The Seeds Have Been Planted! Seeds Day 1

The FOX (99.3 FM) always does an amazing job at supporting the local music scene. I could spend the entire time talking about the FOX.. The Fox rocks; 'nuff said. Partnering up with Budweiser, they are bringing the Seeds back to the Roxy for 2013. For those who don't know, The Fox Seeds is a yearly competition to find the best of the best in the Vancouver rock scene. Not limited to just rock, but definitely most bands fall into the rock vein. The winner of the FOX Seeds competition gets $10,000 in gear from Long and McQuade,  five tour dates with the Sam Roberts Band and gets to record an EP with the legendary Garth Richardson. Quite a nice little bundle if I do say so myself!

The Seeds this year started off with a bang. Good old rock and roll filled the Roxy as Mad Shadow opened up the competition. The band looked as if they were warped straight from the 70s. Floral shirts and long hair included. They played a super tight set of original blues rock tunes that sounded like they came straight from Robert Plant and Jimmy Page's brains. Some great songwriting and playing skills all around. The vocalist had a neat old school rasp and growl to his voice. The bassist (rocking an old school Rickenbacker bass) laid down a great foundation as the drummer locked in some tight and/or laid back grooves (depending on the song). The guitarist played some killer solos, and great fretwork. I would have liked to have seen him have a lead channel or maybe something to color his tone on a few songs in order to make his solos leap out of the speakers a bit more. Their new album is up on Youtube so check it out HERE. Then go buy a copy from the band!

A few years can do wonders for a band. The lead singer used to sing in a band in which I joined after he'd left years ago, their guitarist tried out for a band I was in when we were looking for a rhythm guitarist, and when I was in another band, we had booked a show with Black Sugar (back when they were Moon Gypsies and The Drop D Experience) - But, seeing them at the Roxy last night was like seeing a whole new band. We had picked up a copy of their three song EP possibly about a year ago (?) and devoured it. These tunes were seriously tight. Some very commercial, but still in your face rock and roll. Rob's voice cuts through the mix like a bullet through snow. Alex's guitar work is catchy and full of hooks. We were excited to see them live and were not disappointed. Cranking up the energy to 11, they stole that stage. Rob's use of vocal effects really added depth to the tracks and his voice was spot on, in even comparison to their EP. A skilled rhythm section that was extra tight allowed the guitar and vocals to flow overtop. In a couple parts of their set they even played off each other by having a small guitar and vocal duel. Overall, a very tight set. Keep rocking guys!

Closing up the night was The Post War. Having the heaviest sound of the night, and more of a modern rock vibe, they definitely stood out from the other bands. We know that it's hard translating what's on an album to a live stage setting, but, we found that what really worked on the album was the epic feel of the tracks. The drama in the songs. Tension and release. It didn't quite translate over during their set at the Roxy. Maybe it was just the mixing from the sound man, but the sound was unbalanced in that the lead guitar was quite far in the back, and the vocals were quite buried in the mix and hard to hear clearly. After hearing the recordings I wish we could have heard some of the rasp and clarity of the vocals. They were definitely dull and muffled in the speakers. I didn't hear some of the roars that were in the recordings and the dynamics didn't seem as crisp. Perhaps a little more focus on the pronunciation of the lyrics would help? However, the band as a whole seemed very tight and well rehearsed. The bass was thick and pounding perfectly filling the lower end as he head-banged away all night. The drumming was also super tight and epic sounding, perfectly complimenting the tracks. As mentioned before, the lead guitar was a bit quiet compared to the rhythm guitar, so, some of his work was unfortunately buried. Their recordings and music videos are amazing. Reminding me of Deftones, A Perfect Circle and Audioslave. Definitely go have a look/listen and support this great band!

Big thanks again to the FOX for putting on these nights! This is the first of many! Tomorrow (today as I write this) is The Dirt, Sam Weber and JP Maurice. All shows are free so come on out!

Check out the full gallery of photos HERE

A Not-So Miserable Night

On Tuesday night, James and I had the honour of covering the Misery Signals show at The Roxy. It's been a while since we've attended a metal show as I'm about to have a baby any day now, however, when we heard the Mis Sigs were playing, we knew we had to go! Having heard about the show super last minute (just a few hours before), we weren't sure if we'd make it... but, thanks to The Roxy staff, we got downtown and in the venue without a problem, and in time for the first of the four touring bands!

