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7/21/2019 Levitation Vancouver 2015 Festival Pullout Guide Published by BeatRoute Magazine
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LEVITATION VANCOUVER2015 FESTIVAL GUIDE LEVITATION VANCOUVER2015 FESTIVAL GUIDE2 3
ARTIST BIOSBy Bryce Dunn, Colin Gallant, Erin Jardine, Maya-Roisin Slater & Kaelan Unrau
ALL THEM WITCHESNASHVILLE, TN
All Them Witches are a Nashville born rock band
with blues and soul tendencies. Their music hasa loose improvisational feel thats focused on theelectric energy of the group. They fully believe
a little bit of magic goes into their songwritingprocess, relying on whatever sparks fly in the jamroom or recording studio to create songs. With a
refreshing lack of headiness and a dash of witchcraft
All Them Witches are guaranteed to put on a showthats nothing less than a little wicked. ( MR)
AMEN DUNESNEW YORK, NY
Wistful wanderer Damon McMahon has been servingus his carefully poured over folk contributions sinceSeptember 2009. Since his first release, Dia, McMahon
has developed his bare bones folk sound into a touchingand intentional project. Amen Dunes music has a
meditative, stream of consciousness quality that
captures the listener. McMahon will take you away toa weird space of self reflection and storytelling thatscompelling, and we dare say a little mystical. This is
a great show to contemplate that funky tarot readingyour ex-girlfriend gave you a couple years back at. (MR)
ATLAS SOUNDATHENS, GA
Atlas Sound is the solo project of DeerhuntersBradford Cox. This heavily layered experimentalproject has been brewing since Cox was as young
as 10, he seriously began releasing things under thename well into his time with Deerhunter as he beganto realize some songs you just cant do with a five
piece rock band. The result of this solo project is avery whimsical electronic sound with many differentmoving parts and biographical lyrics that are written
by Cox in a stream of consciousness style as herecords the songs. More intimate than his work with
Deerhunter, Coxs performance as Atlas Sound is sure
INTROThe founders of Austin Psych Fest have
created an iconic, internationally renowned
festival that encourages tens of thousands
of music lovers from around the globe to
take a trip to Texas. Now for the first time
ever, the independent and experimental
histories of Austin Psych Fest and Timbre
Concerts have merged to bring the spiri t
of this festival to Vancouver. We are very
proud to present Levitation Vancouver!
Levitation Vancouver
aims to deliver a living,breathing, international
music festival that
takes place in the heart
of the city, geared
towards the engaged
and enthusiastic
music lover.We have put together a lineup that
showcases some of the best and most
exciting psychedelic, pop, electronic,
shoegaze, metal and experimental music
being made today. From the psychedelic
soundscapes of Black Mountain to the
halcyon pop of Atlas Sound and the
menacing synths of Tobacco, this is a
festival that is made to stretch yourears and challenge your mind in the
most entertaining way possible.
We are working closely with community
stakeholders to provide a safe, accessible
and environmentally conscious
experience for all festival goers while
championing local and independent
Vancouver businesses and artists. All of
this is taking place in beautiful Stanley
Park during the day and at select Main
Street venues during the night.
We are psyched to share what we have in
store for you this year; the first of many
Levitation Vancouver festivals to come.
Sincerely,
Timbre/APF/Levitation xx
Vancouver 2015
to provide a cozy atmosphere of textured pop that you
can melt away in the sun swaying to. We are liable tomention we do not recommend you get so lost in the
music swaying that you lit erally melt away, please beresponsible and apply sunscreen with reason. (MR)
BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRDSAN FRANCISCO, CA
Mikey Maramag is something of a ch illwave survivor.
