Concerts Photos
Pixel Grip at the Pearl in Vancouver
Continuing their “Percepticide Tour” and supporting their latest album of the same name, Pixel Grip brought their unique blend of dark electronic pop synth to Vancouver’s Pearl theater this past Wednesday night. We’ve dabbled in the band these last few years – friends have recommended them, and if you flip through their latest work on your favourite music streaming service and you’ll find something that suits you. Oversexed lyrics? Sometimes. Driving bass and haunting, surreal lyrics? Here and there. But the very first point we need to make is this: Pixel Grip’s albums – while great – need to be experienced live. It’s not the same, and it’s not something I can explain.
In person, Pixel Grip hits much, much harder. It was an entirely different experience for me, I’m sure in part due to the awesome crowd and the smaller, more intimate nature of the Pearl. Nothing would make me happier than Pixel Grip moving up to something like the Vogue or the Commodore – think of the lights they could use! The pretty, photographer friendly lights! – but you want to be as up close and personal to the band as possible.
Lead singer Rita Lukea kept everyone’s eyes on her whenever she was on stage, and while the openers might have benefited from more space, she seemed more than happy to clear out the centre and slip between an endless number of poses. Pixel Grip has dialed in their brand on this tour; it’s something you have to experience to believe.
We hope you got out to the show this week with us all. If not, Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
PIXEL GRIP
All Photo Credit: Jason Martin
Concerts Photos
Holly Humberstone Brings ‘Cruel World’ Tour to Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver
On June 25th, English indie-pop singer-songwriter Holly Humberstone brought her Cruel World North American Tour to a sold-out Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver.
After Humberstone enthralled the Commodore with her emotional and delicate vocals and created a warm atmosphere, keeping it personal, sharing stories with the audience.
The Grantham native is touring in support of her newest album, Cruel World, of which we got a sneak peek of during her performance at All Things Go early June. While her music remains deeply introspective, the new material carries a greater sense of confidence, shifting between quiet vulnerability and soaring choruses that the audience, getting to hear it live for the first time, can’t help but sing along.
Mixing songs into the set from Cruel World, Humberstone performed the instantly catchy “White Noise,” the gothic-inspired “Die Happy,” and fan favourite “To Love Somebody,” among many other tunes.
Throughout the night, she also sprinkled in career-defining tracks like “Falling Asleep At The Wheel,” “Scarlett,” “Deep End,” and “The Walls Are Way Too Thin”.
Holly Humberstone balanced a raw, commanding vocal delivery with the tight musicianship of her band, expanding familiar tracks into a fuller live sound that made the most of the Commodore Ballroom’s rich acoustics.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
HOLLY HUMBERSTONE IN VANCOUVER
All Photo Credit: Hunter Soo
Concerts Photos
Snail Mail Took Over Le Trabendo in Paris for ‘Ricochet’ Tour
Snail Mail, Lindsay Jordan’s indie rock solo project, took over Le Trabendo in Paris, France on June 23.
As fans slowly made their way to the venue, they were welcomed by the bedroom pop sounds of singer-songwriter Unflirt. The emerging London-based artist, whose real name is Christine Senorin, performed both new and old songs. From her first single “Crush” to a few songs from her album Fleeting, fans were lucky enough to also hear her new unreleased song, “New York.”
At 9pm, it was then time for Snail Mail to hit the stage. Four years since their last headline show in France, fans were so excited to see them again that many braved the heat wave—fittingly also the title of one of the songs performed that evening. By the first song, the venue was crowded and buzzing, and Snail Mail delivered a high-energy show despite the melting heat.
Ricochet, the band’s third album, was released in March of this year, and fans got to hear it in its entirety throughout a carefully crafted setlist. Starting with “Tractor Beam,” Snail Mail performed a mix of songs from their entire discography, from the critically acclaimed single “Valentine” to “Thinning,” the opening track of her debut EP. The night ended with “Pristine,” jokingly called “Paris-tine” for the night.
The Ricochet Tour, started in April in America, is now coming to an end with its last shows in the United Kingdom. Snail Mail will then embark on a co-headline tour with Soccer Mommy across the United States next fall.
Check out our favorite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
SNAIL MAIL
UNFLIRT
All Photo Credit: Manon Pothin