First up was Ontario band, The Kindred. I really enjoyed their sound over all. The bassist had a great tone and thick grooves that played nicely alongside their heavy, original drum lines to fill out the rhythm section. The vocals were heard clearly, and had an easy time whipping the crowd's energy levels up. A few times during the set the vocalist even jumped down from the stage and moshed with some of the audience members, as well as tried to draw those sitting down in the back up to the floor. Their use of synth/keys/loops helped give them a well rounded sound, though sometimes made parts of their songs sound a little "busy." The addition of a keyboard EQ or some pedals may help shape the synth lines to be more 'stand alone' and less thrown in as just a filler. During the intro of one of their newest songs, one guitarist used a bow across his strings, creating a really cool sound effect, and visual dynamic to his playing. Meanwhile, the other guitarist played some really intricate riffs and even a few tapping pieces throughout their set. Over all, they were tight, heavy, melodic, and a great band to see live. Next time they come back through town be sure to check them out!

The second band of the night was Elitist. This was their first time playing in Canada, and boy did they bring it! For a four piece, they had a really well filled out sound. Shredding live guitar licks, mixed with a great use of guitar in their backing tracks, helped give them that well produced, professional, and super tight, full sound without the addition of a second guitarist. Driving bass lines were timed perfectly with heavy drums. The vocalist had many tones to his voice that soared clearly above such driving instrumentals. His delivery was passionate and energetic. Well placed back up vocals from the guitarist and bassist complimented the singer's melodies, and a guest vocal spot from Kindred vocalist created a fun, collaborative energy on stage. Over all, super tight, dynamic sound and stage presence. I'm looking forward to picking up their album and giving it a good listen!

Next to hit the stage was The Color Moral. Now, this band seems like they've been around the block a few times, and they don't take shit from anyone! Early in the set the singer jumped down from the stage to break up a fight starting in the pit, giving a small speech on the "No Fucks bullshit" that you see a lot of scene bands make a killing off of nowadays and how it's "not welcome here tonight," and how the music scene is a community, we're in it together, and everyone's just out to have a good time listening to good tunes. Which I thought was great, and couldn't have been said better. By all means, mosh until you can't mosh no more, lay it all out there in the pit, just don't start fights if you get an accidental elbow to the side. If you can't handle the pit, stay out of it! Moving onto the music! -

The Color Moral had a very heavy, super tight rhythm section, melodic guitar licks trading back and forth between guitarists, clear dynamic vocals, and killer stage presence. If you have the pleasure of seeing them live, you'd catch them flipping guitars around their backs, jumping up and down, trading spots on stage, and just having a hell of a good time performing great original music. All in all, I'd say they're now one of my new favourite metal bands to see live.

Headlining the show was none other than Misery Signals! Promoting their newest album, and being a band with such a large following, we were shocked to hear them playing the Roxy, and even more shocked to hear that the last time they came to Vancouver they played Tom Lee Music Hall just down the street! During their set they admitted that this was their first 19+ show of this tour, and were worried that the audience would mainly hang back at the bar and stare rather than rock out up front, but were pleasantly surprised with Vancouver's epic reaction to their tunes. Anyone who's been to enough metal shows in this city knows that Vancouver's metal fans bring the thunder. I have never seen The Roxy so packed, and so full of energy in my years reviewing shows there. The whole front was a pit, complete with stage diving and crowd surfers!

Misery Signals put on a real show. It felt like I was at a festival. The singer had such a dynamic presence and voice, clearly heard above their amazing guitar work which ranged from heavy thrash to crispy crunch sounds to beautiful clean interludes. The use of guitar effects truly added depth to each track. The rhythm section was so tight, really driving each song and creating great energy, despite the bassist having to sit the entire set due to being on crutches. (Kudos for still rocking out as hard as the other members/bands despite the injury!) The guys themselves are extremely personable. After their set, and song-and-a-half encore, the band stayed up on stage to chat with anyone who wanted to come say hello. After a good conversation with the vocalist, we managed to score a few autographs from the band members, and even a special text, selfie, and shoutout from the stage for our good buddy Ray who couldn't make it out to see his favourite band that night. Great guys, great music, great times.

All four bands put on a great show. One of the best over all shows I've been to in a long time. I wish them all luck on the rest of their tour, and hope to see them come back to Vancouver again sometime! Big thanks again to the Roxy for having us out. We had a great time, and look forward to covering more shows there in the future.

