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?

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.