Posts Tagged ‘Sled Island Festival’
Sled Island 11′ – Day 3
On my way to see Bison b.c. at Olympic Plaza it started to rain. Hard. Noticing that Palominos was so close, I decided to get a drink and try some of their famous barbecue. It didn’t disappoint. I was lucky enough to catch Adeline perform while I downed a couple pints of Steamwhistle. The place was full, forcing me to listen from the patio, though that didn’t diminish my experience. A pretty voice, the singer never strained with an eloquent and tasteful performance. That said, as nice as it was, didn’t deliver anything out of the ordinary but was perfectly pleasant. Perhaps if I’d been able to watch them rather than have them as background music it would have left more of an impression. I’ll take the blame for that.
Checking my clock, I knew missed Bison’s set but I realized there was still time to catch the Buzzcocks set at Olympic Plaza. I rolled in just as the 70s punk rock legends broke out the classic “Why Can’t I Touch It?” With a rhythm guitarist and a drummer that appear to be twenty years their junior, they showed a delightful cockiness and refused to be looked at like the dinosaur acts many of their peers have succumbed to. The Plaza was fairly subdued throughout the show, perking up only for bratty hits like “What Do I Get” and “Orgasm Addict.” Indeed, the majority of fans in the Plaza appeared to be metalheads and were probably confused by seeing punk rock elder statesmen playing in the hot sun.
I ran into a few old friends I hadn’t seen for quite some time before the Sword were to hit the stage. They, along with most everyone, were there for the metal acts that would be closing the show. As soon as the first chords blared through the sound system people from every angle ran toward the stage. Hailing from Austin, Texas, the heavy four-piece tore the stage up and owned the crowd from the get-go. This was the type of show where dudes take their shirts off and high-five each other. And that’s great (and, yes, amusing). Shows like this are so much fun; I like to think I’m open minded, but at the end of the day, this stuff hits my sweet spot more than any buzz band that we’re supposed to like before it becomes unfashionable to do so ever could. Sled Island would do well to bring in more bands like this. Playing a great deal of the tracks from 2010’s masterful Warp Riders, the groove these guys have is as tasty as any band I’ve ever heard.
The Sword – How Heavy This Axe
The Sword’s set was so good that I was already spent, but the metal gods in Sleep were to close out the show, a choice I’ll admit I found odd. wasn’t exactly an energetic way to finish up, but the band rightfully commands a lot of respect within the metal community and managed to show the audience what power they possess. Every song lumbered like a giant, with riffs as thick as a brick and slow as molasses. A ten-minute song for them is considered short and sweet. They could have played one sixty-minute song and everyone listening would have been just as satisfied. Few bands can pull off such a feat. If you have the pleasure of witnessing Sleep, know what you’re in for and prepare for a wall of sound.
After trying and failing to get in touch with my photographer to meet up at some point (it’s to my understanding that barely woke up before midnight—must have been a fun Thursday night) I had to make a choice on which show to attend. There were literally five different shows I would have been happy to see and with no one by my side, I had my pick. Red Fang at the Palomino was mighty tempting, but I figured I’d had enough of a dose of metal for the day. I opted for Crocodiles/Deer Tick at Dicken’s. The $7.00 beers at Olympic Plaza had begun to add up, so I was relieved to see that there was a liquor store beside the club. I loosened up with a bottle of Canadian Club whiskey before heading inside.
Crocodiles hit the stage and entertained the hip, young crowd. This was the third opportunity I’d had to see them at the festival and I’m glad it finally happened. The vocals were difficult to hear over how loud and noisy the rest of group was, but I’m not complaining. The guitarist was the clear standout, commanding attention by the sheer decadence and volume of his playing. Every time he stomped on his pedal and played it was a like a shock to the system. If the rest of the band played like that they would be a monster; as it stands, they’re merely human.
The show was running way behind schedule, meaning if I was to catch the train home I’d need to leave during Deer Tick. This was a shame as they were one of the groups I’d been looking forward to the most. Alas, I caught a couple of their songs and went on my way. I hope to catch them someday (along with side project Middle Brother). This just wasn’t the night.
