Concerts Photos
Ninja Sex Party at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver
For the first time in Vancouver, Ninja Sex Party brought their Pure Elegance Tour to the sold out Commodore Ballroom, alongside Nova Scotia’s own, TWRP!
Dressed in their signature vibrant, futuristic costumes, TWRP’s keyboardist and vocalist Doctor Sung, guitarist Lord Phobos, bassist Commander Meouch, and drummer Havve Hogan served as both the opening act and the backing band for Ninja Sex Party. From hoverboards and keytars to high kicks and splits, and a blend of sci-funk and ’80s fusion tunes, TWRP kicked off the night with a perfect mix of chaotic energy and feel-good vibes.
“Get Ready to Get Ready”, the ‘Couv crowd was ready to take in what Ninja Sex Party was about to bring! Danny Sexbang, aka Dan Avidan, and Ninja Brain, aka Brian Wecht, were prepared to keep the energy and antics at an all-time high for the next 90 minutes. Playing a mixture of funky comedic originals like “Welcome to My Parents’ House” and “Orgy For One”, covers such as “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”, a tribute to Korn, and their collaborative songs with TWRP, playing “The Hit” and “Starlight Brigade”, NSP delivered a theatrical set that effortlessly blended humour and musical precision, keeping the dedicated fanbase of Vancouver engaged from start to finish. One could also say that the highlight of the night was Paul Stanley, via a button on Ninja Brian’s soundboard, as the band’s very own hype man to get the crowd both hysterical and riled up.
Although it took 16 years for Ninja Sex Party to bring their show to Vancouver, it was well worth the wait! TWRP and NSP are a match made in synth heaven, and Vancouverites cannot wait to have them back!
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
NINJA SEX PARTY
TWRP
All Photo Credit: Heather Horncastle
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
Of Monsters and Men Bring ‘The Mouse Parade’ Tour to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver
Of Monsters and Men returned to Vancouver on June 25 with a packed show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, bringing their mix of indie folk, rock and cinematic pop to a crowd that was more than ready to welcome them back. After years away from the live stage, the Icelandic band showed no signs of rust, delivering a performance that moved easily between quiet, atmospheric moments and full-room singalongs.
The evening opened with American indie folk singer-songwriter, August Ponthier, who shared songs from their debut album Everywhere Isn’t Texas, as well as new unreleased material.
At 9p.m., the lights dropped and Of Monsters And Men emerged from the shadows, surrounded by haze and an eerie wash of light that matched the darker mood of their newer material.
The set leaned heavily on songs from their latest album, All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade, giving fans a chance to hear how the band’s sound has developed since their breakthrough. Tracks like “The Actor” and “Ordinary Creature” brought a more layered, reflective side of the group, yet they fit comfortably alongside older favourites.
Of course, the biggest reactions came when the band reached back into their catalogue. Both “King and Lionheart” and “Dirty Paws” had the audience singing along. Then came “Little Talks,” still one of the band’s biggest hits and an undeniable highlight of the night. The familiar opening instantly brought the room together, with the crowd handling a lot of the vocals.
At the centre of it all were Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar Þórhallsson, whose voices remain the band’s greatest strength. Their harmonies, paired with the group’s dynamic musicianship, made the long-awaited return feel completely worth the wait.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
OF MONSTERS AND MEN
AUGUST PONTHIER
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer