Concert Review: No Joy @ The Park Theatre

No Joy w/ Alex Calder & Haunter 

The Park Theatre

September 26, 2013

Ever have a record that you stumble upon, out of nowhere, and it instantly resounds with you and where you’re at in life? For me No Joy’s 2013 release Wait for Pleasure was that record, one that has been in near constant rotation for me over the last two months. Lush soundscapes, droning elements and even hints of dream-pop abound on this release, all whilst clearly making references to shoegaze. 

The Montreal-based duo reproduced the recording over a tight 35-minute set at the Park Theatre on Thursday night, while also pulling from 2009’s Ghost Blonde. Wait for Pleasure opening track ‘E’ was easily the show highlight - the track meandered into a tidal wave of swirling drone to close the show.

Local act Haunter and former Makeout Videotape/Mac Demarco member Alex Calder’s band opened up the night, both with efficient yet contrasting sets. Calder in particular was clearly influenced from his time with Demarco as they drew heavily recent release Time, as well as two covers of the King of the Hill theme.

-Will Burton

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CONTEST: Enter to win tickets to see Leif Vollebekk @ The WECC

Courtesy of our friends over at the West End Cultural Centre, I've got a pair of tickets to giveaway for the Leif Vollebekk show going down on Friday, October 11th. Vanessa Kuzina and Woodpigeon are also on the bill.

If you're interested in checking out the event, fire me off an email (on the right hand side, below the concert listings) by noon CST on Friday, October 4th with the subject line "Leif Vollebekk Ticket Giveaway" and your name in the email's body. Winning name will be drawn randomly sometime that afternoon and contacted shortly thereafter, with the first name and last initial published on my Twitter account.

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PHOTOS: Young Galaxy @ The West End Cultural Centre

Young Galaxy

The West End Cultural Centre

September 18, 2013

All photos by Sarah Gofflot

Young Galaxy put on a heckuva performance last night at the WECC (albeit a short one). Anyone else there?

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Afternoon Headlines: Brendan Canning @ The Park Theatre; Jordan Klassen @ The WECC

Broken Social Scene alumni Brendan Canning will be at the Park Theatre on Sunday, November 24th w/ Dinosaur Bones. Look for Canning's solo outing You Gots 2 Chill on October 1st.

Jordan Klassen returns to town for a gig at the WECC on Tuesday, October 22nd w/ The Young Pixels.

Nathan Rogers sings the songs of Stan Rogers (his father) at the WECC on Saturday, November 9th.

Yukon-based Speed Control is at the Cavern on Saturday, November 16th.

Justin Rutledge is at the Park Theatre on Wednesday, November 6th w/ Aidan Knight.

Twin Forks will be there on Tuesday, November 19th.

Monster Truck is at the Pyramid on Wednesday, December 11th.

Bear Mountain is at Union Sound Hall on Sunday, November 3rd w/ The Belle Game.

Go For The Eyes is at the Cavern on Saturday, September 21st w/ The Bokononists.

And finally, some exciting personal news to pass along: I'm writing again for CBC Manitoba Scene, so pop in there once in awhile and say hi!

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Afternoon Headlines: Said The Whale @ The Garrick; Tony Dekker @ The Folk Exchange

First up, quirk-pop purveyors Said The Whale drops by the Garrick on Monday, November 25th.

Tony Dekker (of Great Lake Swimmers fame) will play a solo gig at the Folk Exchange on Sunday, September 29th.

Speaking of the Folk Exchange, Daniel Romano will be there on Saturday, October 19th.

Toronto act PUP punk rocks the Park Theatre on Saturday, November 23rd.

Greg Rekus is raising funds for his latest album at Ozzy's on Saturday, September 21st.

Edmonton's Eyes on Ivan plays the Rose 'n' Bee Pub on Saturday, September 14th.

Fast Romantics materializes at Le Garage on Tuesday, October 15th.

And finally, Michael Feuerstack is at Union Sound Hall on Monday, October 21st.

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