His DIY, soft wash electropop came up at a time wheneveryone who had a laptop and a bedroom was amusician. Darwin would approve: Blackbird Blackbird
is a project that seamlessly blends delicate acousticinstrumentation with digital dynamism. Maramag usespop ambience to lull, then feints with anthemic burst s
that demand you give yourself over completely. (CG)
BLACK WIZARDVANCOUVER, BC
Combining metal with stoner rock and psych canbe a controversial undertaking, but Black Wizards
long run of popularity is making attention to genrea moot point. Adam Grants lyrics tie together thecross genres with smooth dominance. A loaded
summer schedule awaits this classically energeticband. Heavy rhythms akin to death metal with a
constant 70s influence and solid live performancesmake Black Wizard an accessible heavy band that hasinjected youthful power into traditional style. (EJ)
CIRCUIT DES YEUXCHICAGO, ILCircuit Des Yeux is Haley Fohr, a Chicago-basedmusician with a really big voice. Over the course ofseveral albums and EPs, Fohr has run the gamut from
gothic noise (Helen, You Bitch) to classical-infusedfolk (Lithonia) to more avant-garde affairs (Acarina).Throughout, she displays an arresting fidelity to
the darkness of life and its inherent beauty. (KU)
COSMONAUTSFULLERTON, CA
Cosmonauts are a foursome of music maniacs fromFullerton, California. Listening to an assortment of
their slacker garage-pop-drone anthems is not unlikea good brain-freeze from your favourite slurpee on
a hot summers day: sweet, sticky and stuck in yourhead for hours. It leaves us wondering if what they
ingested down at the local 7-11 every day after practicehad more in it than they paid for, in which case wewouldnt mind getting in on some of that action. (BD)
CURTIS HARDINGSAGINAW, MI
If time travel were actually possible, Peabody and
Sherman would freak out knowing that when theycame back from visiting 1965 Motown-era Detroit
they would have their minds blown by a guy in 2 015who embodies that era with as much conviction andpurpose as this man - SOUL POWER INDEED. (BD)
DADA PLANVANCOUVER, BC
Experimenting with dystopian themes and avantgarde instrumentals, Dada Plan is Malcom Biddle(lyrics, guitars, synths, programming), Dave Biddle
(saxophones), Matt Krysko (synths), Colin Cowan(bowed, upright, and electric bass), and JustinWilliams (congas) hailing from Vancouver. Despite the
many instruments, the straightforward 60s psychvocals simplify Dada Plans sound to a floating lo fi
garage-ambience that soothes and disturbs. (EJ)
DEAD GHOSTSVANCOUVER, BC
As far as were concerned if you havent hear these
local garage rock golden boys you may as well besix feet under. Weve yet to encounter anyone who
doesnt dig the vibe theyre layin down. For nearly adecade a steady diet of Billy Childish and the VelvetUnderground has not lost its flavour, with some new
material since 2013s Cant Get No cant get heresoon enough. Until then, scratch the itch by seeing
em rip it up live and try not to stand still. (BD)
ELEPHANT STONEMONTREAL, QC
The eerily beautiful sound of the sitar has been alongstanding staple of psychedelic music datingback to George Harrison. Elephant Stones Rishi Dhir
is an established maestro of the instrument, havingplayed for the likes of The Black Angels and the Brian
Jonestown Massacre. But its with this hindie-rocktrio his potential is most greatly expressed throughhook-laden, rhythmic bursts of heady pop. (CG)
BLACK MOUNTAIN
VANCOUVER, BCPsychedelic rock band Black Mountain has beena fixture in the Vancouver music scene since its
inception in 2004. Built on a foundation of heavy,driving guitar made accessible by catchy melodies
and witty relatable songwriting, Black Mountainhas a loose charm thats both fun and enticing. Ontheir resume are traditionally impressive credits
like a three week opening stint they did for Britishmega stars Coldplay, as well as having their song
Druganaut used in a fathers day commercial forAmerican corporate retailer JC Penny. But even more
impressive than this is the community of veteranCanadian musicians that have formed a community
around Black Mountain, from this original projectothers like Pink Mountaintops, Lightning Dust and
Blood Meridian have developed. The reputation thatprecedes this skilled mosh posh of psych-rockersis one of mountainous proportions. The show will
be loud, your shoes will probably be ruined by thecrowd, but in the process you c an experience the
kind of performance local heroes have to offer. (MR)
THE BLACK LIPSATLANTA, GA
Lets take a trip back to (what were pretty sure was)the very first Vancouver appearance by the Black
Lips at the now-defunct Candy Bar on Kingsway& Victoria. The room was abuzz with the hushed
whispers of hip kids who knew about the bandspenchant for rabblerousing stage antics. This wasone trick up this bands sleeve they were ready to
see, but having the songs to back it up was the acein the hole, and they delivered in spades blowing
minds as well as speakers with their twisted takeon Back From The Grave-styled bruisers mixed withSouthern-fried blues wailers. The Black Lips showed
no signs of letting up as they proceeded to pistol-
whip the crowd into a frenzy. Those whispers grewto shouts upon subsequent visits to our fair city and
with a whole mess of recorded works for labels likeBomp!, In The Red, Slovenly and Vice under their
skinny belts, following these four Atlantians overthe years has been nothing short of astonishing.They have spread the gospel of rock n roll to war
ravaged countries, rubbed shoulders with the rapgames elite stars, continue to piss off (and perhaps
on) the garage-rock purists and hopefully by thetime you read this, released a line of fragrances.What have you done lately? We thought so. (MR)
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MALKIN BOWL
RICKSHAW
CHINA CLOUD
ELECTRIC OWL COBALT
IMPERIAL
VENDOR AREA HOSTED BY THE EASTSIDE FLEA, FEATURING:
PLUS
LOCAL ARTISTS,
FOOD TRUCKS,
WATER STATIONS
AND MORE!
