What happens when a vintage dinner cabaret hits Vancouver a century too late? Well, it features not only the glitz of trapeze artists, but also the excitement of world-record-holding acrobats doing backflips on pogo sticks. Vinyl Vaudeville takes over Performance Works on Granville Island from February 10th till the 18th. Shows at 8 PM.

Vinyl Vaudeville attempts to replicate the century-old tradition of combining a sassy cabaret,  dinner theatre, and after-show swingin’ dance soiree together with a twist.

In the style of the early 1900’s, the production features cirque performers, dancers, and comedic actors all backed by an acoustic swing band. The show’s highlight is a duo from Los Angeles who performs acrobatic stunts on pogo sticks. Collectively they hold eight Guinness World Records, and have a long list of prestigious appearances including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, America’s Got Talent, and Ellen.

Get ready to be whisked away by the host of quirky characters into the magic of a bygone era. Dressing spiffy for the occasion in your vintage attire is welcomed. It’s a romantic place to take your sweetie for Valentine’s Day, but is also appropriate for the whole family.

Vinyl Vaudeville takes over Performance Works on Granville Island from February 10th till the 18th. We added a world record attempt on Friday the 10th, at 6PM infront of Performance Works if the weather permits or inside the venue.

Performers

EDEN CHEUNG | MAGICIAN

POGO DUDES | ACROBATS

DYNAMIKE | COMEDIAN

EQUILIBRIUM CIRCUS

THE VINYLS BAND

SYLVIA LOUIS | AERIALIST

MENU

Starters

Entrée

Dessert Trio

Also on the bill were Left Spine Down and Stiff Valentine. Unfortunately I only caught the tail end of Stiff Valentine.   However I did catch Left Spine Down and I chatted with KAINE D3L4Y after the show.   And btw D3L4Y = Delay for all you non-text-emoticon-lingo non L33T speaking way back in the days.  Check out the interview with KAINE D3L4Y here – Left Spine Down.

Left Spine Down put on a great show. Epic, tight and powerful. Crisp vocals with a heavy atmosphere and strong beats. That’s the way I like my industrial punk. And I like it loud so when KAIN D3L4Y brought out the megaphone and hit the custom made chain mic stand I was stoked. One thing I hate is when bands try to pull this off and fail, Left Spine down did not fail. Clear vocals and melodies through the megaphone into the mic,  riding on a surrounding pulse of sound that filled the Biltmore like blood into a heart.  It was the first time I’d heard Left Spine Down and it won’t be the last. I will definitely check them out live again.

In between bands I ran into Gillian Callander from Joyce Collingwood and our very own vanmusic.ca, she took me backstage where we had drinks with the bands. The show was sponsored by Cariboo beer and let’s just say that a good time was had by all.

Jakalope poured onto the stage with a sweaty landscape of industrial dance layered melodies, which to me were like smoke curling in air. Sometimes in thick waves, sometimes in subtle waves and sometimes in directions you don’t expect. As Chrystal Leigh performs her vocals and sex appeal seem to control the room and if she locks eyes with you, be assured that there is no breaking her powerful gaze.  All in all Jakalope’s return to Vancouver after their West Coast U.S. tour solidified them as having the city’s premier industrial dance sound.

http://www.myspace.com/leftspinedown
http://www.myspace.com/jakalope
http://jakalope.ca/

To submit bands just need to email  bandfight@activemindsproductions.com with their information and links to their music. And the prize for first place is a full radio ready song recorded, mixed and mastered at a $6000.00 value, plus a marketing session.

Presented by Activeminds Productions and Donnelly Group Public Houses, Band Fight will be held at Library Square Pub every Wednesday from February 22nd to March 14th. The event is presented as an authentic boxing match, with a real boxing ring setup around the stage; ring card girls will announce ‘rounds’ (aka next band.) As a tuxedo dressed comedian MC’s the evening- keeping the crowd entertained and mentioning sponsors regularly. Meanwhile the crowd can enjoy signature “Upper Cut” martinis and “Sucker Punch” shooters while taking photos of their favorite act on their smart phones -uploading the photos to twitter/facebook to vote for their #1 contender. A photographer will be roaming the event taking photos of the onstage action and of course the crowd shenanigans.