Sled Island Festival – Day 2
Day two of Sled Island began auspiciously for me. There weren’t any bands in particular that I was dying to see so I was essentially open to anything. My friend recommended Zola Jesus, so I made my way to Central United Church (the venue I missed getting into on day one).
Pierre Laporte was just finishing up when I entered the venue. I couldn’t really get a handle on their music from the one song I heard but the kids seemed to enjoy it. There were a group of guys crowded around the front of the stage, clumsily staggering into each other, unsure of whether they should go-for-broke and mosh. I have a feeling they’ve never been to a proper punk or metal show. Give it time and they’ll be smashing each others’ faces in no time.
As for Zola Jesus? It was interesting. They have a certain aesthetic that is certainly effective—the pairing of powerful female vocals overtop of droning, gloomy electronic sounds. The Los Angeles-based duo got off to an awkward start, fiddling around with the sound while sheepishly trying to avoid eye contact with the audience before finally starting. The vocalist has a booming voice that has a haunting quality. Unfortunately, the lyrics were mostly indecipherable, coming off more like a series of wails and moans. There wasn’t any song structure per se; by the time the fourth or fifth song came along it was virtually impossible to tell them apart. This isn’t to say that their music is lacking—it would be easy to imagine this sort of thing inserted into a David Lynch movie. What it needs is a little more dynamic—the singer’s bloodcurdling scream was employed only twice throughout the show and was a definite highlight. The crowd was nearly as strange as the group. The packed house sat and watched the show in rapt attention, clapping politely after each track had finished. There was no joy or emotion to be seen; it was as sombre a celebration I’d ever witnessed.
In need of a palate-cleanse, I left the Church and made my way down the street to the Legion upstairs. A cold bottle of Alexander Keiths never tasted so good. To my delight the James T. Kirks came onstage and rocked out hard. I can’t remember the last time I heard an instrumental band that kicked so much ass. They let the music do the talking and the message was simple: let’s have a good time. As they played through their first couple songs I couldn’t help but feel like they sounded a lot like an amped up Link Wray—and wouldn’t you know it? They proceeded to cover the man himself. Everyone in attendance was appreciative of the raw aggression and ear splitting volume they offered out. Their rough-and-tumble brand of rock made the room want to jive, want to dance, want to scream. It was a beautiful sight to behold.
Next up was Dinosaur Feathers, a Brooklyn, New York band that came highly recommended. I knew very little about them last night but I am ready to learn more. This was their second time in Canada, having previously been to Vancouver, but I hope they come around more often. Showcasing incredibly tight surf/pop harmonies over jangly rock and roll guitar, they stormed in and wowed those in attendance. The arsenal of hooks within the songs they unleashed on this night was outstanding. It’s always refreshing to hear falsetto pulled off well; the lead singer’s falsetto was simply perfect. They weren’t afraid to break out the cowbell and even brought someone in to work the Theremin for a song. It was hard to hide the smile on my face while these guys played—their music makes you feel good. (CHECK THEM OUT IN VANCOUVER ON MONDAY JUNE 27th)
Dinosaur Feathers – Please, Please George
There still was a plan lacking on what to check out for the rest of the night. Dum Dum Girls were closing the show downstairs and it was mighty tempting, but my cohort (who I finally reconvened with during the Dinosaur Feathers set) and I, after downing some tasty Jagermeister, decided to make our way to the Distillery to check out GOBBLE GOBBLE and maybe even catch Man Man’s encore and final performance of the festival.
Every time I come to Calgary I forget that the Distillery is a different place than it used to be. My old band used to play the old Distillery when it was a little place that housed the best metal and punk in the city. That’s still the case, by the way, but the new place is huge and really pretty nice. The same can’t be said for the former venue. That place was a scummy and I mean that in the best way possible. I guess I’ll just have to keep coming to shows before I get used to it. What important is that CBC (Calgary Beer Core) remains in tact, and I don’t see that ending any time soon.
Whatever Distillery it is now, it was hopping when we arrived. Edmonton’s GOBBLE GOBBLE were tearing the place up, bringing the highest amount of energy I’d seen thus far. As a resident of Edmonton I’d heard tales of their shows but nothing prepared me their wild brand of electro-pop. This isn’t generally my sort of music, but their enthusiasm and willingness to party was infectious and as a result the party was pretty out of control. Who was I to deny the good vibes? If you’re looking to have a good time, get your ass out to see these cats.
