New Music West 2008
By Gregory O.
With nearly 300 bands participating this year I found it nearly impossible to see everything this great festival had to offer. So one has to be strategic and a little lucky as you shuffle around the city from venue to venue. Here is who did it for me this year.
No No Spots – Vancouver BC
http://www.nonospots.com
This five piece female fronted and dominated band has a sound described as Blondie meets Karen O. I am willing to bet that Adrienne and her band mates would kick the crap out of Blondie. No No Spots have toured with some decent acts in the past including Tegan and Sarah, Simple Plan, and the Killers.
Bend Sinister – Vancouver BC
http://www.myspace.com/bendsinistervancouver
Looking for something fresh and a little different? Look no further than the five-piece band lead by front man Dan Moxon, who is a wicked whistler I must add. These guys have a blast on stage and settle for nothing less from those in attendance. Not only are they good whistlers, you should see their kick ass dance moves.
The Smears – Vancouver BC
http://www.thesmears.ca/
The Smears are another mostly girl ensemble that is not afraid to show you who is boss. With one of the hardest hitting chick drummers in the business this foursome cleans house wherever they go and they could care less if they took names or not.
Rishloo - Seattle WA
http://www.rishloo.com
These four soldiers from Seattle just might be the next big thing. With a sound that can be compared to System of a Down, Mars Volta and Tool this dark and melodic band knows exactly how to take control of an entire audience.
The Satellite Nation – Australia
http://www.thesatellitenation.com
These childhood friends and rockers from down under toured and performed for their homeland extensively for nearly three years before relocating to Vancouver BC in 2007. These guys have a big sound and a great live show.
Saint Alvia Cartel – Burlington ON
http://www.myspace.com/thesaintalviacartel
I am only one man but these rockers from Burlington ON were by far the highlight of my NMW experience this year. The Band who was named after Ernest Alvia “Smokey” Smith (Canada’s last living recipient of the Victoria Cross for valor in WWII) knows and sticks to their roots and has people surely smashing beer glasses and having a good time in bars and clubs across the continent. Be sure to catch these dudes on the stage at the Vans Warped Tour 2008.
Other bands worth mentioning are Redeye Empire, Yuca, Over the Coals and TV Heart Attack.
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