To paraphrase a popular song — “And the Pack Came back the very next day” — try three years.
Vancouver punk/ alternative rock duo the Pack A.D. returned to the Slice , Tuesday, Sept. 4 for an early show.
The duo, drummer / vocalist Maya Miller and guitarist/vocalist Becky Black were in a pretty laid back mood and were a little shocked to have a good sized audience actually standing and listening to them. They played a few Black Sabbath influenced favourites and highlights from their latest CD “Dollhouse” including the title track and the single “Woke Up Weird.”
Though this is supposed to be their last big tour of Canada, they also played a big riffed new song.
Black even stepped away from big riffs and grinding punk power chords to play the odd, succinct guitar solo, while Miller bashed away at her kit adding extra vocals and stage patter.
they played a really tight set, making a lot of noise for two people.
As a tribute to their’90s roots, they added a cover of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly.”
They were called back for an encore including “I’m Not Ready to Go.”
I missed opening act Shaun Rawlins, but caught the end of Tyler Bartfai’s opening set of earnest folk pop along the lines of Dave Matthews and Train with a touch of soul.
Bartfai played some beautiful acoustic guitar and added a touch of exotic , Carribean flavoured music. He ended with a pretty cover of the Zutons/ Amy Winehouse hit “Valerie.”
