Concerts Photos
Rainbow Kitten Surprise at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in Vancouver
On November 22, Rainbow Kitten Surprise brought their Love Hate Music Box Tour to the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in Vancouver, BC.
American singer-songwriter and musician Madi Diaz opened the night, sharing songs from her latest album Weird Faith.
Taking the stage just after 9 PM, Rainbow Kitten Surprise lead singer Ela Melo immediately captivated the crowd, radiating confidence. They kicked off the evening with “All That And More (Sailboat)” from Seven + Mary, seamlessly transitioning into “LOL.” The energy was electric from the start, with the audience belting out every word alongside Melo.
Melo’s stage presence was nothing short of mesmerizing. Her expressive movements and powerful vocals anchored the show, while her connection with the crowd created an intimate and emotionally charged atmosphere. She dazzled during songs such as fan-favourite “Cocaine Jesus.”
The visuals were as captivating as the music itself. The minimalist stage design with the band’s illuminated logo was elevated by dynamic lighting that perfectly complemented the mood of each song. Warm, soft hues created an intimate ambiance during emotional tracks, while vibrant, pulsating lights amplified the energy of upbeat moments like “Run.” The overall aesthetic was immersive yet unpretentious, keeping the focus on the band’s magnetic performance.
The setlist struck a perfect balance between nostalgic hits and fresh tracks from their newest album, Love Hate Music Box. Highlights included the always poignant SVO.”
Closing with “It’s Called: Freefall,” Rainbow Kitten Surprise left the crowd in awe, wrapping up a night full of passion, and connection. Fans, both new and old, left feeling exhilarated and inspired.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE
MADI DIAZ
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer
Concerts Photos
Buffalo Traffic Jam at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto
There is something magical about voices matching the season. The excitement of walking up to the Danforth Music Hall on the perfect autumn night, only to be engulfed in raw, emotive rasp.
Lydia Maes really pulled me in. There’s such an emotional quality to her voice. The way she incorporates the saxophone and the way she hypnotizes the crowd. She played a beautiful set and then later came out with her fiddle, to join Buffalo Traffic Jam.
Colin Lynch completely caught me off guard, with a voice that sounds like he sells out stadiums. He’s young, but that soulful, raspy, depth speaks to every age.
Then came the one and only Buffalo Traffic Jam. Gritty, earthy harmonies took over the Danforth and the crowd was electrified. There’s something about their sound that feels both stripped down and warm at the same time, and the moment they started, we were all at their mercy.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
BUFFALO TRAFFIC JAM
COLIN LYNCH
LYDIA MAES
All Photo Credit: Bailey Morgan
Concerts Photos
Sabaton Bring Fire and Fury to Vancouver on North American Tour Finale
After many many years away from Vancouver, Sabaton returned to the PNE Forum on October 8 for a fiery night of heavy metal, military-themed theatrics and massive sing-alongs. The Swedish metal band chose the city to close out its North American tour, and it went out with a bang.
Opening the night was Pop Evil, whose modern hard rock offered a different sound from the headliner’s power metal. Tracks like “Trenches” brought plenty of energy, giving the crowd a reason to get moving before the main event. Their heavier riffs and commanding stage presence made for a solid start to the evening despite the low lighting.
Sabaton wasted little time making its return count. Kicking off with “Ghost Division,” the band delivered a wall of sound backed by pounding drums, sharp guitar riffs and bursts of fire that lit up the Forum. The stage, complete with military-inspired hardware, gave the performance the feel of a full-scale production rather than a standard metal concert.
Frontman Joakim Brodén led the charge with his unmistakable voice and natural sense of showmanship. Songs like “The Last Stand,” “Stormtroopers” and “Night Witches” showcased the band’s knack for turning historical stories into anthems built for thousands of voices. The crowd happily did its part, singing along throughout the night.
The spectacle never distracted from the music. Flames punctuated the band’s heaviest moments, adding extra intensity to “Bismarck,” “Fields of Verdun” and “The Attack of the Dead Men.” For the latter, the band leaned into the song’s subject matter with gas masks, adding another theatrical touch to an already explosive set.
The closing stretch was pure Sabaton. “Swedish Pagans” brought another huge audience sing-along before “Primo Victoria” and “To Hell and Back” sent the Forum into the night at full volume.
After seven years, Sabaton gave Vancouver plenty of reasons to welcome them back. Closing the North American tour with a performance this tight, loud and entertaining was a fitting end to the run. With commanding vocals, memorable choruses and enough pyro to warm the entire Forum, the band left little doubt that its next visit cannot come soon enough.
Check out our favourite photos of the night below or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
SABATON
POP EVIL
All Photo Credit: Caroline Charruyer