Vancouver's Painted birds just finished a 36-date tour. What!?! Road warriors, these lads are. Touring along the way is Vancouver-based songstress Adaline, with her ever-steady backup band. These acts have been wowing audiences all over the country. I heard the tour went really well, aside from a couple of not-so-full houses. Funnily enough, I found out the worst turnouts were in Fredericton, New Brunswick, not two hours away from my birthplace of Saint John. It usually takes us a bit longer to catch on back East. These 2 acts are both gonna be very huge huge very soon! Even in those tough times though, I think the thing that keeps you going is that huge, supportive crowd waiting for you at home. I was happy to be there. Great atmosphere. The vibe was right.
The show tonight is presented by File:Under Music. Vancouver-based management, label & publishing co that works with such great acts as: Dan Mangan, Hot Little Rocket, Elliott Brood, and The Painted Birds. The label was started in 2006 by Rob Perron and is sort of an all-inclusive home for its indie-minded artists.
Tonight is about fun. Families are here, drinks are abound, and the festival couldn't be run any smoother. I felt like I was safe to rock out in this environment. And I did! Sans Booze! Yes, the bar was open, but I decided to let the music take care of the intoxication tonight.
1st Up - Ali Milner (Whistler, BC)
To welcome the Anza club affair on a Friday night, we had up-and-coming singer/songwriter Ali Milner. You may have caught her feature on the Global morning news recently. A true example of the natural-born talent we're bringing up in this province. She's now recording, writing songs and becoming what will be the core of tomorrow's local industry; songwriting, collaborating, confidence on stage, and the last ingredient... hard work. With a solid team, her star will rise in due time. I for one, am seeing a bright future ahead for Ali Milner.
Sorry, no video from her set.
*Check out Ali Milner on Myspace
2nd Act - Hot Little Rocket
Tight, effective and entrancing rock & roll combo is making noise that will please your seven senses. Or two or three at least.
Check out My Hot Little Rocket Article - with Video.
Needless to say, these guys Blew Me Away.
Up 3rd - Adaline & her band
Now it's on to the music and the story of Adaline.
An artist like Adaline is rare. Her spirited, almost hymn-like vocals stand out, even at the back of a crowded room with garbled sound or a bunch of yelling going on. The voice holds true, and leading this touring machine of a rock band, she is a focused, yet bubbly, go-with-the-flow frontwoman who's guiding this whole story along.
I liked the diversity in Adaline's music. Covering Radiohead and mixing it up definitely will draw attention to you but it's Adaline's strong self-penned material that keeps you hooked. Fresh off a tour, Adaline has certainly experienced the ups and downs of the road, but always keeps a cool head and keeps turning out the beauty.
I saw the sincerity of Adaline Friday night. Things weren't going exactly to plan in the beginning; a monitor was blown and the programmed beats wouldn't load... I'd want to choke myself out with an xlr cable, but no, not Adaline. She worked with it. I salute her for that effort. The show was great, I got to talk to my old friends, and I think it was a fun night for all, all in all, y'all. Adaline's stage banter was both funny and touching, along the lines of: 'It's so great to have my family here. You can tell it's a good night if my Mom's boogeyin' down.' Her Dad actually joined in on violin for a few songs. That was really cool. Add that to the tightness of the band, combined with Adaline's impressive range and stage presence, and you couldn't ask for more!
Adaline, armed with her debut album Famous For Fire is getting some rave reviews, with notable spots in THE PROVINCE, VANCOUVER SUN, TV WEEK MAGAZINE, and The Georgia Straight. Sit back and take a listen to the sweet, enrapturing sounds from this local Chanteuse.
My Personal Favourite Song: Whiter, Straighter
AND the coolest part about Adaline, is that she posts her own videos. Check out the tour diary:
Bonus: Check out another review of Adaline with Laura Smith and Jody Glenham by a great local music writer at Ronatron.net
More from Adaline at: adalinemusic.com
Headlining Act: The Painted Birds
To round off the night, we were treated to an amazin', blazin' set by local stalwarts The Painted Birds. I had the opportunity to film part of the set, but the sheer power of the band, combined with the screaming house left my tiny microphone utterly useless. So I decided to join the fun and start jumping around! Guitarist Josh 'McNo' was thrashing and moving and givin' er like no other. This is a tight, exciting rock & roll band with lots of hidden treats. Adaline joined singer Dom onstage for a really sweet song. The whole set was brilliant, but why take MY word for it? I saw another reviewer in the crowd, so I think I'll let him have this opportunity. Yes, even we writers like to share. Keep an eye on Ronatron.net for a review of The Painted Birds Live at The Anza Club. I'll post the link when it comes around.
The Verdict: Friday night at The Anza Club was purely pleasing from start to finish. The room was alive, all 4 acts killed, and I can't wait to see them all again soon!
alimilner.com
hotlittlerocket.com
adalinemusic.com
thepaintedbirds.com
www.fileundermusic.com
nearlyfamousmusicfestival.com
4 comments:
i like the site. i'll be back.
johnp
adaline loves Nathan.
Nathan loves Adaline too!
Man, Congrats from France! This site rocks! Well done!
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