MUSIC PREVIEW: Rah Rah leads Saskatchewanian Invasion!
There’s a four-band bill happening this Saturday at the Artery that just may end up as the best concert of the first quarter in the city.
Headlining the event is Regina act Rah Rah, an intriguing blend of indie pop and party folk. With buzzworthy songs like “Arrows” and “Henry” from their sophomore release, and the even more popular “Art and a Wife” and “Prairie Girl” from last year’s release “The Poet’s Dead”, Rah Rah is quite possibly the best that Saskatchewan music has to offer right now. And that’s saying something in a province that has produced both the Sheepdogs and the Deep Dark Woods, to name but two.
Also on this bill is fellow Saskatchewanian Andy Shauf, a more introspective addition to the evening, though just as captivating a live show. Equally loved by mainstream and underground music media alike, Shauf’s most recent album “The Bearer Of Bad News” explores feelings of spirituality, uncertainty, and curiosity. Featuring piano, guitar, and a clarinet, Shauf is one of the West’s best storytellers.
Edmonton’s own Jesse and the Dandelions – whose namesake Jesse Northey happens to be the house soundman at the Artery – is expected to put an interesting spin on the evening with their not-so-gentle synth sound mixing with mature strings and layered vocal harmonies. Last but not least, Revenge Of the Trees, led by Toronto native Mikey Muscat (who now calls Edmonton home), introduces the “down-and-dirty” element to danceable prog rock.
It all starts Saturday at 8 pm at the Artery. Tickets are $16.
Thursday 20
Northcote – After performing with a post-hardcore band for a number of years, Matt Goud (aka Northcote) has veered towards a more traditional singer-songwriter sensibility, but still infused with his past influences, which also include traditional country and religious hymns. Dave Hause and Worst Days Down also perform. Pawn Shop, 8 pm, $12.
Friday 21
Dala – Amanda Walther and Sheila Carabine are no strangers to Edmonton, having performed at the 2010 Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Their ethereal voices entrance their fans, as they continue touring to support their 2012 album “Best Day”. No official word, but one would expect a new album sometime soon. St. Basil’s Cultural Centre, 7 pm, $18.
We Hunt Buffalo – This Vancouver psych act tends towards the heavier side of the rock equation, with their fuzz pedals turned to maximum. Local acts Whitey Houston and Labradoodle open. Pawn Shop, 8 pm, $10.
Tallest To Shortest – Former members of local favorites The Uncas, The Fails, Mmmmberta, Red Ram, The Switchmen, and The Famous BeeFeeders have gotten together to create this new incarnation of alt-rock lucidity. Wunderbar, 8 pm, $10.
Monday 24
Dope Soda – The Artery presents this six-piece eclectic act that features a three-piece horn section, and combines ska with just about every other genre imaginable – from power punk to hip hop to jazz. Wild Rose Orchestra opens. 7:30 pm, $8.
Tuesday 25
Boreal Sons – The Calgary quartet is made up of close friends who got their start in a living room – a common story – and is now one of that city’s most recognized indie rock bands. The Artery, 7:30 pm, $10.
