SNFU: And everyone wanted to play

SNFU: And everyone wanted to play

We now have to call SNFU “The Band That Would Not Die.” So put your devil horns up, or extend your middle fingers in the universal punk rock language of “live long and prosper,” and let us salute these aging heroes of hardcore. Their stamina and persistence is inspiring – especially lead singer Chi Pig, […]

REVIEW: Melt-Banana commands Gods of Noise

REVIEW: Melt-Banana commands Gods of Noise

Esteemed Japanese noise rockers Melt-Banana’s debut in Edmonton may stand as one of the best shows of the year – to the annoyance of those who will now have to hear about it for the rest of the summer. The pairing of this insanely eclectic noise duo with the grungy sound of opening act Torche’s […]

Pawnshop closing, gigs move to Union Hall

Pawnshop closing, gigs move to Union Hall

It isn’t so much that Edmonton has lost another music venue, but has gained a “twinned” one. Look on the bright side. Pawnshop Live – a popular Whyte Avenue rock club that’s operated under several different names and owners over the years (Rebar, Stars, etc.) – will close its doors after Saturday’s last show under […]

Bad Religion to play Edmonton after all

Bad Religion to play Edmonton after all

It’s good to see at least one headliner from the cancelled Tail Creek Music Festival has salvaged an Edmonton gig out of it. Bad Religion will now play the Union Hall on Saturday, June 27 – same date the California band was to appear at the Shaw Conference Centre with Limp Bizkit for Tail Creek. […]

Apocalyptica: Heavy metal on heavy wood

Apocalyptica: Heavy metal on heavy wood

We might like to imagine that it was us clever North Americans who came up with the awesome idea to play Metallica songs with cellos – or that we had the shameless determination to make it more than just novelty. But no, Apocalyptica is another fine Scandinavian import. Part of the rich legacy of music […]

MUSIC PREVIEW: Sepultura cannot be stopped

MUSIC PREVIEW: Sepultura cannot be stopped

The mighty metal men of Sepultura have been sighted and are expected to launch a monster assault on the City of Edmonton this weekend. Citizens are advised to take all the usual precautions. Playing Saturday night at the Starlite Room as part of the renowned act’s 30th anniversary tour, a five week barnstorming journey across […]

INTERVIEW: Tea Party returns with integrity

INTERVIEW: Tea Party returns with integrity

The Tea Party decided not to sell its Internet domain to the American political movement after all. The band members won’t say how much they were offered (and were reportedly considering), but rumour has it in the $1 million range. Two reasons: 1. They still need the website, because the Tea Party has reformed after […]

MUSIC PREVIEW: Season of the Indie

MUSIC PREVIEW: Season of the Indie

The fall touring season continues as both Canadian and American acts try to get in the last few gigs before the cold sets in. Notable touring acts this weekend include a performance by indie folk-rockers The Strumbellas on Thursday night, followed up by Paper Lions on Friday night, who are performing on an extraordinary bill […]

MUSIC PREVIEW: Gary Numan still in driver’s seat

MUSIC PREVIEW: Gary Numan still in driver’s seat

“It’s the only way to live: In cars” – talk about a song for the times! It’s an anthem for automobile culture, or something. Gary Numan’s global hit Cars made such an impact that many people say the song was single-songedly responsible for the 1980s and all the new wave goodness that followed therein, even […]

The Tea Party returns in December

The Tea Party returns in December

The Tea Party is back. No, not the American political movement, which never left, but the Canadian power trio, which cut a swath through the Canadian rock fields in the mid-1990s, broke up, reformed and have since stuck to their guns and did NOT sell their Internet domain teaparty.com despite rumour of a giant offer […]

MUSIC PREVIEW: Mercury (Room) rising

MUSIC PREVIEW: Mercury (Room) rising

The big news on tap this weekend for Edmonton’s live music scene is the grand opening of a brand new venue. The Mercury Room, located in the Blue Sky Arts Loft building at 10575 114 Street, just North of Oliver Square, is under new ownership with significant renovations both visible and not. Great sightlines and […]

MUSICIZZLE PREVIZZLE: Snoop by any other name

MUSICIZZLE PREVIZZLE: Snoop by any other name

His voice is the very sound of laid-back California: Snoop Dogg – previously known as Snoop Doggy Dogg and recently rebranded as Snoop Lion – will be in town Monday and Tuesday at Union Hall for a pair of sold out shows (a few VIP tickets remain for the second show). Snoop needs no introduction […]