Clap Your Hands Say Yeah @ Venue, Vancouver, May 26, 2012

Their short set at CMJ seemed like a dream so I was very excited when they announced the headlining show for Vancouver.  Although I like all 3 of their albums, their first is still my favourite and the setlist favoured it, which was an unexpected treat.  They were amazing and a definite highlight show of the year.

Of Monsters and Men @ Venue, Vancouver, May 24, 2012

I saw them at SXSW and came away a bigger fan so I had high expectations for the show and ... they were exceeded.  They're just so damn likeable and their songs are so catchy that I can't recommend them enough.  Their set flew by (always a good sign) and I left with a big smile on my face.  I just hope I get a chance to see them again in a smaller venue before they start playing stadiums.

Yellow Ostrich @ Venue, Vancouver, May 24, 2012

Having seen them twice in a couple of months, I'll be honest and say that Yellow Ostrich were not at the top of a list of bands I was hoping would be added as support for Of Monsters and Men, but such is the way of the music business.  They put on a great set but I don't need to see them again for a while.

Julia Holter @ Media Club, Vancouver, May 22, 2012

I'd heard the single in January and was impressed so when she didn't end up playing SXSW, I was rather disappointed.  I'm pretty surprised she played Vancouver but that's not a complaint.  The album is good but live (as a three piece), the songs seemed to have a few more layers and well, it was alot better than I thought it would be.  I'm a fan and very happy she's been added as support for Sigur Ros in Portland in August - can't wait to see her again.

Allo' Darlin @ Vera Project, Seattle, May 11, 2012

I suppose it's a mark of how much I like a band if I'm willing to endure the bus ride down to Seattle twice (and it would have been 3 times had visa troubles not caused them to cancel their Seattle show in 2011).  Their first album was one of my favourites of 2010 and the new album, Europe, will be on my year's best for 2012.  Live, they're so fun and sweet and I really wish they were more popular than they are - mostly so that they could come play Vancouver and I could save myself a bit of money.

The Wave Pictures @ Vera Project, Seattle, May 11, 2012

I'm not sure how I hadn't come across The Wave Pictures before.  They fall into the indie pop category which makes up the majority of the music I listen to and yet ... but I guess there are only so many hours in a day.  I very much enjoyed their set - they were sweet and charming and had quite a few wonderful guitar solos which encouraged me to buy a CD and investigate them further.

Orca Team @ The Vera Project, Seattle, May 11, 2012

Lazily, I hadn't checked them out before I saw them play (supporting Allo' Darlin) but I did enjoy their set.  Very 80's new-wavey with some nice moments.  Their stage banter could use a bit of work but very solid for an opening band.

Delta Spirit @ Electric Owl, Vancouver, May 6, 2012

It's a tricky thing when you only like a few songs by a band - it can be hit or miss on the live show.  Delta Spirit put on a very good live show but on this night, I enjoyed it but wasn't blown away.  It was probably me and not them but I guess every show can't be amazing.  Children, however, was pretty special and a definite highlight.

Willis Earl Beal @ Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, May 5, 2012

I'd first heard of him in January and was rather impressed with Evening's Kiss.  To be honest, I wasn't that taken with the album but was still very pleased when he announced a Vancouver date.  I'm not really sure what I was expecting, he'd been getting more publicity and the reviews had been positive but they didn't really prepare me for the show.  It was ... absolutely amazing.  I don't think I've ever seen a male singer with a voice has stunning as his and wow, is he ever a performer.  He started off reading Bukowski and had the audience rapt from the get go.  He should be massive and I think he will be.