[Note: We actually had to take this photo before doors, as it was the only way to gather such a large group for a shot!]
Date of show: September 30, 2010
Shot of choice: Jameson
Eight members deep, Regina’s Library Voices fill out the entire stage of The Horseshoe Tavern. Members are Michael Dawson (keys, synths, guitar), Paul Gutheil (saxophone, vocals), Eion Hickey-Cameron (bass), Carl Johnson (vocals, guitar), Karla Miller (microKORG, vocals), Brennan Ross (guitar, vocals), Amanda Scandrett (glockenspiel, keys, vocals), Michael Thievin (drums). With so many people on stage, the possibility of chaos exists, but this group is like one big happy family. They work well together and genuinely enjoy playing together, which is evident with their glances to one another, smiles, and even gestures of affection.
Their brand of indie pop is catchy, electric, and always entertaining. Johnson was already sweating after their first song and by the end all the guys were drenched, a sign of how much energy they put into their live set. Members are always jumping all over the place, and both Johnson and Hickey-Cameron were on the drum kit at different times. Second to last, “Drinking Games” got the crowd to clap along. Dawson asked for the crowd’s help and the crowd happily obliged. They ended off their set with “Step Off the Map and Float,” a favourite off their debut EP Hunting Ghosts (& Other Collected Shorts), but stuck around for a solid encore.
I can’t emphasize enough how great Library Voices are live. I’d encourage you to buy them shots, but I can attest to the cost being a little daunting. Instead I encourage you to pick up Denim on Denim, which was released earlier this year, and catch them live… at every opportunity you have. They’ll be worth it every time.
Paper Lions is a 4-piece indie pop band from Prince Edward Island. John MacPhee (vocals, keys) is such an energetic frontman, showing exuberance both on and off stage (no really, he jumped off stage a couple times). The rest of the band includes bother Rob MacPhee (bass), Colin Buchanan (guitar) and David MacDonald (drums). Together, these guys are capable of setting the stage on fire with their catchy tunes and bold energy.
There were some particularly exciting elements of their set. MacDonald had two drum solos, one where he worked up to using 4 drumsticks at the same time and another with bongos. Both were truly incredible. John led the crowd in a sing-along, getting many to sing the words “Please don’t be a stranger in my place” beautifully. Paper Lions even did a cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill,” which was a particular highlight for me.
In a serious understatement but very nice touch, someone in the crowd yelled, “Great job guys!” a couple times. I could hear the murmur of agreement around me, but it was more than just great; it was a performance worthy of shots. We’ll get you guys next time, Paper Lions!
Dan Moxon (vocals, keys, guitar) wore a shirt that boldly said, “NINETY PERCENT IS NOT ENOUGH” and that seems to be the approach Bend Sinister takes to their live show. It’s 100% every time. They play energetic pop rock and come together in a tight-knit package of 4. Rounding out the rest of the band are Joseph Blood (guitar), Jason Dana (drums) and Joel Myers (bass).
Bend Sinister played a host of rather new songs, but they took it to the next level for this show. They had been in Ontario quite a bit in the last couple weeks and had some songwriting during this period. They happened to debut one of these very brand new tunes, “One Shot,” which was so new Moxom still had the lyrics written down.
Vancouver seems to be an epicentre of great music and Bend Sinister is no exception. They were loud, boisterous and a lot of fun to watch. I look forward to checking out this band again. They opened up the night to a small crowd that grew as their set continued on, but I’d like to see them with a better turnout, which they completely deserve.
buying shots for bands 
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