognition of my many selves. I usually do all the writing and vox and right now I feel like Tupac walking out of court spitting on the paparazzi like "thats my new style!" No offence. I'm feel like a two thousand dollar and one cent bill. There actually is one of those.

Alexander The: No dots please. Just a solid line across the face. I do the beats and belly chants in honor of our ancestral folks that led me to believe in wall smacking for the gods that created The Hype.


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

Arowbe: There were great chemical reactions when we met in 2007. Everything felt slightly creative, but because Alexander The and I were each signed to different record labels, we were prohibited from recording together. Still, we felt that this was too important of a project and proceeded with our unauthorized collaboration. The formal group, Times Neue Roman was originally established by The British Parliament in tandem with then-Canadian Governor General, Adrienne Clarkson. Her Excellency first heard us on one of our canoe tours across Eastern Canada (We're doing one again this August - http://www.methinkspresents.org/). She was gracious enough nullify our contracts and acquire sponsorship for further voyages.


How would you describe your sound?

Arowbe: Polka-dots and paisley.

Alexander The: I connect the dots.


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

Arowbe: We make all our band-decisions based on the new science of demographics and the Consumer Confidence Index. There's no room for error in these matters. You have to strive to be perfect. A festival in Toronto is currently the logical market to conquer.

Alexander The: I've studied Actuary Science in University. I have to say we are very close to finding the truth. We've been in the lab for months by minimizing the standard deviation within our product. We can never know the truth but at least we find every variable necessary to increase our means to get to it.

Arowbe: That means we have to play at NXNE.


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

Arowbe: Plastics - "Copy."

Alexander The: Pumpkin Belly by Tenor Saw


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

Arowbe: You make me feel unusual when you ask questions like that.

Alexander The: A Kulintang Set from Cotabato City, Philippines. Usually passed down to you if you're lucky. I had to go to the war-torn area of Mindanao to find the brasserie to pick mine up. I passed through evacuation centres and refugee camps to get it.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

Arowbe: Times Neue Roman are a sufficiently stable, electrically neutral group of at least two people in an indefinite arrangement.

Alexander The: Exactly.

Arowbe: I suppose its not so much of a live show as pack of Koi fish swimming in a whirlpool, struggling for life and appearing as hypnotic as a pair of spinning tops.


Thanks for doing the interview. You have the last word, say what you want to say.

Arowbe: There are many things happening in The End Studios: Styrofoam Ones, Santa Guerilla, Broadway Sleep, The Gorgeous Concern, Alexander The's solo project. We dont do side dishes. It's a big buffet in here. We are like a big Wu Tang Social Scene in the city right now. All over the court with a collective of queens and tycoons like MeThinks, Halo Halo, Makeshift, Gov. Gen. Tao Chkn, and Mr. Hands. We love Tonka Puma. Also, Kate Kai Mei Wong, Zaki Ibrahim, Lindo P, PSBEUYS, Sarah Shafey, The Gang of Two, DJ Mensa, all of Kapisananan. So much mob!

Alexander The: There is no exclusion really. We've up'ed our game with our corporation. You can definitely find our calling cards projected on large walls around the city. Just look out for us before and during NXNE around on the streets.


http://www.timesneueroman.com
http://www.myspace.com/timesneueroman

Interview: Octoberman (June 2009)

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. Hmm technically they aren't a Vancouver band anymore.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

Joining me (vocals, guitar) for the NXNE show will be: CL McLaughlin (guitar, vocals), Tavo Diez DeBonilla (bass), Marshall Bureau (drums), Shaun Brodie (trumpet, keyboards), Randy Lee (violin), Leah Abramson (vocals)


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

It started off as a solo project to record a bunch of songs I wrote while traveling. I now invite a lot of my friends to help the songs come to life.


How would you describe your sound?

Octoberman kind of has a split personality. On one side there's a 6-piece rock band that includes drony violins, Mexicali trumpet lines, crunchy guitars and lots of harmonies. The other side comes from more of a quiet/spare, folk-pop background. The line-up depends on what part of the country we are playing and who is available to join in.


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

Um, CL, Shaun, and I actually moved out to Toronto from Vancouver fairly recently and have a new Toronto line-up of players for all of our Eastern shows. We are looking at NXNE as just another show.


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

Currently it's "Just What I Needed" by The Cars. Followed closely by "My Best Friend's Girl" by The Cars. I might have to put that record on right now.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

Probably that Cars record. It was 3 bucks.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

The live show is always very different from the recordings. Also, we will be playing lots of new songs and maybe even a Bruce Springsteen cover. We should really learn some Cars tunes too...


Thanks for doing the interview. You have the last word, say what you want to say.

We miss our Vancouver friends and collaborators.


http://www.octoberman.ca
www.myspace.com/octoberman

Interview: Hank Pine and Lily Fawn (June 2009)

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. If you want to see the face behind the mask, you'll have to see the live show.



Please identify yourself(ves) for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band

The Hank Pine and Lily Fawn Snake Oil show consists of:

Hank - renegade cult member with his dead girlfriend (in a garbage bag), determined to rest her soul in New Orleans. GUITAR, CELLO

Lily - half deer half girl with a penchant for stealing babies thus rescuing them from the perils of the modern world. DRUMS, MUSICAL SAW

Cecil the Weasel - Doomsday cult member and Assassin. BASS GUITAR

and Choir members we will try to recruit from the audience ! SINGERS LA LA LA


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

Hank and Lily started by making their own comic book... then started making music to go along with the comic... now .. it is a multimedia rock party circus !!


How would you describe your sound?