The goal of Band Fight is not only to create a busy and unique live show that will benefit and build from the ever growing Vancouver nightlife and live music scene but to aide in developing the success of the artists by bringing them together and showcasing their original music in a fun and original branded evening of entertainment. Band Fight will create an opportunity for local bands to demonstrate their talent and compete for prizes that will benefit their career. The winner of Band Fight will win recording time with the commercial hitmakers “Activeminds Productions”, the runners-up will also receive great prizes.

The submission deadline is Sunday, January 22nd at midnight and bands can submit by email bandfight@activemindsproductions.com to enter. Check them out on Facebook or Twitter.

The Pack A.D. played the Rickshaw theater with guests Pierced Arrows and Black Wizard. Check out their new video Sirens.

Photo Carrie Day

The Pack a.d. have released the brand new music video for their song, “Sirens”!

“Unpersons” from The Pack a.d. debuted at #1 on the Earshot Top 50 Chart on Sept. 6th, and stayed there for 6 consecutive weeks until Oct. 11th!

The Pack a.d.’s first single, Sirens, off of their album, Unpersons. Finally, we have our video for it thanks to the direction of Lloyd Choi and the erratic styles of Mr. Josh.

BIO

In 1962 Neil Sedaka said, “Breaking up is hard to do.” Well, breaking up just got a whole lot easier with “Unpersons”, the full-on fourth album in The Pack a.d.’s indomitable catalogue. This is the album to vaporize those who shall not be named, and erase any trace of their existence with a dense cloud of fuzz bomb riffs, tribal rhythms, and hard (legal) drugs. Like their last two albums, The Pack a.d. recorded “Unpersons” at the legendary Hive Studios with engineer Jesse Gander. However, where famed Detroit producer Jim Diamond (Electric 6, The Detroit Cobras, The White Stripes) mastered 2010′s “we kill computers” from afar, he flew in – on his own insistence – to produce “Unpersons” first hand. Braving a bombardment of devils, ghosts, mutants, and arseholes, the determination and prowess of drum demolisher Maya Miller and belligerent guitarist/vocalist Becky Black has never been so palpable. The Vancouver duo’s confidence in the studio and skill as musicians has grown exponentially between records, culminating with an epically fierce explosion of blues, punk, and garage rock. The result is a flawlessly produced and performed record that projects all the snarl, piss, vinegar, venom and vitriol heard on their first three albums into a realm that is distinctly their own. Long live The Pack a.d.!

Viewer discretion advised

Hailed by the metal community as one of the best hard bands of this city due to their crossover of genres, harsh direct lyrics and experimentation, combined with fast guitars, deep bass and rapid drumming, the band is one of the best acts to see LIVE! Now they want to shock the community with this “IN your Face Video” for the song Salty Spread.

PRODUCED, DIRECTED AND EDITED BY RITA JASPER

BIO

Sinister Black was formed in late 2005 by Wayne Powell and Ron Pistell who were already working together previously in the now defunct Scarecrow Balcony. Taking on Remo J.G. they had formed a power trio aimed at raw metal influenced songs mixed with punk attitude and energy, yet with a heart of classic rock. Being seasoned musicians the band was determined to take a different approach than they ha…d in the past and make sure that playing music remained enjoyable. There is no point in stressing or complaining that you are not getting signed or making it big, that will ruin all of the enjoyment. It should be a party, not a stress fest. The “could have been, would have been, should have been” attitude was out the window and is not permitted. They certainly would welcome a deal if it came along but Sinister Black is interested in being original and writing music for enjoyment.

