Concerts Reviews
Cigarettes After Sex at Rogers Arena in Vancouver – Live Review
On Sept. 27, 2024, Cigarettes After Sex brought their new headline world tour X’s World Tour to Vancouver’s Rogers Arena. The show was led by Greg Gonzalez — the founder of the El Paso dream pop trio. Gonzalez, a jack of all trades, is also a producer of their music, alongside being the lead vocalist, electric and acoustic guitarist. Joining him were Jacob Tomsky on drums and Randall Miller on bass.
While doors opened at 6:00 PM, the show didn’t start until 9:00 PM. Strangely, there was widespread confusion among the concertgoers about the concert beginning at 8:00 PM, leaving many fans visibly confused when their assumed start time came and went. Similar to their past tours, Cigarettes After Sex did not have an opener for the show, instead playing a series of songs alongside graphics and music videos. This established the first step of the calming vibe of the rest of the concert.
The show was mostly seated, with those in the occasional fan standing at their seats for a few short songs in addition to the half-empty pit. The energy of the crowd was a reflection of the dream-like nature of the performances — serene and introspective. Interestingly, there was a clear dress code that visibly fell into place without pre-planning; all-black attire. Throughout the venue, there were countless wearers of leather jackets and Doc Martens. Funnily enough, these outfits matched perfectly with that of the performers’. For once, I felt right at home with my all-black concert photographer attire.
“I’ve missed you, Vancouver! It’s so good to be back,” lead vocalist Greg Gonzalez stated shortly after the show began. The crowd full of over 15,000 attendees cheered loudly to the few comments Gonzalez made sparingly throughout the show but otherwise stayed rather quiet. The energy seemed to noticeably increase as songs such as “Cry,” “Sweet,” “Sunsetz,” “K.,” and “Apocalyse” were played.
The show lasted for just over 80 minutes. The musical skill of the artists was undeniable and flawless. The voice of the lead singer, known for his unique and androgynous sound, echoed through the arena, establishing a soothing, emotional vibe. It was impressive how the band was able to make an arena of over 15,000 feel like an intimate space. All the songs sounded uncannily similar to that of the recorded version, which is both surreal to hear and somewhat disappointing for those who expected more. The stage design was extremely minimal, with 3 large screens behind the artists alternating between a solid coloured background, black and white displays of the respective artists, or a simple nature video. The use of lighting design was the only use of fancy stage production — from vertical light beams forming pillars around the stage to shimmering disco balls. Coupled with the lack of fan interaction and talking in between songs, it was evident that this concert was simply a place for fans to enjoy music.
The lead vocalist interacted with fans more towards the end of the show by walking closer to the fans in the barricade to hand away guitar picks to those who could reach them. It was sweet how he never threw the guitar picks, choosing to gently pass them hand-to-hand, which was touching to watch. The band also exchanged some other trinkets with the crowd near the barricade, such as Tomsky’s drum sticks, Miller’s guitar picks, the show setlist printed on a piece of paper, and some gifts from fans. Besides this, most of the concert went without fan interaction. There was very little verbal communication from the band to the fans, with only one short introduction to the next song by Gonzalez. This helped create a sense of mysteriousness, but also confusion in newer fans.
Cigarettes After Sex in Vancouver, BC was overall a pretty good show. While some may be disappointed with the lack of production and fancy performances, many fans understand that this exact mysteriousness is what the band is known for and what makes them so loved. It’s amazing to see how much the band has grown since spontaneously recording their first EP in a four-story stairway at Gonzalez’s alma mater in 2008. I, for one, can’t wait to see what other music they put out in the future.
Head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
All Photo Credit: Olivia Yu
Concerts Reviews
LIVE REVIEW: Benee Brings Her ‘Particule Tour’ to the Hollywood Theatre in Vancouver
The Hollywood Theatre, Vancouver | March 4, 2026
BAYLI
Opening for BENEE was singer, songwriter, and rapper Bayli! Formerly part of “The Skins,” Bayli has been touring as a solo act since 2019, reaping acclaim for songs like “Passenger Princess” and “SUGARCOAT.” The first thing we thought when dipping our toe through her back catalog this week was how much she encapsulated Robyn’s recent line that “The purpose of [her] life is to stay horny.” That’s very much Bayli’s vibe; her songs are sexy, bordering on erotic. Her brand of EDM-pop is rooted in “explicit queerness” and while she has rejected any one label, her music is for and relatable to everyone. Also, again, very, very, horny.
