Lykke Li at Heimathafen Neukölln

Lykke Li is a great musician and entertainer. She knows how to captivate her audience to the point where they’re intimidated by her. Like at this concert, the audience seemed a bit shy at times. Example: Lykke Li asked, “Are you guys ready to hear some more new songs?” and no one really responded. She then said, “Come on, you guys need to be a little more excited than that.” But maybe people weren’t being shy, they just didn’t want to hear new tracks. Either way, I was happy to hear the new ones. They made me even more excited for the upcoming album. But I was hoping to hear one specific song: I’ve been to three Lykke Li concerts and I’m still waiting for her to play “Until We Bleed”. I know, it’s technically Kleerup’s track but she does perform it at concerts sometimes. One day, I’ll get to hear it live!

Highlights:

She did a brief cover of “Ready Or Not” by the Fugees and it looks like dynmk.de caught it on video! At one point, there was a bit of an intermission (or something) and The Knife’s “Silent Shout” came on. Lykke Li then danced with the hanging drapes while bright lights blinked around her. That part was definitely cool and reignited my love for that song. But I think the best part of the concert was when she played “Possibility”. It’s strange because “Possibility” was probably one of my least favourite Lykke Li tracks but this live version was unbelievable. The organ was so loud that it basically consumed me, and this probably sounds weird but I liked it. This is just from my point of view but the live version of this song took me somewhere else. This is what I love about concerts — live music always pushes my imagination beyond its limit. I would love to have a copy of this live version but for now, this video is the closest I can get to it. I’m still waiting on a live album, Lykke!

It was a pretty short concert, no opening act. Nevertheless, Lykke Li always impresses me!

And, I’ll finish this post off with “Possibility”.

Busking For Change Concert in Vancouver

The Vancouver band Elias is putting on a daylong concert tomorrow (Friday, Dec 18th). The concert will run from 10am – 6pm outside of Library Square, in three set-up stages. Elias will be playing with other local Vancouver bands, Said the Whale, Adaline and We Are The City.

Elias has been running the “Give me truth” campaign, which is dedicated to helping War Child. War Child is a charity that helps war-affected children. Elias has a “Give me truth” petition online and if you sign it, you will receive a free download package that contains two songs and a video.

The main purpose of the Busking For Change concert is to raise money for the War Child charity. It’s a great purpose and it’s a cool location. I really wish I could attend but I’m away in Seattle right now. Hopefully the weather holds up for the concert.

If you’re interested in going, there is the full schedule of who’s playing at what time on Facebook.

Elias – All We Want

Friendly Fires: Givin’ it a little bit more

When I found out The Xx and Friendly Fires were playing together, I was slightly surprised. Only because the two bands give off different vibes and energy. The Xx are very good but very slow. While Friendly Fires are really upbeat, they don’t really have any slow songs.

It was almost like I went to two completely different concerts tonight. I relaxed during The Xx and thirty minutes later, I went crazy with Friendly Fires.

The Xx
I enjoyed most of the songs The Xx played. “Shelter”, “Crystalised”, “Heart Skipped a Beat”, and “Night Time” were all performed excellently. The quality of their songs was very good. But to be honest, I don’t have much else to say. I don’t really remember much of their part of the concert except for that it sounded good. There was nothing bad about it but nothing too special about it either.

It did seem like a lot of people came just to see The Xx though. I think they should’ve headlined their own show at a smaller venue. They could’ve easily filled the Biltmore.

Friendly Fires
The original three-piece band, Friendly Fires, was definitely more memorable, mainly because of their energy, and maybe because I like their music a little more (no offense to The Xx). The Xx was very good but the energy was mediocre compared to Friendly Fires.

As soon as they started out, I was happy. The lead singer, Ed Macfarlane, dances so hard; it’s so awesome. He’s so energetic that it’s contagious. And it isn’t only him either, the rest of the band members have loads of energy as well, especially the guitarist, Edd Gibson. As for the drummer, Jack Savidge, he bangs it all out on the drums.

My one complaint about the Friendly Fires part of the show is: the vocal acoustics were very quiet. At first, you could barely hear Macfarlane. Then, someone slightly turned the volume knob so you could hear the vocals but they still weren’t as loud as I would’ve liked them to be.

Besides the vocal acoustics issue, I really enjoyed this concert. I liked the cool ending they added to “Photobooth”. They had trumpet and saxophone players performing in the background. This is gonna sound intense but it was euphoric.

Macfarlane introduced “White Diamonds” by saying it was inspired by German techno. When he said that, I really wondered which song it could be and I guess it makes sense that out of all their songs, this would be the one that falls into that category. But apparently, a couple of their other songs are influenced by German techno as well. Who would’ve known?

I was really glad they played their new song, “Kiss of Life”, as well. This song is really fun to dance to. It just makes me want to stomp around.

