I was on my own for this show, due to a last minute cancellation by a friend. It's not a lot of fun standing around without someone to chat to between sets, so I decided to show up a little later than normal. Even then I still caught most of the local band, Elizabeth, opening before Colour Music, so this show was a late starter and continued with lots of delays.
Elizabeth were good, particularly the guitarist, Davor Katinic. Way better than I remember them. They were a last minute opener for the Arctic Monkeys last September at the PNE Forum, when Voxtrot wasn't let in the country (major disappointment). I gave them a couple songs to grab me and then went to the beer garden. Tonight, however, they kinda impressed me. Visually though, it's hard to get past the singers ridiculously skinny girl-pants and ominous arm band. Hypocritically, I would totally forgive this on of a Brit band. At least they have a style I suppose.
Wanting to show my appreciation, I bought the guitarist a Heineken when they emerged after their set and seeing that was his drink. I still thought British Sea Power would be on next, and this would make the band I'd just seen, Colour Music, from god-knows-where. I handed the guitarist his beer and, like an idiot, welcomed him to Vancouver. I figured it all out later with a flash of embarrassment. Sorry guys!
Big delay and then Colour Music, dressed all in white played an energetic, if forgettable, set. Another big delay and British Sea Power finally take the stage sometime before midnight, which is pretty grueling for a Doors at 8pm show. I showed up about 10pm and I was getting tired with all the waiting. I think the sound was the problem tonight, and obviously things were being done to try to remedy it, but I think the sound was pretty crap all night, and it may be the Plaza Club and it may be the sound guys on this particular night. One of the bartenders made an amusing if snarky comment: "trust the Plaza to set the bar this low, and then manage to trip over it". Nice guy and I appreciated the generous pours that helped numb the boredom.
While waiting I was suprised to see very little in the way of props, in contrast to the reviews I'd read previously. Just a couple of flags. I've also read that British Sea Power can put on an insane, almost out-of-control show, with bear suits, climbing and jumping off things, head standing, and so on. It was not to be tonight, with the exception of the final closing jam song, listed as "Van Rock" on the setlist. There was some half-hearted piggy-backing and a head-stand.
Yan and Hamilton share vocal duties, each taking lead on different songs, but neither talked to the crowd much. We got a "hope you like it" before their last song.
Despite my gripes, I thoroughly enjoyed hearing my faves off
Do You Like Rock Music? live, particularly 'Down on the Ground'. But the musical highlight for me
was during 'We Close Our Eyes'. The setlist doesn't list this song, but I'm pretty sure they substituted it for 'The Great Skua' or at least blended the two together. The instrumental passage was exquisite, showcasing the trumpet player and violinist that rounded out their live sound.
Mostly Accurate Setlist:
Lights Out for Darker Skies
Atom
Childhood Memories
Spirit of St. Louis
A Trip Out
Down on the Ground
How Will I Ever Find My Way Home?
Blackout
Waving Flags
We Close Our Eyes (Great Skua?)
Remember Me
Favours in the Beetroot Fields
Canvey Island
No Lucifer
Encore:
True Adventures
Carrion
Van Rock (A Rock?)
This was the first time openers What Made Milwaukee Famous have performed in Vancouver. They played a half hour set but still managed to do nine songs, including a cover of Billy Joel's 'You May Be Right'.
Updated in 2018: I never finished this concert review I'm afraid. My memory is off a fun, energetic set within the intimate environs of Richards'. I remember thinking that the venue wasn't sold out as there was plenty of standing space. The crowd wiggled around to the catchy and raunchy songs, but never got more animated. The band members were all in hipster vest/suits ensembles and put on a sweaty (on their part) show. Fun.
