Concerts Photos
Snow Patrol at the Wiltern in Los Angeles
Finishing up a 2 day stop in Los Angeles at the historic Wiltern Theater, Snow Patrol took the stage opening with 2008’s “Take Back The City,” a rocking anthem that really got the crowd moving inside this historic venue. The band focuses on quality song writing and catchy lyrics instead of huge production to really connect with the audience directly. Most bands hide behind a wall of lighting and effects. Snow Patrol goes straight to their listening fanbase, showing off their song writing chops in what is a 30+ year musical endeavor by a few lads from the University of Dundee.
Going straight into “Chocolate,” from their 2003 album Final Straw, the band is a well polished song writers dream. Mixing ethereal pop rock with indie sensibility, but never losing a feeling that these songs were meant to be in arenas and clubs worldwide. The band took on 2011’s “Called Out In The Dark” off of the album Fallen Empires, at this point their 6th studio album. The band is currently touring behind their 2024 release The Forest Is The Path, their 9th studio album.
Opening the tour in Los Angeles was Sorcha Richardson, a singer songwriter from Dublin, Ireland. Her 3 piece band, including herself on guitars. She’s currently touring the entire world on her 2022 album Smiling Like An Idiot, a dreamy soundscape of low fi indie, folk, and pop. It’s a great primer for those looking to get into Sorcha and her song writing album. It has a polished yet indie bedroom feel.
Check out our favorite photos of the night or head to our Facebook page for the full gallery!
SNOW PATROL
SORCHA RICHARDSON
All Photo Credit: John McCrary
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