At first, I was kind of disappointed that “Ex Lover” was the encore song. That’s because it’s not my most favourite song on their album, Friendly Fires. But the band performed it so well that I’ve changed my mind. Gibson ran through the audience near the end of this song, and right by me. I’m not gonna lie, I thought about reaching out to grab him but I resisted.

The band has jumped into the audience the last two times I saw them as well so I definitely expected at least one of them to go into the audience. The first time I saw them at Richards’ on Richards, Gibson and Macfarlane went into the audience and performed but that was back when they weren’t as popular (they were opening for Lykke Li at the time).

Out of all the songs performed, “On Board” was probably my favourite. They really got the audience pumped on this one. At the end of this song, I just went nuts. I posted the video to this song at the end of this entry, which you should definitely check out.

I was exhausted by the end of the concert from dancing and singing so hard. Thank you, Friendly Fires. I needed that.

Friendly Fires – On Board

Computer vs. Human: Metronomy at the Red Room

After Fool’s Gold dragged their show on for a little too long, Metronomy lit up the stage at the Red Room with chest lights and personality. The UK band had visited Vancouver last January and played a crazy show at the Biltmore Cabaret. This time, I was excited to see that they were playing at a venue that was constructed a little better for a concert but to my surprise, it wasn’t as packed as their last show. Considering it was a Tuesday night, it was impressive that at least the die hard fans showed up anyway.

They started the show with “Night Out Intro” and transcended it into “Heart Rate Rapid”, which was performed fairly well. My two favourite songs, “The End of You Too” and “Back on the Motorway”, weren’t performed as well as some of the other songs. I felt like songs from Pip Paine (pay back the £5000 you owe) and from the new EP, Not Made For Love, were performed better than songs from Nights Out. I know the band has recently acquired two new members and has decided to drop their computer as a live band member. But when I saw them in January, I felt like the computer did a better job on these two songs. It just seems like the band needs to practice some of their songs a little more.

Besides a couple songs that weren’t played that well, there were plenty that were played well. “You Could Easily Have Me”, “What Do I Do Now”, and “Holiday” were all played excellently. “What Do I Do Now” had a sweet live twist to it. Joseph Mount (vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist) talked to the audience a lot, which was nice. I always like it when the band speaks to the audience. He even invited everyone out to play pool with them at the end of the show. Mount also introduced the new, and old, members of the band while the beginning of “A Thing For Me” (the Breakbot remix) was playing in the background, which ended up transitioning into the original “A Thing For Me.” Very nice touch.

The band had those little push lights on their chests; the same push lights that appear in the “Trick or Treatz” video. These lights were synchronized with the beats of the music. I thought this was very cool, obviously.

I know I’m probably making it sound like the band needs their computer back asap but that isn’t really what I meant. Really, I just think they need to practice a little more. I really think the band will be phenomenal live once they all get on the same page. I still danced a lot and ended up sweating. And to be honest, that was the most I’ve sweated and danced in a long time. I remember the last Metronomy concert was the same; a nice sweaty dance fest. So besides my two favourite songs not sounding as good as I had hoped, the concert was still enjoyable for the most part.

Metronomy – You Could Easily Have Me

The Wooden Sky. Biltmore Cabaret. 10/07.

Opening for one of Canada’s favourite acts (Elliott Brood), The Wooden Sky took the stage after the progressive, almost acid rock-like band, Sleepy Sun. The Wooden Sky is a four-piece band from Toronto. They have recently released their second album, If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone and it’s an album that deserves a description that’s similar to this review of their live performance.

Every time I enter the under layer of the Biltmore Cabaret, I always feel like I’m being transported into a different world. Maybe it’s the hot atmosphere, the red lighting or something I can’t put my finger on but whatever it is, depending on the band playing, I can be transported into other worlds that the Biltmore can’t do on its own. The Wooden Sky did just that. Each of their songs reminded of a different city. When they first started, I felt as if I was in the Maritime provinces again, listening to a family jam session. Then, they played “Angels” and I was all of a sudden in Romania. Each song painted a new image in my head. Songs like, “Lock and Key”, brought me to the deserts of Las Vegas, and others like, “The Late King Henry”, took me to the edge of the Mississippi River. The band’s music could be described as wanderer’s music, due to the way it made my brain travel. “Angels” and “Lock and Key” were probably my favourite out of all the songs that were played. I liked the electric guitar solo in “Lock and Key” and the imagery that “Angels” sketched for me.

To be honest, I liked the Wooden Sky more than Elliott Brood. No offense to Elliott Brood but I enjoyed Gavin Gardiner’s delectably cracking voice a little more than Sasso’s raspy one. The Wooden Sky performed very well and they were well-received by the audience. I was surprised to here how hard the audience was clapping and cheering at the end of their show. I wasn’t surprised because I thought they didn’t deserve it or anything (because they definitely did) but surprised just because that doesn’t usually happen. I’m sure anyone who’s been to a concert will understand what I mean by this. You’re always pleasantly surprised when the opening band is good. They had former Mother Mother member, Debra Jean Creelman, join them on stage. It was kind of hard to hear her but it’s the thought that counts.