Seeing how I was already there and the show the night before was so damn good, I knew that it was my duty to see Man Man. I was lucky enough to briefly talk to frontman Honus Honus before the show as he quickly downed a shot of whiskey at the bar. He assured me that the show would sound better than the last. This struck me odd, as they sounded fantastic before. That being said, he knows his shit. He’d have to. Their chaotic show is no accident. They are fully in control of every topsy-turvy sound in their carnival dance. With white war paint smeared across their faces, the Philadelphia five-piece enthralled the crowd, only stopping to trade instruments or for Honus to change into a trench coat and the kind of goggles someone might wear while tunnelling to the center of the earth. As great as everything else has been, I didn’t regret seeing them for a second time—I’d be tempted if there were a third.
We made our way back to the Legion in hopes of catching some of Dum Dum Girls’ show. Several people slammed back swigs of vodka before heading inside when it hit me that I’d been swilling beer pretty consistently all day. The prospect of getting some rest to prepare for the next day was too tempting—I took the bait and got on the train back to my lodgings. What I didn’t expect was a nearly empty train with the important exception of a group of young ladies who decided to sing seemingly every soul song they’d ever heard in unison. And the funny thing is they actually sounded pretty good! If you’re reading this, anonymous girls, get your asses booked at Sled Island next year. That or continue to entertain my half-drunken ass in transit. It’s your call.
>>>>>>FULL PHOTOS Day 1-2<<<<<<<
Pierced Arrows
Beatroute After Party
Sled Island Festival – Day 1
I completely forgot about Sled Island.
It was Tuesday night when I received a message from Tristan, a man I’d yet to speak with, asking when I’d be arriving at the festival. “…just working that out,” I assured him, frantically trying to figure out what to do. I could have sworn SI didn’t start until July. Oh well. Real world be damned, I got my ass in gear and made it to Calgary, just in time.
Or so I thought. I was set to meet with Tristan at the Central United Church to see Wild Nothing/Braids perform but due to unforeseen circumstances, we were unable to get together. Flat tires and crossed wires will do that. While I never did technically get inside the venue what I heard from outside sounded nice enough.
We finally managed to catch up briefly at The New Black, a small venue upstairs on 9th Ave SE, for Bayonets!!! high-energy set. Those in attendence were treated to a frenetic, go-for-broke performance featuring three vocalists willing to ditch their microphones and yell instead. Between their short, punchy numbers the band jostled goofily with the crowd, clearly in a joyful mood. The anthem-like songs burst to life and abruptly stopped just as it seemed they were picking up steam, daring the crowd to start dancing; not unlike their songs, the group ended their show on a sudden high note, leaving us wanting more.
Bayonets!!! – Spank Lloyd Wright
Since we had no real game plan at that point, we hailed a cab and headed to Tubby Dog to see Montreal’s Pat Jordache. I’d never heard of Pat Jordache before but I won’t be forgetting them any time soon. Their hauntingly defiant sound draws a listener in immediately. Singer/bassist Pat Gregoire has a sort of charisma that draws you in and forces you to take notice. His cool, strangely soulful baritone doesn’t need your attention but will take it anyway.
Pat Jordache – radio GENERATION
The two drummers and two guitarists (one of whom plays keys sporadically) never overplay, allowing the songs to speak for themselves. Many bands that use multiple drummers often can’t pull it off, but the two pounding the skins, while not necessarily in perfect unison at all times, fed off each other and made it feel like one giant sound. And just when you think that you have these guys figured out, they launch into a stomping number where three of the members howl together like a pack of wolves.
The sound at Tubby Dog was surprisingly good. The vocals were clear and the guitars were as clean or noisy as they needed to be. Not bad for a place that puts Captain Crunch, peanut butter and jelly on hot dogs. After Jordache’s set we spoke with members of the group who were humble and very friendly. If you have a chance to see these guys in your town, don’t hesitate. (VANCOUVER, WEDNESDAY JUNE 29th)
It was around 11:30 we realized we still hadn’t decided what to do to close the night off. I knew that Man Man was playing at midnight at the Legion but also Thursday at the Distillery. Thing is, at Sled Island there’s so much to do and see, if you have a chance to see something you want, go and avoid disappointment by waiting for another day.
