MUSIC PREVIEW: Interstellar life discovered!
Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park will once again host the Interstellar Rodeo this weekend. It’s a beautiful, open air venue, but still roofed so one need not concern themselves with the crazy whims of our prairie weather.
This festival has become known for their eclectic yet buzzworthy headliners and supporting acts. This year is no different, with the three nights’ headliners including the likes of Feist (Friday night), July Talk (Saturday), and Courtney Barnett (above, Sunday). All different in their own right, with Feist’s indie folk sound, July Talk’s straight up alt-rock fervor, and Barnett cascading and reverberating somewhere between the two, with a quirkiness all her own.
Neither of the first two really need any more of an introduction, being regular visitors to the city, both on their own and as part of festivals. Both have a large and loyal following in the city, and Feist in particular has been the recipient of an impressive listing of award nominations and wins, with a number of Junos, and a Polaris Prize for her album Metals in 2012.
The Australian Courtney Barnett is probably the buzziest of the headliners this year – after a pair of incredible solo albums, and a collaboration album with Kurt Vile that was equally as stunning. Songs like History Eraser, Avant Gardener, and Depreston show off both her incredible songwriting ability, with a clever wit, with poignant thoughts about the universe. All that and she’s a formidable guitarist, too.
The rest of the schedule is no slouch, with a particular bent on CanCon, as always. Reuben and the Dark and A Tribe Called Red will also grace the stage on Friday night. Deep Dark Woods and Alejandro Escovedo are among the better-known names for the weekend. The stage schedule filled in with interlude artists from Nunavut and the Northwest Territories for a “Spotlight on the North.” They include the 22-year-old singer Riit, who grew up in the hamlet of Panniqtuuq on Baffin Island. You can read a recent interview here.
Adult day passes from $115, weekend passes from $249.
More details can be found on their website.
Thursday 19
Suicidal Tendencies – This California thrash band was founded in 1980, and quickly gained a continent-wide following for their raucous shows and behaviour. Vocalist Mike Muir is the only remaining original member of the group, which now has 12 studio albums to their credit. Their most recent release is March’s EP Get Your Fight On, which included four original tracks, and a host of other fan treats. Union Hall, 8 pm, $39.50. BUY
The Jerry Cans – This eclectic roots-rock band out of Nunavut is a mix of new and old sounds, including traditional throat singing. They were nominated for two Juno awards in 2018. Fellow Nunavut native Riit also performs (and will grace the Interstellar Rodeo stage for a short set on Sunday night). Starlite Room, 8 pm, $20. BUY
Lost Nebula – This alt-metal quintet out of Hermosillo, Mexico, is currently touring Canada to promote their May album Stories Set In the Future. Quetzalin Dominguez’s vocals propel their sound to the next level, while marshaling a feeling of both new alternative music, and classic metal. Bohemia, 8 pm, $10. BUY
Friday 20
Seaway – This pop-punk band from Oakville, Ontario, was formed in 2011, and now have a catalog that includes three EPs and three full-length studio albums. The band is touring to support last September’s full-length Vacation, which garnered exceptionally positive reviews. Living With Lions, Bearings, and Calling All Captains are also on the bill. Starlite Room, 8 pm, $20. BUY
Saturday 21
Rebuild/Repair – For locals looking for some familiar ground, look no further than this self-diagnosed “post-stoner skate-sludge band”, who’ve been around the city’s music scene for some time, and have built up a well-deserved core audience. Aviary, 8 pm, $10.
READ: Interview with Rebuild/Repair
Tuesday 24
The Melvins – These veterans are back in Edmonton on tour to support their most recent album, April’s Pinkus Abortion Technician. Pinkus, of course, is the last name of one of the band’s bassists, as this album in particular was recorded with both him and Steve McDonald playing the instrument. Led as always by Buzz Osborne and Dale Crover, the band has over two dozen albums to their credit. One of the many bands that became quasi-legendary or more during the ‘80s and ‘90s out of the state of Washington, they made a name for themselves in a variety of sub-genres, from grunge to sludge to hardcore, depending upon the metal. Starlite Room, SOLD OUT