If You Only Listen by One Song by Bayli:
“Sushi For Breakfast” (Stories from New York, 2020)
Here are a few photos of Bayli that we hope you enjoy!
BENEE
On Wednesday, March 4, BENEE returned to Vancouver to support her 2026 headlining Particles Tour which began earlier this month. A mind-blowing five years after the release of her debut album, BENEE is once again on the road and hitting 23 cities in North America. We were lucky enough to shoot her June 2022 show at The Vogue, and we’ve been patiently waiting for another chance to see her live ever since! We waited through COVID for that show to be rescheduled, we waited 5 years to see her again and, hand to heart, we’ll happily wait until she returns again!
Must Hear Songs by BENEE (In Our Respectful Opinion):
Wishful Thinking (Fire on Marzz, 2019)
Soaked (Fire on Marzz, 2019)
One of BENEE’s more endearing traits is her comfortability and overall contentment on the stage. Still rocking oversized boots and long sleeves, she seemed at home in front of the crowd, dancing through the shadows the minimal lighting provided. And smiling! Always smiling. Whether it was thanking her fans for taking the time to make an adorable sign or – and I’m not saying I understand how we got here – speaking about Canada and leading the entire venue through an impromptu round of “Oh Canada” she cleared enjoyed her time in Vancouver.
BENEE’s latest album continues to experiment with genres, mixing upbeat pop with lighter, more experimental melodies. Perhaps unsurprisingly, her shows are never one-note as she moves back and forth between these sounds, creating a “what’s next” situation where it’s beyond difficult to get bored or into anything resembling a sleepy rhythm. Her show is visually dark, and moody, and there is smoke! But there is a lot coming at you, and a lot to love.
Benee Setlist:
Sad Boiii
Cinnamon
Vegas
Beach Boy
Wishful Thinking
Soaked
Doomsday
Demons
Prey4U
Animal
Heaven
Make You Sick (Snippet)
Glitter
Princess
Underwater
Afterthought (Joji cover)
Supalonely
Off The Rails
Play Video
Green Honda
Once again, we had an incredible night at The Hollywood Theatre and loved every moment of the show. Thank you, BENEE! Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
All Photo Credit: Jason Martin
Concerts Reviews
LIVE REVIEW: A Sold-Out Night of Performance Art With Sudan Archives
Words by Kali Moreno
Photos by Kelli Rothwell
A sold-out night at The Pearl set the tone for a show that felt half concert, half art installation. Sudan Archives brought her genre-blurring world to Vancouver following the release of The BPM in 2025, with support from Cain Culto.
Cain Culto confidently navigated an energetic, multi-media set backed by Indigenous, Latin American, and Bluegrass influences – what he calls Kentucky Latin Art-Pop. As he gradually shed layers of clothing, he added homemade props to deliver his song’s messages of empowerment and resistance in both Spanish and English. His musical skills as a vocalist and violinist, paired with his artistic expression as a visual artist, created a riveting piece of performance art.
Dressed in a skin-tight, full body suit and wearing otherworldly grey contact lenses, Sudan Archives commanded a sold-out stage for her one-woman set at The Pearl. The deeply human themes of her songs, which sit in genre around house, techno, and R&B, were shared with the rowdy audience alongside recurring mechanical sounds and choreographed robotic movements. This examination of technology and humanity reminded that her artistry and expression transcend her talents as a singer, violinist, and beat-maker. Sudan Archives performed three encore songs, jumping off the stage to dance with the screaming crowd before leaving Vancouver with the parting words: “y’all are fucking lit.”
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
Upcoming Tour Dates:
02-18 San Francisco, CA – Regency Ballroom
02-19 San Diego, CA – Music Box
02-20 Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda Theatre
More info on Sudan Archives’ website.
SUDAN ARCHIVES
CAIN CULTO
All Photo Credit: Kelli Rothwell