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
Marianas Trench Pack History Ottawa, With Fionn Opening
Vancouver acts on both ends of the bill. Fionn opened and Marianas Trench headlined at History Ottawa on October 24, 2026.
Fionn, a pair of twins, had a room that was already nearly full by the time they hit the stage, which isn’t always a given for an opener. They made the most of it with a high-energy set that never let up, and with the two working well together, and feeding off each other’s energy. They were rocking out the whole way through, and it set the tone for the night.
Marianas Trench took the stage to a crowd that was loud from the start and sang along throughout, often seeming to carry the songs as much as the band did.
The set covered a wide range of their discography, from newer hits like “Down to You” to older fan favourites like “Stutter” and “Cross My Heart.” Longtime fans and newer ones got their moments, and the crowd knew every word either way.
Frontman Josh Ramsey, on lead vocals and guitar, controlled the room from start to finish. He was engaging and constantly connected with the audience, and his vocals were fantastic. Midway through the night he left the stage and walked through the crowd, a staple of his at many shows. It brought him face to face with the fans singing back at him, a moment I’m sure they’ll never forget.
It was a strong night for Vancouver music in Ottawa: an opener that came to play and a headliner that had the whole room with them.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
MARIANAS TRENCH
FIONN
All Photo Credit: Kieran Delport
Concerts Photos
Epik High Turns Vancouver’s Orpheum Into a Hip-Hop Party
Epik High brought its 3.0 Tour 2026 to Vancouver’s Orpheum on October 20, delivering a night of sharp lyricism, ridiculous humour and plenty of crowd interaction. With BOBO.XX opening the show, the Korean hip-hop trio proved that more than two decades into their career, they still know how to make a concert feel like a party among friends.
BOBO.XX, a musician and photographer who works on Epik High’s video and content, warmed up the audience with a taste of his own sound before handing the stage over to the headliners. Anticipation grew during the break, and the theatre erupted when Tablo, Mithra Jin and DJ Tukutz appeared for “High Technology,” followed by “One.”
The group’s chemistry was clear to everyone. Their introductions quickly turned into a comedy routine, complete with DJ Tukutz’s sound effects and playful jabs at one another. Tablo might be the trio’s longtime leader, but Tukutz had recently claimed the title through a band competition, giving the three plenty of material to work with.
That humour carried through the night. Fan-submitted Post-it challenges put the members on the spot, leading to dance covers, awkwardly adorable aegyo and plenty of laughter. The challenges often involved bending the rules, with multiple notes taped together and presented as a single request. The trio’s willingness to make fools of themselves made the audience feel like part of the show rather than spectators.
The music never took a back seat. Tracks such as “ANTIHERO,” “Rosario” and “BURJ KHALIFA” kept the room moving, with the group’s tight delivery matched by DJ Tukutz’s work behind the turntables. The mood shifted for more emotional performances, including “1 Minute, 1 Second” and Mithra Jin’s solo “Will I Be Okay?,” showing a more vulnerable side to the performers.
The most meaningful moment came when Tablo spoke about the group’s long journey. His message was simple: if Epik High could keep pushing forward after 22 years, fans could overcome their own obstacles, too. It gave “Born Hater” an extra punch.
The trio closed with an encore of “EPIKISM” and “Don’t Hate Me,” sending the crowd home smiling. Epik High’s strength lies in the balance between serious musicianship and complete silliness. They can deliver an emotional message one minute and turn a fan-requested dance challenge into a comedy show the next. At the Orpheum, that combination made for a concert that felt personal, unpredictable and a whole lot of fun.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
EPIK HIGH
BOBO.XX
All Photo Credit: Chaehyun Lim