VAUDEVILLE ROCK - Gospel, country, punk, snake oil side show. (Like the Cramps and the Pixies)


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

NORTH BY NORTH EAST, is not just another show it is a huge festival with tons of cool bands woo woo... we are so excited !! HANK AND LILY ARE LOOKING FOR A LABEL that will love us and call us their own. Please come check out our show ! June 19th Cameron house, June 20th Rancho Relaxo (2am)


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

Hank - Autechre

Lily - Godstar by Psychic TV

Cecil the Weasel - Little Nicky by Prince


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

Hank - Hank's fire ring.... seriously it shoots flames.

Lily - um, I bought a huge bag of fire crackers and had the night of my life.

Cecil - Tangelo oranges in Hawaii - so sweet and juicy.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

The live show is an extension of the album and the comic book... you really need to see how much fun it is when all the elements come together. We need YOU for it to work... so get your best dust bowl circus outfit on, grab your song book and get ready to chant and clap along at the Hank and Lily Snake Oil Revival Rock show. It is never what you expect and it is always a good time. Besides, when else will you get to see a Hideous Deer-Girl?


Thanks for doing the interview. You have the last word, say what you want to say.


http://www.hankandlily.com
http://www.myspace.com/hankandlily

Interview: Dustin Bentall (June 2009)

photo credit: maryanovich.com

This interview is part of a series of interviews conducted via email with a bunch of Vancouver/Victoria bands who will be heading out to Toronto in mid June for the NXNE Festival (North By North East Festival). They were selected to play at NXNE by applying via their Sonicbids account. And yes, he is the son of Barney Bentall, should that last name ring a bell.



Please identify yourself for those reading, what you do in the band, and who else plays in the band.

Dustin Bentall- songwriter, singer, rhythm guitar player

Del Cowsill - bass guitar, backup vocals

Adam Dobres - lead guitar

Pat Steward - drums


Tell us a little bit about the history of your band.

I recorded my debut album in 2006 with no studio experience and little live performing experience. Everyone in the americana/ alt-country scene across Canada took great notice to it. I spent a couple years touring as a songwriter with my '73 Martin in hand and a bag full of harmonicas. In the time that passed I put together a band with the best g'damn guitar player I ever saw in that time, Adam Dobres from Victoria. Next I found Del Cowsill, son of Billy Cowsill of The Cowsills (Hair, Ed Sullivan Show...) and later with The Blue Shadows. After a year of touring with that band we recorded a record which will be coming out later this year. With the ears of the scene on us we have been playing shows recently with Blue Rodeo as well as crossing borders, musically speaking, to play with Sam Roberts and Matt Mays.


How would you describe your sound?

Rock N' Roll, Country, Psychedelic, fun.


You'll be traveling to Toronto to play at NXNE in the middle of June. What makes this festival worth crossing the country for or is it just another show?

Not just an other show. There is no such thing. We have the incredible honor of playing The Dakota Tavern on Saturday night at midnight on the weekend of NXNE!


What's your favourite song from the 80's?

I'm a little tipsy right now so I'll have to think a minute... "Something To Live For" by Barney Bentall and The Legendary Hearts. That made elementary school a lot easier 'cause my dad was so much cooler than anyone else's dad.


What's the coolest thing you've ever bought?

A '69 Chevy Imala with 42,000 original miles. It saved my life too when an F250 with a camper trailer crossed the center line and hit it head on.


For the people who've downloaded your album, tell us why they should check out your live show.

Live performance is what I am in this game for. That's when the magic happens. Don't get me wrong I love recording but you don't have a room full of people to react from when you are in the studio.


Thanks for doing the interview. You have the last word, say what you want to say.

See us on June 20th. But if you can't get in come back next time because we are going to be doing this for a long time.


http://www.dustinbentall.com/
http://www.myspace.com/dustinbentall

Interviews

update: added Petroleum By Product


The Abramson Singers (June 2009)

Dustin Bental (June 2009)

Billy The Kid (March 2010)

Delhi 2 Dublin (June 2009)

Immaculate Machine (Oct 2009)

Hank Pine and Lily Fawn (June 2009)

Dan Mangan (June 2009)

Octoberman (June 2009)

Parlour Steps (March 2010)

Petroleum By-Product (January 2010)

Sex With Strangers (March 2010)

T. Nile and the Sisters of Mercey (June 2009)

The Pack A.D (Oct 2009)

Times Neue Roman (June 2009)

Yukon Blonde (March 2010)

05.31.2009 Clues / Apollo Ghosts

I missed the first time Clues came to Vancouver, but tonight I had a second chance. It was at still also still at the same venue, the Biltmore, and an early show at that. I suppose after seeing both Islands and the Arcade Fire in small venues, I had somewhat high hopes (I know unfair comparison). Expectations aside, there were a couple of surprises.

The night started out with Apollo Ghosts. Songs were sort of surf rocky, folky and heavily influenced by the city of Nanaimo. Not really my thing, but showed some promise. Singer had pretty good presence, bassist had a couple of good licks and the drummer, I don't think, curiously, played a single drum fill the entire night.



Shortly after Apollo Ghosts left the stage, 2 men dressed in black hit the stage unannounced. I later found out they were members of the rarely to tour Jerusalem in my Heart. For the next 5 minutes or so, the audience was hit with a barrage of middle eastern chanting/song/prayer?.



After an even shorter turnover, Clues took the stage. Much like their band name, musically they were a bit of a puzzle. Despite packing the stage with a expanded drum kit and a variety of different instrumentation, it was quite clear from the onset that front man, and former Unicorn, Alden Penner was the main focus of the show. Having only heard a demo prior to the show, I pretty much came into the show with a clean slate. That being said, some things worked somethings... not so much. I did get the impression that the next album would be a better measuring stick as to how to really rate them. Overall, the show didn't exactly blow me away, but did seem to keep me intrigued for the 2 hours I was there.

$10/$12