Concerts Photos
Alabama Shakes Bring the Soul Back to Vancouver
After nearly a decade away, Alabama Shakes returned to Vancouver on June 26 for a night that was both a reunion and a revival. Performing at the new Freedom Mobile Arch, the Alabama band wasted little time reminding the crowd why their blend of blues, rock, soul, and gospel made such an impact in the first place.
The band opened shortly after 8p.m. with immediate force, locking into the familiar rhythms that have defined their sound since their 2012 debut, Boys & Girls. As the daylight decreased, “Another Life” brought a warm shift to the rainy evening, with the crowd swaying together before “Hang Loose” kept the mood loose and upbeat.
At the centre of it all was Brittany Howard, whose voice remains as commanding as ever. Her ability to move from a delicate falsetto on “Future People” to a full-throated roar gave the songs a fresh edge without losing what made them special. “I Found You” brought out the band’s gospel and blues roots, while “Hold On” turned the venue into one massive singalong.
The set’s emotional high point came with “Gimme All Your Love,” as Howard and the band leaned into every groove. “Don’t Wanna Fight” followed with equal parts tension and release before the band left the stage.
Alabama Shakes‘ return showed that, after all these years, this band can still make a crowd rise.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
ALABAMA SHAKES
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Concerts Photos
Olivia O’Brien Brings ‘The Pixie Tour’ to Pacific Electric in Los Angeles
While many people would likely agree with Garfield about hating Mondays, fans at Pacific Electric on Monday, November 2nd, probably disagreed. Eager fans of both Sophie Cates and Olivia O’Brien filled the room. Dressed in fairy wings and princess crowns, the night was guaranteed to be whimsical.
As the clock struck 8:00 pm, the lights began to dim. The crowd screamed as Sophie Cates took the stage. Singing songs from previous albums and from her upcoming album, this would be the first time that Sophie had been on stage in a couple of years. After releasing her debut album, Yikes! in 2019, Cates was later signed to RCA Records. Since then, she has released multiple EPs and her second studio album, “SUPERNOVA.” Sophie joined Olivia O’Brien on her North American tour for her new album, Pixie.
As we waited for Olivia to take the stage, some fans passed around little slips of purple paper. As each member of the crowd received a slip, a message was passed along: “When Icarus comes on, place this piece of paper in front of your camera light.” The sense of community among the fans felt surreal. To most, the purple cardstock creates a cool lighting effect, but to the fans, it creates an emotional atmosphere.
Soon after everyone received their slip of purple paper, Olivia was ready to take the stage. Dressed in her album’s theme, she wore a beautiful slip dress and her iconic pixie wings. O’Brien’s sophomore album, Pixie, is a 15-track record that explores projection and fantasy while confronting the manipulative patterns of past relationships. With questions about self-worth and identity, Olivia acknowledges her past relationship dynamics and struggles with letting go. Pixie also highlights the sense of betrayal and emotional abuse that come from toxic dynamics.
While Pixie may have been written about past relationship struggles and learning to navigate life as a girl in her mid-twenties, Olivia also drew inspiration from her childhood innocence. Stories like Percy Jackson sparked the fascination and curiosity that brought back a piece of childlike wonder.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
OLIVIA O’BRIEN IN LOS ANGELES
SOPHIE CATES
All Photo Credit: Taylor Blazer
Concerts Photos
Jungle Bring Their World Tour to Accor Arena in Paris
Last Friday, Jungle kicked off the night in Paris to the sound of “Smile”, opening the show in front of a crowd ready to celebrate.
Their signature basslines swept through the venue, making every one of the 20,000 souls packed inside vibrate. It is hard to find the words for what makes Jungle so magical, other than the spell cast by a sound that blends electronic, reggae and hip-hop influences, one that gives you goosebumps and sets your body in motion. Simply put, it is impossible to hear their music without dancing, smiling and feeling good.
Fast tempos, intricate rhythms and heavy basslines are the usual shorthand for their sound, but live, it becomes something more. Every song carried a touch of magic that no description quite captures, turning the arena into one giant dancefloor.
These photos try to capture what words can’t, a night where Jungle turned an arena into a shared celebration, and where the music did all the talking.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
JUNGLE IN PARIS
All Photo Credit: Jessica Camil