For the full photo gallery go HERE

Cheers!
Rosie

Deja-Vu At Venue

VENUE in Vancouver has some of the best use of lights and stage in Vancouver besides the Commodore. It's always a blast seeing them put on local shows for some of the larger local bands. It always put a smile on the band members' faces seeing their band name up in lights. Hammer Records has seen many acts perform there just before they blew up. We also see some great bands open up for larger bands, and have seen some killer local shows there! Always a good time at Venue, even though their beer prices are a little on the more expensive side!

Aviator Shades had invited us out to cover their set later in the night, so, we actually missed the first band "Sally's Hot", but we caught COCAHALA, a 4 piece pop rock band. Right from the get go we knew we were in for a show. Their set was built for a stage like this. Dramatic first song with their bassist rocking an extra tom drum, building a tribal beat with their drummer. A whole duel keyboard setup along with laptop samples and backing tracks really provided a thick and rich sound over top. Great movement by the whole band, filling the stage and playing to their audience. We could definitely hear what we'd describe as a "No Doubt" influence in the vocals. She worked the stage well and was a confident front woman. Great set over all. Definitely not something we normally see around Vancouver.

A quick side note: The soundman for the night seemed to really like the bass. He had the bass guitar turned up too loud for almost EVERY set. We thought maybe the bass players had turned their volumes up too loud, but because it happened every set, we can bet it was the sound guy. When the bass guitar is turned up to loud it tends to drown out the guitars and even the kick drum. Yes, its nice to have a nice fat bass to fill up the sound, but when all you can hear is bass and barely hear the guitars it just doesn't work.

The Lovely Sinners was up next. We've seen these guys play a few times now and I think this was my favourite set. Once again, the soundman had the bass up too loud so lots of the intricate guitar parts were hidden, but, the three piece rocked their set. I was really able to hear more of the song structure and lyrics than with previous shows. Some great guitar solos as well, and their bassist moved and grooved around the stage. Great set!

There's a certain point in every musicians career when you see them start to break away from the pack, start to do things that set them apart. We had seen Monster Truck play VENUE when they were just a touring Ontario band, next we know they are touring the country signed with a major label. It was a little bit of Deja-Vu when Aviator Shades took to the stage with fire in their eyes. The whole crowd moved up towards the stage as they filled the bar with their brand of blues rock. Everyone seemed to be singing along, and all eyes were gazing at the band ripping it up! They played songs from their upcoming EP, some classic 'Shades tunes, and even a brand new one never heard before! The band seemed to give off a sense of professionalism. If they took this exact set, they could easily open up for any touring band across the country right now. We are glad to hear them working with producer Danny Craig of Default. We can't wait to hear the EP!

Up next was Crankshaft. Much of the crowd had dissipated due to sky-trains and the lateness of the night. Still rocking it up, we found that once again both guitars were buried under the bass and we could barely hear the ripping solos or fine guitar work. We do have to apologize for leaving early, due to Rose and I are expecting our son just about any day now and can't be up and out too late!

Hoot Hoot Goes The Owl

Hammer Records has ventured over to Vancouver Island on many occasions but mostly for personal reasons, such as family. This time though we decided to check out some local bands that were playing on a Thursday night at The Copper Owl. Upon bussing down to Victoria and locating this rather hidden away venue we were pleasantly surprised that the show had not even started yet. Vancouver always (for the most part) have quite early start times, usually having a band on at 8pm or earlier meaning that usually the majority of the crowd misses the first act. We don't know if having later start times was due to the venue or just Victoria's nature. Which ever the case, we were excited to have not missed any of the bands!

First up was "The New Colors", a grunge rock band from Victoria. Playing a great set of original tunes they opened up the night nicely, setting the tone for what was to come. The drumming was tight, the bass (fretless!) was nice and thick and flowed nicely under the duel guitars. After hearing the EP and comparing it to them live, we would have like to see the vocals let go a little bit more. We felt it was a little restrained and perhaps it was the sound system in the venue but we wished he would have just put a little more grit and "in your face" that we hear on the album. I know playing to a smaller crowd is harder, but its even more reason to give it your all and get them into it. But defiantly an awesome welcome to the Victoria scene! After the show they presented us with a free copy of their EP on vinyl and also a single. Both sound great on vinyl and we wanted to congratulate them on the EP!

