MUSIC PREVIEW: Ocean Alley a trip
Not many bands would attempt a crazy mix of psych, rock, and reggae into a heady blender all their own – but it works for Ocean Alley. This Sydney, Australia band’s pair of EPs and a similar pair of full-lengths are full of rising anthemic crescendos, a not-so-subtle funk, and hooks galore.
Their track The Comedown ranked in the top 50 of the nation last year, according to one of Australia’s most popular radio stations. Ocean Alley’s second full-length, Chiaroscuro (which includes The Comedown) just came out this year, and they are currently touring the globe to support it. From here they head east, across Ontario and Quebec, and then west across the United States, playing dates in New York, Missouri, Colorado, and Arizona, before ending up in California, from where they return home. Playing the Starlite Room’s Temple room Thursday night, they’ll undoubtedly have some great stories for their own nation’s blogs and media when they return.
And if you are heading down early, maybe consider checking out the city’s newest restaurant in the basement, the River City Revival House, and chow down on some Rage Against the Poutine, or the Tofu Fighters Platter. (READ: Restaurant review)
Doors at 8 pm, tickets $10 in advance
Thursday 7
Illenium – This American artist began making EDM tracks in 2008, and has since released a pair of albums, including 2017’s Awake. The latter reached No. 3 on the US dance-electronic chart, and the show also features Annika Wells, RUNN, and Emilie Brandt. Union Hall, 9:30 pm, $35. BUY
Friday 8
Bryan Adams – This legendary Canadian rocker had a healthy run of top hits in the 1980s, from Run To You to Summer Of ’69 to (Everything I Do) I Do It for You. Now with a baker’s dozen of studio albums, including 2015’s Get Up, which received mixed reviews, “The Ultimate Tour” is meant to support Adams’ sixth compilation album, titled, of course, Ultimate. Rogers Place, 8 pm, $45 and up. BUY
Saturday 9
The Worst – This evening marks the album release party for this local heavy surf rock act. They are joined by Wine Lips from Toronto, MOSFETT from Vancouver, and Dead Fibres. Aviary, 9 pm, $10, BUY
Hungry Hollow – This Edmonton alt-rock project has already recorded their newest album Walk, a follow-up to 2017’s Drive, and it should be released sometime this year. Kasteel and FrankBoltz are also on the bill. Bohemia, 8 pm, $10.
Sunday 10
Abby K – This 16-year-old singer-songwriter from Tofield is set to celebrate the release her debut EP, Words That Came To Mind. Featuring her debut single Home, her soulful vocals and exceptional guitar playing give no credence whatsoever to her chronological age. With Emmet Michael. Aviary, 5:30 pm, $10. BUY
