Canadian punk rock band Propagandhi, who released their newest album, Failed States, on September 4th, 2012 via Epitaph, which followed up their 2009 album, Supporting Caste, which served as the first Propagandhi album with second guitarist David “The Beaver” Guillas and the first not released on former longtime label Fat Wreck Chords, performed at the Rickshaw Theatre in Vancouver last night.
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2015 - So sometimes I listen to music that's not mosh-worthy, but I figured I'd try my hand at the Arkells when I heard they were coming to Vancouver - and I had no regrets for what was to come.
First up came Modern Space, a five-piece out of Newmarket, Ontario back in 2011 and have been recently featured for a spotlight program for Spotify in 2016. They've also shared the stage alongside artists such as LIGHTS and The Vaccines. While playing songs off their latest EP release, Before Sunrise, the quintet exhibited a stellar vibe - one that appreciated sharing the stage with their idols and influences. The band highlighted how excited they were to have been granted the opportunity to tour alongside the Arkells - and to have the cameras pointed their way :).
Dreamers, a trio from Brooklyn, describes themselves as "70s punk meets power-pop." Sharing the stage with acts such as Stone Temple Pilots and The 1975, they've gained attention from the likes of publications such as Billboard and SPIN magazine to much praise. Their act was much more mellow than that of Modern Space's but had the audience in such a trance - almost hypnotic in nature.
And finally, the headliners Arkells from Hamilton, Ontario. Having had critical acclaim nationally with showcases at the MMVAs to winning some JUNO awards, they've toured extensively in North America and Europe along the likes of Metric, Billy Talent and Sam Roberts. Max Kerman, the vocalist, exhibited such stage presence that had the crowd chanting out lyrics and clapping along to their jams.
The second I got home, and over the last few days the post-show photos blew up all my news feed - words of joy, excitement and delight were accompanied with them, the most I've seen for a show in a while. I haven't felt that kind of satisfaction for a show in a while - perhaps it was the change of pace but I'm more than positive it was the impact that they've left upon me.
Setlist
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get the setlists for Modern Space and Dreamers.
Arkells
Encore
January 23, 2016 - After the dry spell of concerts over December and January, it was nice to be back out and shooting; what better way to start off than with some metal and punk rock?
First up are thrash metal act Aggression, hailing from Vancouver/Montreal in 1985. They've opened for major acts including Metallica, Slayer, Exodus but eventually disbanded in '89 due to some members' drug problems but eventually came back to do a few reunion shows and here we are today! All in all, what you'd expect from thrash - rowdy, aggressive and a lot of fun!
Following up are local act, The Golers, which arose in 1998 after the dis-banding of Subversion, where all former members started their self-described "hardcore, crossover thrash with a punk edge." A bit more raw in their sound, they've toured with acts such as Kreator, Napalm Death and Suicidal Tendencies.
It's been weird knowing that there's a whole scene in Vancouver that I was completely unaware of until shooting for Not Your Scene. So many alt acts that don't get enough exposure due to lack of publication and radio play.
Next up comes Process, another local act consisting of vocalist Jim Huhn, guitarists Cambie Kroetsch and Maurice Williams, bassist Vincent Lee Borden and drummer Adrian White. Not too much is known about them (limited details on their Facebook, no website) but these guys were rowdy and definitely got the crowd rolling.
My friend and former boss introduced me to the next act, the Dayglo Abortions, and I never realized how much of an influence they were on the Canadian punk scene. Hailing from across the Georgia Strait in Victoria, the boys have been stirring up a shitstorm with controversial album-artwork and lyricism that convey a complete disregard for social norms. Various obscenity charges have been laid against the band that have been dropped as the Dayglos are willing to push the agenda in our overly politically correct society. As of late, their lyrics have been somewhat politicized after the release of Holy Shiite, with songs critiquing scientology, the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the hypocrisy of pro-lifers and evangelicals of our southern neighbors. Despite minor amp malfunctions for one of the guitars, the energy was on high for everyone. The show was a gongshow to say the least - some of my favourite kinds of shows!
Setlists
Unfortunately I was unable to obtain setlists from Aggression, Golers and Process
Dayglo Abortions
January 18, 2016 - So 2015 for me was kind of all over the place, kinda just shooting odds and ends - mainly portraiture and concerts. It's been almost five years since I've picked up a camera and finding a style has been more than difficult, as I often find myself catering to what the client is asking for. Come 2016 and I'm hoping to hone my style in a bit so you will more than likely see some change in the upcoming portrait sessions to come - drawing inspiration from but not limited to Jordan Voth, Ryan Longnecker, Don + Loren, and Loren X Chris.
And since my 70-200 is currently under maintenance, I decided I'd play with my 85mm (Nikon 1.8D) as it's sadly been collecting dust ever since I bought it. I regret not picking it up sooner as I instantly fell in love with it. I can only imagine the creaminess that comes out of Canon's 1.2L series...
Anyway, gear aside, here's my friend Jasmine at the Pier in North Vancouver:
