NXNE @ EL MOCAMBO, THURSDAY JUNE 18TH

June 19th, 2009

Bloodgroup

And it has begun! NXNE is up and running! Last night I went to the El Mocambo to check out the Musebox showcase (seeing that I didn’t feel like hoping from venue to venue), and it did not disappoint!

First up was Language-Arts, an East Vancouver band who drew quite the crowd for an early 8 pm show. I had never heard of Language-Arts before, but last night I couldn’t help but fall in love with them. They play a mix of folk, indie-rock-pop, jazz, and a touch of hip-hop, with their keyboards, guitar, drums and a double bass. Singer/classical guitarist Kristen Cudmore is cute as a button as she staccato-ly sings about friendship bracelets and cough drops. Their music is heart warming and fun without crossing the line of becoming too cutesy sugary sweet. Just a charming lovely balance.
They will be touring again this October, when their album comes out, and thus you should check them out and take a listen.

Next up was the Icelandic electronic soon too make it huge band Bloodgroup.
Also never heard of them before. Also blown away. Perhaps my favourite show of the night. Apparently they are considered one of Iceland’s best live acts, and I completely believe it. Their sound check was without a doubt the coolest sound check I’ve ever heard; even the testing mic was like a song. The entire band is amazing, but vocalist Lija is a standout with her beautiful soaring voice and magnetic nature. Freaking crazy awesome.
They will be playing another NXNE show at 3 am this Saturday June 20th at Neutral Lounge. I highly recommend it if you feel like a party.

Speaking of parties, Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head got another one started later in the night. This one was a lot sweatier. I love these guys. They are sweet and fun like eating candy for breakfast and they explode like mentos in diet coke. They sing about bead lust, mom jeans, and side ponytails. They’re jumpy fast sweaty and fun. They didn’t stop dancing for the entire set, and ended the night by running into the crowd and trashing the stage. Kinda adored it.
If you feel like some fun check em out!

It ain’t over yet! NXNE is still going on all this weekend so hope to it and go to a show!

Posted on Friday, June 19th, 2009 at 1:45 pm by Kate M. and is filed under Blog.