In 2006 Sinister Black released their debut album “Taste The Flies”. Recorded by Wayne Powell and Bryon Morrow’s recording company Brain Method Productions. The album was a one shot, marathon recording session done on unfamiliar rented gear over a 24-hour period. Sinister Black proceeded to have moderate popularity on the local Vancouver music scene, playing numerous gigs throughout the last 5 years, they have also been aired regularly on local T.V. shows, Friday Night Revolution and A New Rock Reality.

In 2009 “ON THE ATTACK”the second album was released. Sinister Black continued the mayhem until
In May 2010, Remo J.G. sadly left the band due to personal reasons,however it didn’t take long for Sinister to recruit a new soldier, Mr Gord Latham aka “GoReDzilla”who has added a powerful new element to the band.
Sinister Black has just released a 2011 Tour Demo featuring 3 new songs that will be on the full length CD release late this year. In support of the EP, Sinister Black will be touring throughout Western Canada and the US.

The aim is to show off the talented artists working in BC restaurants, bars, clubs, cafe’s (hospitality) while pursuing their art – be it music, photography, dance or whatever and to find out which restaurant employs the most number of talented people.
Submit your video doing whatever you think you are talented at (Music, Fashion, juggling, playing spoons.)

Getmethemenu (GMTM) has Vancouver’s largest directory of local online menus: 4000 menus from 1500+ restaurants in the lower mainland, and  still growing!
If we have a craving for Peking Duck, we don’t want to go to a restaurant only to find they serve Bejing Chicken. Get Me The Menu before I get to the restaurant.

1) Contestant should be working in the hospitality industry (restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs etc)

2) Prize money is $1000

3) Its a video contest on facebook, So the participant uploads their video/photos of their talent to our facebook page. (I have one photographer who has uploaded a slide show of his photos…)

4) We are open to all types from talents – music, film, fashion, photography, comedy etc. If you can capture your talent on to a video or photo… bring it on!

4) All entries and votes have to be in by Feb 29th, 2012

5) More details at getmethemenu.ca/contests

Who can participate?
This contest is open to anyone employed in the restaurant or hospitality industry (pub, bar, cafe, club etc) in BC, Canada.

What type of talent are you looking for?
We are open to all different types of talents, the obvious ones being in music, fashion, acting etc. But don’t let that limit you, if you think you are talented at something(whatever that is – body building, juggling, mime,…), submit us your entry that shows it, and let the world decide. If you work as a chef in a restaurant, but think you are a talented singer/songwriter, you can submit a video of your song, or even better, a video of you performing the song live. If you work as a barista but think you are the next big model or dancer, submit a video of you doing your thing. If you can mimic every character from jersey shore, bring it on too!

Can I submit a entry for my band or group ?
Yes you can, as long as you are a member of the group.

Does the video need to be recorded in the restaurant I work?
No. Your video does not need to be recorded in the restaurant. It can be anywhere, your bedroom, local stage, or in your van.

How is the winner chosen?
Your entry it will be open for public voting, after approval from the moderator. You can then ask your friends, family and fans to rock that vote to build the initial buzz.
Top 5 entries with the most number of votes from public voting as of 12:01 AM 01 March, 2012, will be shortlisted into the finals. The Judge will audit the finalists for compliance and fraud, and declare a winner, with preference being given to the entry with the most votes. The winner will be declared on 05 March, 2012. Judge’s decision is final and binding.

Got Questions? Email us at info@getmethemenu.ca

The Vogue presents: The Be Good Tanyas

The band formed in 2006 by Elliot Langford and Joseph Hirabayashi.  Aaron McKnney joined in 2008 to play bass, drummer Kevin Romain joined in 2010. Previous drummers were Tony, Tommy and Jon. Have played 150 shows and toured Canada three times.

Discography:
Effeminate Godzilla-Sized Wind Chimes (1300 CDs/500 LPs, 2010)
Teems EP (released online 2008, 600 CDs released 2009)
Prescribing… The SSRIs (released online 2008, now lost in cyberspace)
The SSRIs (300 CDs released 2006, sold out long ago)

A story about an egg battling chaos, struggling for power and facing the fragility of life.

