Laura Marling @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, June 27, 2012

To be honest, I wasn't planning to go but when Willy Mason was added as support, I couldn't resist.  I'd seen Laura Marling at Sasquatch and liked her but the venue is pretty big and tickets aren't cheap and ... well, I'm glad I did end up going.  She's definitely coming into her own on stage and was sweet and funny and charming and had the crowd enthralled the whole set.  A rather wonderful way to spend an evening.

Willy Mason @ Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, June 27, 2012

I ended up seeing him twice at SXSW but that was with a band and his opening set this time was a solo one ... I enjoyed it alot more.  He's got a wonderful stage presence and a solo set on an electric guitar done well is a treat to behold.  He even played Oxygen, which remains one of my all time favourite songs, which was unexpected but a wonderful treat.

2:54 @ Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, June 23, 2012

When the show was announced, I hadn't heard of them but liked the singles and was sufficiently impressed with the debut album that I was looking forward to their set.  Musically they were solid but there was no emotion there.  I know it's a little thing, but fake it if you don't care.  Being stand-offish and 'too cool for school' gets tiresome after awhile.  I must admit as well that although I don't play an instrument after watching the bassist for a bit I thought 'that doesn't look too hard' and then I switched to watching the guitarist and thought 'crikey, she's good, I can't do that'.

Widowspeak @ Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, June 23, 2012

Having seen them twice at CMJ and once at SXSW, I had an idea what to expect from their set which is why I was looking forward to it.  Funnily enough, it was the first time I'd seen them play in the evening  although not a headlining set but still longer than the previous times and it was just as ethereal and wonderful as I'd remembered.  A real treat.

The Deer Tracks @ Media Club, Vancouver, June 9, 2012

Having seen them at SXSW in 2011, I was very excited when they announced their debut Vancouver show.  Much as I enjoyed their set at SXSW, a 25 minute set first thing on a sunny morning is not really the intended setting for their music.  To say that exceeded my expectations is an understatement.  They were rather stunning and it's a damn shame that there weren't too many people in the crowd to appreciate it.  We got a wonderful performance and most of Vancouver missed out.

Nouela @ Media Club, Vancouver, June 9, 2012

I came away from the set impressed and intending to investigate further.  The music was solid but the real takeaway for me was how wonderful the lead singer's voice is.  It's always a treat to hear a great voice.

Gold & Youth @ Electric Owl, Vancouver, June 8, 2012

I've never really paid too much attention to local Vancouver bands, I think it's a byproduct of disliking most Canadian music when I was growing up.  I'm probably missing out but there are only so many hours in the day etc.  Gold & Youth are local and I discovered them through the Guardian's excellent New Band of the Day series, so thank you to Fleet Street.  They had a show scheduled for a few weeks after I heard of them and I enjoyed their 80s synth pop sound.  Their debut album should be out later in the year and based on their setlist, I'm expecting big things.

Gang Signs @ Electric Owl, Vancouver, 8 June, 2012

I hadn't listened to them before but very much enjoyed their set.  They're a new (ish) local band and definitely one to keep an eye on.  The only downside to their set was the scowl on their keyboardist's face but she was on the far side of the stage to where I was standing so it wasn't too bad but really, should you be up there if you're not having fun?