With chords hanging from the ceiling and sweaty plaid shirts on the ground, The Wooden Sky performed to impress. Their songs invited the audience to join them in their wander through cities of different emotions.

The Wooden Sky – Oh my god – It still means a lot to me

Here Is What Is – 07.28.09

Every once and a while, I enjoy listening to something that isn’t an electrified dance beat. When I was contacted about Here Is What Is, I was pleasantly surprised after listening to a sample of their EP, Done Before It Starts. The band is described as “genre-bending, experimental indie rock”, which I would agree with to a certain extent.

The band was created in Vancouver and their formation was catalyzed by the bassist, Josh Cole (who attended Capilano College/University in North Vancouver).

For a good majority of last night’s concert at the Media Club, my mind floated along with the music. I don’t think this is a bad thing. I do enjoy going to a concert and letting my imagination travel with the music. With the wavering guitar sounds and soft, long vocals in songs like “Done Before It Starts”, “Lucy and the Lost Lions”, and “Please Wake Up”; it’s hard not to let your imagination take control of your thoughts.

“You Can’t Not Dance” was a song that stood out. This tune has a steady, catchy beat that emits pure emotion. The female vocalist/guitarist, stated that the audience should dance at this point but no one seemed to take this advice (unless there were a few at the front I couldn’t see), me being one of them. With no offense to the band, this song isn’t exactly a song I would dance to, which isn’t a bad thing. It’s a great song. It’s most definitely my favourite aside from “Final Fantasy.” It’s just a fairly slow beat that really just makes me want to bob my head, move my shoulders a little and let my mind dance to.

All-in-all, the concert was well-performed. Perhaps it’s because the band consists of siblings and good friends, but they all seem to be on the same musical page. Here Is What Is is going on tour to promote their new EP and I’m sure by the end of the tour, they will be heading towards bigger and better things.

Bulletproof Concert

Amidst the hot and sweaty atmosphere of the Biltmore, La Roux and her band mates took the stage in hopes of getting everyone even hotter and sweatier. The show started with “Tigerlily”, which was performed well but I felt as if La Roux (a.k.a. Elly Jackson) was a little timid at first. This could’ve definitely been due to the heat. Though, once she performed “Colourless Colour” she started to adapt to the heat and break out. At this point, her energy built up and the concert got significantly better and more impressive.

“Bulletproof” was a great song to end with. The entire audience was pumped up and started jumping up and down. At the end of the song, Jackson somewhat joined the audience by standing at the front of the stage, gripping the low ceiling of the Biltmore, pumping the audience up with the beat and her fist. The ceiling almost looked like it was going to break. I don’t know if it was because Elly Jackson is so strong or because the Biltmore is so old. This left me wanting more but I think she ran out of songs to perform and she was also doing a CD signing session after the concert.
She performed all of her songs from her first, and only album at the moment, La Roux. I’m going to admit I really love La Roux’s lyrics. They are clear and real. Elly Jackson isn’t the only person who should be credited to the lyrics though. Ben Langmaid, the co-writer and co-producer of La Roux, also helps out with the production and creation of the electropop songs and lyrics.

Even though it was ridiculously hot and sweaty, the concert was great. “Colourless Colour” and “Bulletproof” were by far my favourite songs that were performed. Next time La Roux hits up Vancouver, I would like to see her/them perform at the Commodore. Hopefully, her fan base grows a little more and the next show can be even more bulletproof then the last.

La Roux – Bulletproof

Monsieur Tellier à Vancouver

Last night, two-thirds of the Brooklyn band, Chairlift, opened up for Sébastien Tellier. Unfortunately, their guitarist got held up at the border. So the band compensated by splitting their set in half with covers and original stuff. They played Chris Isaack’s “Wicked Game”, Snoop Dogg’s “Sensual Seduction” (which was fairly well-done in my opinion) and other great hits. Considering they were missing a band member, Chairlift did a good job making up for it and keeping the crowd somewhat entertained before Sébastien Tellier came on.

Mr. Tellier started his set with “Kilometer”, which got some people moving. Not many people in the crowd were grooving to the music. Everyone was just watching him. Maybe it’s his successfully marketed image or his unique persona that captivates people and puts them in a state of awe. Though, I was kind of surprised at the lack of people that were there. I thought this show would’ve been sold out but it really didn’t look like it was. Apparently, his fan base needs to grow a little more in Vancouver.