CONCEPT, DIRECTION, EDITING, ART DIRECTION, COSTUMES, PROPS, ANIMATION by Owen Ellis

EGG in PART 1 : Nicholas Porteous
EGG in PART 2 : Jeremy Kantor

GHOSTS : Tony Dallas, Adam Sabla, Ryan Betts, Meg Bourne, Mairin Cooley, Sydney Gregoire, Hailey Mangus, Daniel Ruiz, Clayton Pierrot, Emma Gregory, Jenna Grant, Altaira Northe, Dan Loan, Aime Gislasen, Cheena Jean, Selina Crammond & SPECIAL GUEST DANCING GHOST Parker Bossley.

THE SSRIs : Joseph Hirabayashi, Elliot Langford, Aaron McKinney & Kevin Romain.

SECONDARY CAMERA : Michael Jacobsen & Ryan Betts.

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS : Justin Djamtorki & Mairin Cooley.

POST PRODUCTION ASSISTANT : Sydney Gregoire

FILMED AT LITTLE MOUNTAIN GALLERY

Vancouver Singer Songwriter Pennan Brae has released a new music video for his song “Signs” from his second release Amber Glow. He managed to slip a license plate from all 50 states into the vid along with a license plate guitar.  Directed by Tim Cash and shot in Oregon it’s worth checking out, if not for the beauty of Oregon then for the soulful harmonica Brae uses in the song.

http://www.pennanbrae.com/

http://www.myspace.com/pennanbrae

By Oswaldo Perez and Tizoc Flores

Have you ever planned to travel on a train (so-called La Bestia) to the south border of the U.S., and from there walk a couple of hundreds of miles for several days into a Texan dessert with a gallon of water, a small backpack with canned food, empty pockets and a heart full of desire for a better life in a country with “opportunities” where you may be able to find a job as a dishwasher or housekeeper? Well, that’s a trip planned by thousands of people from Mexico and other Latin American countries every year, and that is the premise of Amarillo a play presented by the Push Festival at the Fei and Milton Wong Experimental Theatre as part of the 2012 festival program.
Teatro Linea de Sombra is a theatre company created in Monterrey, Mexico in 1993, currently based in Mexico City. It is formed by actors, performers, educators, researchers and artists. Their works include collaborations with musicians, visual artists and other similar performers that explore the role of modern, multidisciplinary theatre in today’s society.

The Mexican non profit company brought the play, Amarillo to the PuSH festival. Amarillo is a multi-media performance that incorporates dance, video projections, live singing, art, sand spilling, clothes, accordion music, water jugs and other lost objects. The storyline is simple at first sight, the Mexican immigrant that disappears in the desert. It is more complex than that, the story of this man is the story of many men, women and children that get lost forever looking for a better way of life.

The plot of the play is based on a (wannabe) immigrant that wishes to emigrate to the U.S. in the search of his dreams, which rapidly turn into a nightmare and into such a desperate trip through the desert that could so easily lead to death. The immigrant made the promise to come back to his roots, though it is very difficult to come back from a place that you never arrived to in the first place.

The show tackles the immigration issue from a social justice point of view, and while it does not give you straight answers, it does tell you straight to your face what is wrong with this situation in many levels. The rich countries deplete Latin America from its resources impoverishing the population (specially farmers), then they close the doors on them when trying to escape. The wealth is not shared equally, we heard that many times, but we never stop to think about the implications. The free transit only works for goods like oil, minerals and fruit. Canadians called Amarillo bold because of its harsh and direct narrative of the tragic situation that our brothers suffer trying to escape poverty. I call it educational and necessary, because these tragedies go unnoticed by the so called first world countries’ population.

