This Saturday evening, as the rain perpetually falls on the city, the herald has selected Bully’s Studios in New Westminster as the location of tonight’s offerings. The darkened, wet streets set the stage for a fine evening.
A long day behind him, filled with domestic tasks and napping, he is looking forward to an evening of stoner/doom rock to tickle his earholes while he performs his only practical task: collecting the energy to be present on that floor and satisfy his desires.
CHUNK
With their fourth offering, this trio started the evening on just the right note, with a thick, massive dose of hard stoner rock; when I say massive, that’s exactly what I mean.
From the thick and prominent bass tone to the massive drum kit, these folks don’t do anything half-measure. Literally, everything on the kit was massive: huge symbols, kick drums, and toms. The symbols were high up, standing a good six feet off the ground, setting up a throne for a giant to go ape wild.
The bass was as clear as could be, and it mixed really well with the guitar. Both were distinct and clear as they traded off vocal duties, interacting on stage easily and comfortably. There was so much killer groove throughout this set. One song, in particular, had an extended drawdown, steadily getting slower, then all fast and smashy. Killer track.
It was a really good-sized crowd to open the night, with even a handful of folks getting into the flailing spirit right off the bat.
MOONBATHER
Next, it was an offering who made the trip from the island. They had been recommended to me a while back, and I am stoked to finally get to see them. A blend of stoner and doom rock, they continued along the same vein, the theme of the night.
Once again, we get a massive sound thanks to the thunderous drums crashing and smashing. Really tight and explosive, chugging and so much head-banging.
The lead singer’s voice reminded me of John Garcia from KYUSS, the classic, quintessential voice of the stoner rock genre. On several occasions, it sounded downright identical. Very cool.
The singer would use a wide assortment of percussion instruments in various songs, including wood blocks, a tambourine, and, at one point, a vibraslap, which gave a strange twangy sound. It’s like they had a bag of odd Instruments from around the world to show off.
So many squealing and squiggly solos throughout the set, all the sexy noise to get me moving all over that floor. Gorgeous little bits that would pop up, cutting through so nicely.
BORT
Finally, it was another repeat offering from a long-time supplicant to close the night out. This quartet has a killer blend of desert/stoner rock with an overall hard rock drive.
Gorgeous tones coming from the guitarist. They were on fucking point this show, with everything sounding so clear; those sexy sounds tickling my earholes were really lovely. Had me squiggling on the spot more than a few times.
The lead singer’s hair was blowing in the wind, thanks to the portable fans added to the stage to deal with the heat, which was slowly boiling people alive. Watching it billow in the breeze while we melted into the floor in front was rather amusing.
They do a monstrous cover of the TEARS FOR FEARS song, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” which they pull off so god damn well. By adding a wicked, spooky element to the song, the classic turned into a doom/stoner anthem perfectly.
Near the end, the bass Amp blew something, giving off a lovely pop occasionally. It was rather amusing to catch the various band members’ faces to each other when it made its lovely contribution to the soundscape.
He was pleased with tonight’s offerings.