Throughout the concert, Sébastien Tellier was drinking a bottle of white wine to himself. He spoke in between songs about…I don’t really know what. His accent was either too strong or I just couldn’t hear very well. By the end of the show, he was lying on his keyboard and after the encore he was standing on it. I also think it’s important to mention the dry guitar humping that took place.

Most of the songs he performed were from the latest album, Sexuality. But of course, he played his most popular song, “La Ritournelle”, which I’ve been listening to on repeat the whole morning. “L’amour et la violence” and “Sexual Sportswear” were probably my two favourite songs that were performed. I also really liked how the originally four minute song, “Une Heure”, was stretched out to a ten minute song.

I would say the entirety of this concert was very good. I thoroughly enjoyed every song that was played and his eccentric characteristics that attributed each song. However, I was a little nervous at how intoxicated he seemed to be. I thought maybe he wouldn’t be able to perform as well but thankfully, I was wrong.

Sébastien Tellier – La Ritournelle (Radio Version)

Running ‘Round All Sweaty with The Presets

Holy crap. This concert was a serious sweatfest.

We arrived at the end of the Golden Filter‘s set, which from what I saw and heard sounded pretty good.

The Presets started their set with “Talk Like That”, which is one of my favourite songs. We were up at the front for half of this song where the crowd was extremely physical. Once the song started up, everyone began to jump, sway and push. We wanted more room to bust some dance moves so we moved off to the side where I surprisingly took better pictures than I did at the front (probably because at the front, I was getting pushed so much that my camera couldn’t focus properly). But after a while I gave up on taking pictures and just danced extremely hard to the music.

With the colourful strobe lights and intense music, The Presets pumped the crowd up very easily. Everyone was jumping and dancing (minus two losers in front of us but we’ll pretend they weren’t really there). Another cool thing about this concert was that the Presets seemed genuinely stoked on how energetic and excited the Vancouver crowd was. Keep in mind, I think about 50% of this crowd was from Australia, the home country of the Presets. At one point, one audience member got on their friend’s shoulders and held up an Australian flag. But almost everyone, including the Vancouver peeps, was jumping and dancing to the music.

My favourite song of the show was probably “If I Know You”. It was performed slightly different from the recorded version; this was really nice on my eardrums. I felt like I was lost in the music. Yea, sounds so corny but sometimes you just feel these things at concerts. I’m sure we can all admit to it.

Before The Presets left the stage, they played “My People” which obviously left everyone wanting more because it’s such a pumping song. After about a minute or two of persuading the duo back onto the stage, they came back out and performed “Anywhere”, which was also performed really well. And once again, I was lost in it.

They played every song from their newest album, Apocalypso, which was awesome. After this concert, I actually felt high and I was completely sober. The lights, band members and music got my adrenalin flowing or something. Or maybe I was just dehydrated and delusional from all the dancing and jumping. Either way, it proves how awesome this concert was.

The Presets – Anywhere

“My People”

“If I Know You”

Energetic Friendly Fires

Until White Lies came onto the stage before Friendly Fires, I was pretty confused about who was the headlining band of this concert. I thought the band, White Lies, was headlining and apparently so did the first opening band, The Soft Pack, who introduced White Lies as Friendly Fires. But after looking at other reviews of this tour, it seems the bands switched it up when it came to who was the headlining band. In Toronto, White Lies headlined and the reviewer of CHARTattack claimed that Friendly Fires should’ve instead. I’m glad Friendly Fires headlined in Vancouver. The only crappy thing about them headlining was that we had to wait until 11:20pm or so to see them (after being there since 8:30pm). But as soon as Friendly Fires got on the stage, their contagious energy spread throughout the crowd and almost everyone was dancing; that was one thing I was really stoked on. I was totally expecting to be one of the few people dancing, but I was wrong. I was surrounded by sweaty, dancing people throughout the entire show.

I saw Friendly Fires open for Lykke Li last October and I was very impressed with Ed Macfarlane’s (lead singer) dancing and energy. So I was pretty excited to see what they would do for their show in Vancouver. They definitely lived up to their previous performance with Lykke Li; I would say they even surpassed it. Ed Macfarlane got down to perform and dance in the crowd twice. And the guitarist, Edd Gibson, ran through all of Richard’s during the encore of “All I Need.” Pretty awesome.

In my opinion, the songs that were best performed were “On Board”, “Lovesick” and “Skeleton Boy” (the video for “Skeleton Boy” is pretty sweet, check it out below). I’ve woken up with these songs in my head since Thursday morning (only two days but still pretty significant in my mind). I think this band does need a little more recognition then they already receive. When people asked me who I was seeing and I told them, Friendly Fires, almost no one had heard of them. So hopefully this post will encourage you to check out their video for “Skeleton Boy” and Myspace. If they come back to Vancouver, I highly suggest attending their concert. It is guaranteed to be full of energy, spontaneity and dancing.

Friendly Fires – Skeleton Boy