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.

The Jezabels @ Venue, Vancouver, May 1, 2012

Well, they still didn't play Disco Biscuit Love but it was a very enjoyable and polished performance.  They've been announced on the lineup for a few festivals (including Lollapalooza) so I'll be very surprised if they're not playing much bigger venues on their time through.  I'd say they're definitely a band on the rise.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich @ Venue, Vancouver, May 1, 2012

I first heard of him when SXSW published their first 100 acts accepted for the 2011 festival (Rosie and Me were also on that list) and became a fan.  He didn't play in 2011 and didn't play in 2012, but fortunately he was added as support for The Jezabels.  He was rather lovely and wonderful and I'm glad I finally got to see him live.