Lethbridge got another taste of Sled Island, with three very different bands from Vancouver, plus local alt rock trio the Supervoid, June 24 at the Slice.
Unfortunately there was barely anyone there for an excellent show, which was expected, as Wednesday nights are usually slow because of the popular open mic comedy night at the Owl Acoustic Lounge and the fact that most of this show’s audience likely were in Calgary for the opening of Sled Island.
I caught the last couple of really quick, short, sweet songs of Jay Arner’s synth rock project Energy Slime. They had plenty of beautiful female harmonies from bassist and keyboardist and a pop feel.
Lethbridge's Supervoid were next with a straight ahead modern rock set along the lines of the Foo Fighters with still a touch of the Smashing Pumpkins, though not as much as usual.
They just returned from Vancouver where they were recording their new album so they played the songs off that.
If their set was any indication it will be excellent. Little Big John added excellent bass. Jon Vornbrock alternated between screaming and singing while playing, tight modern alternative rock rhythm guitar.
Vancouver hardcore punk band Brass were wild and insane, June 24 at the Slice. They played loud gritty, dirty hardcore punk with elements of fellow Vancouverites the B-Lines and classic hardcore like Black Flag.
They had as much energy as they had trouble. They were dodging an idiot beaning the band with beer cans while the guitarist kept losing his guitar strap mid song.
He ended up improvising by kneeling on stage, by putting his foot up on the drum riser and later on the on lead singer's knee while trying to fix it with duct tape.
Their short, sweaty, energetic set featured lots of short, loud bursts of energy with some catchy guitar hooks, groovy bass and ferocious energy.
The drummer was playing in his underwear by the end of the set. My favourite was “Strut Punchin,” from their CD “No Soap Radio” which is where much of the set came from.
I missed Vancouver psych rock band Eric Campbell and the Dirt.