The show starts with some of these ideas; a parade of voices denouncing injustice (corruption at all levels, arrogance and racism of authorities, the dangers of being robbed and raped). The stage is empty, it has a big wall equipped with metal rungs, the wall is the symbol of the barrier that separates the north from the South. The white wall will be “painted” with video projections, two screens showing scenes of migrants on the train, desert and border plus video captured live during the performance from two cameras on each side and one overheard that creates amazing art. The play presented an outstanding and vivid performance by the actor Raúl Mendoza, who literally lived the trip of the immigrant on stage.  It starts with him asking the audience “what are you looking at? I don’t exist” but he exists in many forms. He represents lots of names, places, ages and dead migrants. He jumps crashing into the wall trying to jump the fence fruitlessly.

As the play progresses, we see new elements and new actor;, 4 women and another man. The music is a mix of accordion music with the singing of one of the actors, a macabre live soundtrack by Jesus Cuevas who sings in a similar way as the Throat singers of Tuva, but in Spanish. Brilliant. Joining Raul Mendoza and Jesus Cuevas are Maria Luna, Alicia Laguna, Antigona González. The performance is full of poetic language written by Gabriel Contreras.

The production had a couple of flaws, which made it harder to convey their message clearly to non Spanish speakers. The downside of the presentation related to the English subtitles which were not completely synchronized with the actual theatrical scenes, resulting in a inconvenience for those non-Spanish speakers in the audience (which were the majority).  I would say that the Anglophones lost 20% of the message and unfortunately the beauty of the poetic prose recited by the actors.

The message is politically charged and the actors sometimes get out of character to further denounce and promote their causes, for example they told the public both verbally and visually to go to the website of  a cooperative of Mexican women artisans who sell their jewelry online. http://www.artcamp.com.mx/ They are the widows, the abandoned, the strong women that decided to keep fighting despite the fact that they lost their husbands, fathers, sons, cousins who went looking for the American dream. “The American dream sounds pretty to everybody that hasn’t lived it”.

The performance is very energetic and artistic. I love the fact that the use water jugs and sandbags to create a moving canvass filmed from above and from the sidelines.  Amarillo fulfilled its objective transporting the audience into the gritty life or death struggle of the immigrant reaching for the American dream. A highly recommended play for lovers of experimental art.

After a summer of wild rides criss-crossing back and forth across the country, with a few different musicians, Jesse & Jacquie have added a new permanent member to the band! Welcome Matt Blackie, percussionist extraordinaire, who turned Jesse & Jacquie’s dynamic duo into a tremendous trio. As such, the band has taken on the task of coming up with a new name, and thanks to suggestions from the public and a Facebook Campaign, they’ve settled on a great one! BUT!! You don’t get to find out just yet, we want to build the anticipation!

The trio of Jesse, Jacquie and Blackie will be officially named upon the release of their new album, which is currently being recorded. It’s true, these folks only stay in one place long enough to record a new full length album, before they take off on another epic journey, this time through Canada’s west and north. Winter 2012 sees them playing shows in BC, Alberta, and into the Yukon and Alaska in March. It’s a great service these musicians do for all us fans, extending their playing field to include the far corners of the country, making sure fabulous times are had by all.

Their 2011 acclaimed album, Our Ghosts Will Fill These Walls, was released to rave reviews and enjoyed charting on !earshot across the country and well as hitting the CBC airwaves. The album is a rigorous exercise in roots rock, and this hard working and talented group are coming to the forefront of the Canadian independent music scene. See them on stage and you’ll see why all the buzz, they harmonize beautifully, compliment each others playing and create a force to be reckoned with in their music.