When we walked into the Royal Canadian Legion #1 there was a bit of a shock to the system. Here we’d been in two small venues with appreciative but limited attendees—this was not the case. The crowd, to put it delicately, was going completely apeshit. Chali 2na, a former member of Jurassic 5, and his band destroyed. I was only able to catch a couple songs but from what I saw it was funky as hell. The guy has a great flow. I’m not entirely familiar with his work but I liked what I saw. Everyone clearly did, too.
2na’s set didn’t finish up until midnight, meaning Man Man would have to be put on hold for a short time. Luckily this show was 18+ giving us an opportunity to down a few beers, something that was long overdue. At 12:30, Man Man finally graced the stage.
Knowing their records does not even begin to give the scope of what these guys do onstage. It’s a bizarre, exhilarating spectacle punctuated by manic performances by every band member. Honus Honus, the moustachioed frontman, pounds the piano with a fervour so electric it’s impossible not to be swept up by it all. He’s also not averse to donning a dress looking like something out of the Liza Minelli Collection. “Piranhas Club,” from Life Fantastic, the band’s latest record, got everyone dancing while “Dark Arts” ignited crowd surfing and piercing screams throughout the hall. Everyone in the group frequently switched instruments, showcasing their ridiculous talents and how important each part—no matter how seemingly slight—is to each song. They kept everyone at rapt attention until the final notes rang out of the venue around 1:30. It’s amazing knowing that they’ll be doing it all again the next night.
I exited the Legion, emotionally and physically drained from the pure awesomeness I had just witnessed. If Thursday can live up to the opening night, this should be one hell of a festival.
>>>>>>>>>>FULL PHOTOS DAY 1-2<<<<<<<<<<<
Writing: Scott Malone Photos: Tristan Orchard
Sled Island 2011
Calgary’s, Sled Island Festival is fast approaching.
Have you found a ride / couch to crash on?
We had a b. l. a. s. t. last year (photos) and it has now become an annual pilgrimage of little sleep and a lot of bands.
Some 2011 headliners.
Blonde Redhead – My Plants Are Dead (GAMES RMX)
Buzzcocks – Ever Fallen In Love
Hunx & His Punx – U Don’t Like Rock N Roll
Starfucker – Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second
+200+ more bands. FULL INFO
Sleddie Tis’ Been Funz
Winnie is back from the Sled Island Festival. Almost caught up on missed sleep. Big thanks to the Sled Island People for putting on such a great show. To echo the sentiments of many Calgarians, the city is really lucky to have such a great festival! so keep up the good work.
Shouts to Glenn at Beatroute Magazine for having us come and play and thank you to my Auntie Kathy for housing my smelly azz.
Till Next Year.
Sled Island Day 1
Happy Canada day!
Drove for 14hours, got in at 10:30 then dj’d the Beatroute after party til 5am. Serious mind trip. Still feeling scatterbrained AND i’m having a bad hair day. I have a beer now so i’m feeling a lot better….
Didn’t get to see any official Sled shows arriving so late. I heard Deerhoof blew people’s mind as well as Big Freedia (my current obsession). Freedia is hopefully playing another after party so hopefully I can sniff that out.
Ty Segal played the afterparty with Walter TV, Blines, Sharp Ends and Myelin Sheaths which was pretty awesome. It was in an unventilated basement that helped people lose their minds (and further deterioarted mine). Ty plays today as well as Turbo Fruits, RatTail, Nu Sensae, White Lung, Chain and The Gang, Brazilian Money, Babe Rainbow, Black Lips and far too many other great bands.
Follow my alcoholic adventures in Cowtown live here.
Speak soon. hopefully!
Sleddie Isle
Winnie is going to the Sled Island Festival! well… Hunk and Steve are. We will try to tell you about it… follow Hunk’s Twitter HERE for all the zany action!
Hunk is djing the Beatroute after party Wednesday with Walter Tv, Blines, myelin Sheaths, Sharp Ends & Ty Segall. Hit us up for details. Let’s get lifted.
For full festival info check out their webpage.
