Scenic Route to Alaska among old favourites to return to the Slice for Slicefest

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The long awaited return of Edmonton indie rock band Scenic Route to Alaska was a highlight of Slicefest this weekend.

 The trio, bassist Shea Connor, guitarist/ vocalist Trevor Mann and drummer Murray Wood had a great crowd for their Saturday, May 27 show.

 

 While I missed Parkland and couldn’t stay for Queen of the Worms, Scenic Route to Alaska was definitely who I came to see.

 

Scenic Route To Alaska  returned to the Slice for Slicefest, May 26. Photo by Richard Amery

 They’ve played as the backing band for artists like major love and the Goddamsels, but it has been a while since they played here as Scenic Route to Alaska — 2019 for Whoop up Days, which I missed.

 I caught the whole show, May 27.

 

They have a lot of music to draw from and it has been a few years since they played here, so Scenic Route to Alaska had some new music to share as well as old favourites.

 

“Finding my Footing,” was a heartfelt favourite.“v Coming Back” was a highlight showcasing their vocal harmonies.

 

 They all featured frontman/ guitarist Trevor Mann’s plaintive voice.

 Musically they ranged from  easygoing, ambient indie  rock, alt country along the lines of  drivin n cryin and singer songwriters like Tyler Childers to more punk tinged upbeat rockers reminiscent of Spoon.

 

 “ Time For Yourself” was not only good advice but an upbeat  grunge tinged highlight.

 They ended with an upbeat rocker “Love Keeps” from “Long Walk Home.”

 

The crowd was so so, but the energy was off the charts for Slicefest at the Slice, Friday, May  26.

 

The Hockey Moms at the Slice for Slicefest, May 27. Photo by Richard Amery

 I missed most of the show, including Hell Diablo and Chilliwack punk band “Like Bears” but caught an intense closing set from local favourites the Hockey Moms.

 

The skate punk band always put on a good show with a lot of energy, fast paced rhythms and  snarling guitar for songs about drinking and partying.

 

They had some spooky basslines and gang vocals as the frontman leaped all over the stage. 

Slicefest ended on Sunday on a more roots county note, but I never made it to that show. 

— by Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor

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Last Updated ( Friday, 02 June 2023 09:11 )