TOUR

February 3th @ 8pm: House Concert, GOLDEN, BC

February 4th @ 8pm: The Velvet Olive, RED DEER, AB

February 6th @ 8pm: Devaney’s Irish Pub, EDMONTON, AB

February 7th @ 10pm: Bruno’s Bar & Grill, BANFF, AB

February 9th @ 9pm: The Railway Club, VANCOUVER, BC

February 10th @ 9pm: The Pemberton Hotel, PEMBERTON, BC

February 15th @ 7pm: Penticton Art Gallery, PENTICTON, BC

February 16th @ 9pm: The Flying Steamshovel, ROSSLAND, BC

February 17th @ 9pm: The Last Drop Pub, REVELSTOKE, BC

February 19th @ 8pm: Truffle Pigs Bistro, FIELD, BC

February 23rd @ 9pm: Amsterdam Rhino, CALGARY, AB

February 24th @ 5pm: The Palomino Smokehouse, CALGARY, AB

February 25th @ 9pm: The Brickhouse, FERNIE, BC

February 26th @ 9pm: Blues on Whyte, EDMONTON, AB

March 2nd/3rd @ 8pm: JD Fitzgerald’s Pub, FORT ST. JOHN, BC

March 4th @ 7pm: Belle Petroleum Centre, PEACE RIVER, AB

March 8th @ 9pm: Atlin Inn, ATLIN, BC

March 9th/10th @ 9pm: Gold Pan Saloon, WHITEHORSE, YT

March 11th/12th @ 9pm: Old Fellows Hall, DAWSON CITY, YT

March 13th @ 7pm: House Concert, HAINES JUNCTION, YT

March 14th @ 9pm: Fairview Inn, TALKEETNA, AK

March 15th/16th @ 9pm: Taproot, ANCHORAGE, AK

March 17th @ 9pm: Downeast Saloon, HOMER, AK

March 19th @ 8pm: House Concert, TOK, AK

March 21st @ 9pm: The Old Firehall, WHITEHORSE, YT

March 22nd @ 7pm: Arts Center, SKAGWAY, AK

March 28th: TransCanada Alberta Music Series, CALGARY, AB

As kids, we all liked to imagine that our favorite toys could communicate with and understand us, but they never did. Up-and-coming Canadian singer/songwriter James Struthers, however, has proved that when using your imagination, anything is possible. James spent a lot of time reminiscing about childhood when he was writing and recording his song “You, Me and Optimus Prime”, but it was during the creation of the music video that he actually got to revisit it.

“Each member of the team contributed equally to the story line (and) I can definitely tell you that all four of us were deeply inspired by the awesomeness of childhood & our love for Transformers,” Struthers explains. “The video tells a story of personal growth, but coaches us to keep a sense of adventure and lust for life close to heart. As Steve Jobs said, ‘Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish.’”

The ‘team’ is made up of James and Vancouver born video production masterminds Nathan, Trevor and Morgan Funk (now of Los Angeles based, family-run Funk Factory Films). The video features a life-size version of Optimus Prime (constructed by Long Beach costume designer Jay Netka), a ‘Huckleberry Finn’ style raft (hand made by Struthers himself), and the natural splendor of Lake of the Woods, Ontario.

Check out James Struthers website here!

This is Jodi’s first EP Release and she is excited about it, and she should be. This 5 song masterpiece is perfect for the country or folk lover inside of all of you. Jodi has put together a EP that not only tells a story, but every song has an album waiting for it to tell its true story. Yes from the moment I listened to this CD I know I will be listening to it for years to come.

I was able to sit down with Jodi on a Tuesday night at VanMusic’s Open Mic at Displace Hashery  in Kits. There she began to tell me how this work of art (in more ways then one) was created. Even though it took 1 year to make, 10 years to create and a whole life time to prepare for, Jodi has put her heart and soul into this. She wishes that she could just give it to everyone for free just so they can enjoy her contribution to the world.

Jodi cares about this project and anyone who talks to her starts to understand just what this means to her. Often times on Facebook you will see her update her status letting everyone know where she will be that night and if you come and say hi to her, she will give you a copy. Yes Jodi never made this EP to make millions, she made it for everyone to enjoy.

