Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Angel Olsen – 7PM @ Sonic Boom
Prior to their sold-out non-CMW show at Lee’s Palace, Angel Olsen and co. played a short free set put on by Chart Attack down the street at Sonic Boom. Despite some initial discontent from the large crowd due to the late start (the band accidently walked in the wrong direction to get there), the indie rock goddess soon had everyone wholly transfixed. Having a full backing band behind her didn’t detract from her trembling hush nor the magic of the soulful “Hi-Five” and mesmerizing “Lights Out” from Burn Your Fire for No Witness. Harbouring a smoldering slow-burning fiery intensity locked inside her casual exterior, Olsen’s voice made you want to sway slowly as your weakened knees melted into the floor. She also proved she could full-on belt when she wanted to.
It was a great start to a night of music and I am forever thankful for places like Sonic Boom offering me the chance to see artists such as Olsen for free!
Hunting – 9PM @ Supermarket
A last minute tweet from Nevado Records had me rushing to meet Catherine over at Supermarket to catch Vancouver’s Hunting and their pretty Bright Eyes-esque emotively melancholy folk. Having had minimal exposure to the band prior to the evening, we were immediately lured into Hunting’s sombre chamber with set opener “Aleen Obscene.” Led by multi-instrumentalist Bradley Ferguson, the six-piece dazzled with their sleepy grooves, spooky undertones to the guitars and tinkly glockenspiel courtesy of Jessica Yiruusi. The band dialled things up a few notches into a full-blown rock extravaganza for “Patti,” though the energy was soon tempered and brought back down for sweetly sad single “Everything Will Be Okay.” As starkly sparse as could be, they channeled the feeling of the lyrics and chilled us with the bone-crushing sadness of “Lonely Happy” to end the set.
Hunting’s self-titled album was released via Nevado Records back in February and it is well worth your time to check out. Watch their video for “Everything Will Be Okay” if you need further proof.
Cat Thomson – 10PM @ Supermarket
We nabbed a bite to eat before the Supermarket kitchens closed and were serenaded by adult contemporary pop singer Cat Thomson’s massive voice during our late dinner. The trained opera singer was unfortunately perhaps almost too dominant at times, her voice carrying throughout the entire venue and overtaking the instrumentals; it would have been nice to hear her trill controlled on certain songs, such as the poppy piano-based “Sticks & Stones,” rather than always being unleashed full force.
You can check out her music for yourself on her website.
Good for Grapes – 11PM @ Supermarket
The night ended with the beat of the kick drum-driven, foot-stomping, frolicking folk and earthy bluegrass blend of Vancouver’s Good for Grapes. The rowdy and rousing four-part group vocals from the six-piece was only outdone by their enthusiastic energy and constant jumping as they introduced the small crowd to their debut album Man on the Page. The band’s zest was only amplified upon the introduction of harmonica by spirited frontman Daniel McBurnie on songs like “Renminbi Tips.”
I was first introduced to the Vancouver band by following last year’s Peak Performance Project, where they took a fourth place finish, and was excited to finally see them. The unyielding vitality of their live show quickly reminded me of the first time I saw Toronto’s Strumbellas; I once again fell instantly in love, knowing I’d stumbled upon something really special.
An early highlight to our festival, we bought the band shots immediately. Good for Grapes is only gaining steam so be sure to catch them the next time they traipse through your town – you won’t be disappointed!
buying shots for bands 
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