Nearly Famous Music Festival - Night 1 Recap

A new, indie-focused music festival has taken over Vancouver's downtown live music scene, and I was in attendance for the Festival Kickoff party and ensuing 4-act lineup.

There was a veritable who's who at Richards on Richards last night for a pre-show mingler with drinks on the organizers. Festival masterminds Sean McKay and John Donnelly were in attendance, working, and schmoozing and making sure everyone was happy. I even spotted a couple of celebrities in the room! Wide Mouth Mason's Shaun Verreault; and Limblifter/Age of Electric alum - now high-demand record producer - Ryan Dahle were spotting chatting up a small crowd of well-wishers. It was all one big happy scene.

Oh, and then there was the music.

The first slot of the night, and I believe of the festival, was The Heck. These guys aren't a new band, by any means, but they are sporting a new lineup and what I'd call a new sound. Well, it's still focused on frontman/guitarist Bryan, but the dynamics seem to have grown from the last time I saw this group in 2005. Most Vancouver fans would recognize the name, but the material is new-and-improved. I overheard someone say - "They have SONGS now!"

Bryan is kind of like a less-excentric version of Steve Bays from Hot Hot Heat. Even right down to his looks. Trevor and Marshall (Bass, Drums, respectively) offer a pronounced power-punch and whip up some alternate-rhythm patterns to catch your attention. Their style is a little Radiohead or Muse-ish, but don't get too used to one sound. Once in a while, Bryan will scream, the time signature will change, the song will become more of a dance-punk vibe, and Bob's your uncle. There's nothing wrong with a little change. If it sounds wrong, it's probably right. What the Heck!





Next up was the Les Paul-fest that is Three Hills. Hmmmm I recognize a couple of these guys. They just looked like regular dudes, like you'd bump into them at The Roxy or your buddy's kegger party. I swear I've seen these guys in other bands though, but never in this incarnation. The music sounded new, so I thought I would ask around. My hunches were correct - this is a super group.

Made up of Sho Murray (Shocore), Bob Wagner (Shocore, Econoline Crush), Steve Ericson (Shocore, Nefro) and Greg Laikin (Crystal Pistol, The Cartels) I suppose this is the re-birth of Shocore, but not really. The music is pretty laid-back riff rock with some cool harmonies and twin-solos galore. In a triumphant finale, a horn section was brought onstage, although with the power of 3 guitars, bellowing vocals and a tight-as-hell rhythm section, I could hardly hear the trumpet. As usual, the crowd was struck with Vancouver-disease, and kept their distance. There was about 10-feet between the stage and the crowd. That's no diss on the band, I think it has to do with the huge, in-your-face sound, and there was still much more music ahead! We have to pace ourselves, y'know?



After the 7-piece had left the stage, local honkey-tonker Rich Hope took the stage with his minimalist lineup. How does one guitarist and a drummer follow a full rock band? With gusto. After a ceremonial whiskey, Rich launched into a super-high-energy set of Bluesy, gut-punching country rock, and the crowd response was amazing! I'm convinced Rich's followers, well, followed him here tonight. Jumping, grinding, shimmying, and of course, doing the boogaloo! I've seen Rich in smaller rooms before, but I was blown away at how 2 guys can sound so huge through the soundsystem at Richards. If you love rockabilly, crave the blues, and have Jack Daniels running through your veins, check out Rich Hope live, or on his new record. BONUS! Visit richhope.com and type in the password BOOGALOO to download songs from the new LP. I already got mine!



Lastly, but not leastly, we were treated to the 60's psychadelia-infused rock of The Manvils. I recognized them from their Budweiser commercial during last year's hockey playoffs, but there's a lot more to these guys than hocking beer on tv. Teamed up with aforementioned producer Ryan Dahle, the boys have a new record with a more developed sound. They seem to be moving in a bigger-is-better direction. The arrangements succeed in showing off the talents of each member, then meeting up in the end for frenzied crescendos and headbanging thrash-fests. Frontman Mikey Manvill was crazy as always, giving the crowd 197%. No guitars were smashed or microphones kicked into the audience this time, but it was still a raucous affair nonetheless. In a bigger soundsystem like at Richards, you can hear everything, and it's clear how much these guys have going on. Their energy is spilling all over the place, but with a splash of togetherness. A Complicated mess that just works itself out. I for one, loved it!





There you have it, that's my story of Night #1.

This festival is my chance to get out and see all the artists whose posters I see around town, but always make up some lame excuse not to go. "I'm broke. I'm lazy. I have a concussion. Aliens stole my parakeet." You know, the usual. Now, with this wristband, I can make up for my many years of foolish indifference with the local scene. The West Coast has AMAZING talent, but you have to seek it out. Greatness never comes to you. Take it all in while you can!


If you don't have your wristbands yet, check out www.clubzone.com or purchase at Scratch, Zulu, Bone Rattle, Red Cat, and Noise to Go! $20 in advace or $30 at the venues.


www.myspace.com/nearlyfamousmusicfest