Jodi is a huge fan of Jenn Grant and follows her on Facebook. One day she noticed that Grant posted a message about doing artwork, so Jodi emailed her right away and asked her about doing a painting for the album cover. She agreed to do something on commission and basically it took off from there. Jodi emailed her some ideas she had and Jenn came up with the rest. The painting is on her wall at home in front of her computer work space. Jodi’s friend Terry took some high res photos of it and together they created the layout.

Jodi recorded Little Love Songs back in February of 2011 but needed to raise the money for her CD. She went on IndieGoGo and raised the money in a month. Even a band in Germany found her and donated $50! After listening to little Love Songs you will truly understand why so many supported this EP being made.

Little Love Songs

1. Let Me In

2. Drummer In  A Band

3. Hallow Heart

4. Look At Us

5. Little Love Songs

By Jade Sperry

JadedPhotography

The Manvils had quite a year in 2011. They moved from Vancouver to Toronto and celebrated the new release of their EP Black Tornado. They hooked up with producer Sho Murray who recorded their debut CD Buried Love. The concept that they acquired is to record songs in each of their favorite cities – Vancouver, Toronto and Chicago. The band in general are progressing as songwriters and performers as this first EP release clearly shows the creative side of the band in general. They’ve also shared the stage with larger bands including Metric, Stereophonics, Bif Naked, Sonic Youth and Ben Harper just to name a few.

The tracks on this EP Vol. 1 are:

1. Lions of a Lost Tongue
2. Black Tornado
3. Alone With You
4. Castaway
5. Hot Volcano

Starting with the song “Lions of a Lost Tongue” which has a good melody but is a bit erratic in the beginning which works well with the Eddie Van Halen guitars. I particularly like the vocal work by Mikey Manville (singer/songwriter/guitars) and as always Greg Buhr (bass) lays down some root chords and is the backbone that is persistent in this song. Jay Koenderman (drums) keeps the beat like melted iron. The EP title song “Black Tornado” has a shifty kind of beat with straight on rock and roll but has confidence woven into the song like a heartbeat. Choppy, fuzzed out guitars are layered in the song which makes the melody sound like it’s on the dangerous side.”Alone with You” has a moody and dark melody with guitars that remind me of a murder and mayhem. With lyrics that say “I won’t leave myself alone with you” and “blood on my hands” confirms the feeling. “Castaway” has a definite haunting sound with a moody and dark melody which reminds me of being lost or having lost someone or something. Tense vocals throughout the song pick up the desperation that climaxes with an abrupt end to the song. Wow! “Hot Volcano” is an off-tempo, stop/stutter and frantic melody that works really well with Mikeys’ vocals. Choppy guitars end the song with a little bit of honey that makes the final notes all that much sweeter. Emotions are hard to get across to the listener through a song but Mikey manages to do this well. And his skills as a songwriter show up and are on the same page as the rest of the band. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them on an international stage in the near future.

For all things Manville their website has a lot of information including CD’s, past media articles and a tour sections to see where the band will be touring in 2012. The bands website is here.

Admiral Akiba is an electro-rock band from Vancouver BC, made of Dan (vo/guit), Rhino (key), Ryan T, (bass), and Alfonso (dr). Formed and masterminded by Ray Bixon who is the godfather and the supreme leader of everyone at Valentine Records. Admiral Akiba is the brain child of this international playboy, war hero, ex-mercenary and music superstar.

Much like Howard Hughes, Ray Bixon has avoided the public for a number of years. Having spent most of his youth at the forefront of music and culture until the mid-nineties when he disappeared almost entirely. It is believed that Admiral Akiba spent a lot of time in Japan training hard to master their craft while gaining international recognition.

This latest endeavor was conceived, written, produced and recorded by Ray and he has handpicked the band members from over 300 applicants.

Come check out Admiral Akiba play as part of the Van Music weekly Indie Pop Vancouver Series.

Friday Jan 27th
British Ex-Serviceman’s Association – 1143 Kingsway
9pm – midnight
$5 cover
$2 beer