Opening up the night were Edmonton two-piece the Famines, who like the last time they played in Calgary, were raw and unhinged but still incredibly tight. Playing a selection of the bluesy post-punk on their debut double seven-inch, as well as some unreleased material, the Famines' white-hot set further cemented the fact that they're one of the more exciting bands coming out Alberta. Still, compared to the other bands, the Famines were also the most polished.
Up next were Vancouver's Shearing Pinx, who carried a weight of anticipation. For a band that release virtually everything they do (which has resulted in an uncountable amount of releases), the Pinx have become somewhat of an institution in Vancouver post-punk, and for good reason. Shearing Pinx especially demonstrated their versatility with the timing and dynamics of their set.
Opening with a long passage of humming white noise, the band let the warbling effects stand on their own just long enough before it got tiresome, instead breaking into a series of slightly more technical post-punk songs. From there, it was an ideal mix of wailing noise and busy guitar riffs before the band ended their highly energetic set. It's so refreshing to see a band that are forward-thinking without forgetting the importance of simple entertainment.
Before long, Montreal's AIDS Wolf had set up, and their set began in a frenetic blur of pummeling drums, screechy guitars, thrashing hair, and front-woman Chloe Lum's guttural vocals and unpredictable tantrums - it was exactly what could have been expected from an AIDS Wolf set. While their albums demonstrate their technical prowess on a recorded level, the live AIDS Wolf experience adds a visual element that makes them a must-see whether you enjoy their music or not.
Up next were Vancouver's Shearing Pinx, who carried a weight of anticipation. For a band that release virtually everything they do (which has resulted in an uncountable amount of releases), the Pinx have become somewhat of an institution in Vancouver post-punk, and for good reason. Shearing Pinx especially demonstrated their versatility with the timing and dynamics of their set.
Opening with a long passage of humming white noise, the band let the warbling effects stand on their own just long enough before it got tiresome, instead breaking into a series of slightly more technical post-punk songs. From there, it was an ideal mix of wailing noise and busy guitar riffs before the band ended their highly energetic set. It's so refreshing to see a band that are forward-thinking without forgetting the importance of simple entertainment.
Before long, Montreal's AIDS Wolf had set up, and their set began in a frenetic blur of pummeling drums, screechy guitars, thrashing hair, and front-woman Chloe Lum's guttural vocals and unpredictable tantrums - it was exactly what could have been expected from an AIDS Wolf set. While their albums demonstrate their technical prowess on a recorded level, the live AIDS Wolf experience adds a visual element that makes them a must-see whether you enjoy their music or not.