We recently saw No Operator play at the Cellar Night Club for the Cellar Launch Project. We were excited to see them on their own turf. Though normally a Nanaimo band they had ventured down to bring the thunder! Upon arriving at the Owl we heard that the singer/guitarist TJ had injured his wrist and that the band would be playing with only one guitar this night. He also confessed that he was a bit nervous to just be lead vocal for the night. As they blasted into their first song all fear was forgotten as the band seemed to fill the room with their music and stage presence. Though only fans would notice the sound difference from the usual line up, we did notice the limited dynamics. But to most people No Operator just slayed the set. Each band member interacted with the audience as well as each other and it seemed like they were having a blast! We will be keeping our eyes on these guys for sure.

Closing the night was Synapse. Epic is one word that I would use to describe their sound. A very tight stage presence but felt as if it was built for a stage bigger than the one the Copper Owl could provide. This band seems like the kind of sound and set that you would see on festival tours. Their drummer was one of the highlights of the nights though, just blasting into his kit and looking as if he was just having the time of his life. The lead guitar was buried a bit in the mix and some of the lead lines were harder to hear. One of problems with this genre of music is sometimes some of the coolest parts of the album are almost impossible to duplicate in real life. Upon hearing all the recordings I would love to see them at a bigger setting with the ability to use samples to beef up some of the tracks or maybe get a keyboard player for some tracks. Though nothing lacked live, the music was tight and the band sounded great. The vocals cut through the mix great and had solid pitch the whole set. Such a unique tone of vocal too really stood out. Can't wait to see the next show!

Also wanted to include a quick shout out to "The Day He Quit" this band will be sadly missed and I hope that they all continue making music in their own way and keep rocking life! They just played their final show last saturday and I heard it was a blast! Pirate Party!

Mellow Yellow... Just Right!

Hammer Records always loves seeing three things; when new bands emerge, musicians making art, and rocking stage presence. Mellomanic's has all three, though they are in no way new to performing on stage, and have been playing music with each other since high school in various bands and groups.

However, this was their first show under this name. Performing at the Railway Club on a Wednesday, they had brought out a great crowd of friends and well wishers! From the moment they started playing music, a certain vibe filled the room. It seemed as if everyone just became friends with each other and was watching their best friends on stage. All attention was on the stage as the Mellomanics moved and grooved. Using every inch of the relatively small space to fit their 6 piece band, they still managed to dance and perform excellently on stage.

We were very impressed with the vocals. Both vocalists had quite different styles. Each complimented one another with their tones of voice. His voice had a touch of grit and more of a rock influence, while hers was smooth and silky and had more off a jazz pop essence. When doubling each others vocal lines it was as if two souls were interweaving back and forth. A great use of harmonies through many songs as well, which we noted were quite on pitch. We know harmonies can be rather difficult in a loud, live setting.

The band was super tight instrumentally. The drums and bass were solidly locked and provided the perfect swing, folk, reggae groove on many tunes. The guitarists switched it up from playing duel guitars to one or another switching to the keyboard. It provided a great shift in dynamics and tones within the set list, making each song unique and original.

We are excited to see this band leap forward and press toward the stars. We wish them luck and will try to attend more shows in the future to keep our tabs on them. We can see them making a great impression on the scene here, and should be playing many more shows in the future!

Be sure to check them out HERE and their music HERE and the gallery of images we shot that night HERE.

This Will Make Your Heart Flatline Pt.1

An old friend of mine is in town and really wanted to check out The Flatliners at the Rickshaw! I had actually never heard of the group but once I checked them out I was stoked to go see them too! I believe this show will be a raw-in-your-face explosion of punk rock! Below is their official music video! Be sure to check them out!



Opening up are A Wilhelm Scream, Such Gold and The Grave Life. Pictures will be coming after the show!


COME CHECK OUT THE SHOW! Tonight at the Rickshaw!

Pigeon Park Releasing New Album!

Hammer Records have had our eye on these boys for a while now. Watching them grow and "spread their wings" and right now they are flying! Playing the main stage on 420, getting featured on Tv, and now a brand new album coming from this Coquitlam rockers. Get Stoked.

Pigeon Park has been steadily rocking the scene for a few years now and are finally getting their due. If you have ever seen them live then you will know the amount of sweat, tears.. well umm.. mostly just sweat that goes into every live performance! They're recordings have improved with each album, coming ever closer to fully capturing their rock and roll essence. Take a look at their latest single "Come Down Slow".




Come see these rockers at Venue on August 8th for a night that will shake rattle and roll!
Click HERE for full event details! Joining them will be WHOA, She's a Babe, The Slovos, and No Century.