ALL AGES!
WITH 19+BAR
BLACK LIPS
BLACK MOUNTAIN
DEAD MOON
THE SHRINE
MYSTIC BRAVES
ELEPHANT STONE
THREE WOLF MOON
TACO CATDADA PLAN
9:00pm
7:35pm
6:30pm
5:30pm
4:30pm
3:30pm
2:30pm
1:30pm
12:30pm
8:45pm
7:45pm
6:30pm
5:30pm
4:30pm
3:30pm
2:30pm
1:30pm
12:30pm
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
THE BLACK ANGELS
ATLAS SOUND
WITCH
CURTIS HARDING
NIGHT BEATS
BLACK WIZARD
LA LUZ
JOEL GIONWILLIE THRASHER &LINDA SADDLEBACK
SUNDAY, JUNE 7 A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERSTHE WARLOCKS
DRENGE
PEREGRINE FALLS
WAINGRO
1:15am
12:15am
11:30pm
10:45pm
10:00pm
1:00am
12:00am
11:00pm
12:30am
11:30pm
10:30pm
8:45pm
7:00pm
12:30am
11:30pm
10:30pm
12:30am
11:30pm
10:30pm
12:30am
11:45pm
10:45pm
12:15am
11:15pm
10:30pm
TOBACCO
SHIGETO
BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD
AL LOVER
1:00am
12:00am
11:00pm
10:30pm
12:45am
12:00am
11:15pm
10:30pm
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
KING TUFF
DEAD GHOSTS
COSMONAUTS
THE COURTNEYS
SUNDAY, JUNE 7 SUN RAS STAR SYSTEM
CIRCUIT DES YEUX
TWIN RIVER
THE BACKHOMES
COLIN COWAN
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
DEAD MEADOW
ALL THEM WITCHES
JJUUJJUU
ANCIIENTS
BIBLICAL
DEAD QUIET
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
JONATHAN TOUBINS SOUL CLAP
THE SHIVAS
MR. ELEVATOR & THE BRAIN
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
L.A. WITCH
GATEWAY DRUGS
WHITE POPPY
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
AMEN DUNES
RYLEY WALKER
MAMIFFER
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
WEEKEND PASSES AND SINGLE DAY TICKETS AVAILABLE: LEVITATION-VANCOUVER.COM, RED CAT, ZULU AND NEPTOON
*SET TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. TUNE IN FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE ANNOUNCEMENTS:@LEVITATIONVAN
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LEVITATION VANCOUVER2015 FESTIVAL GUIDE LEVITATION VANCOUVER2015 FESTIVAL GUIDE8 9
JOEL GIONSAN FRANCISCO, CA
How does one translate a full time gig as an historicalbands Tambourine Man into a satisfying and genre-spanning career as a solo artist? Evidently, Joel Gion
has the answers. Being one of the longest runningmember of still-sometimes-active neo-psychedelia/
shoegaze heroes The Brian Jonestown Massacreimbued Gion with a singular firsthand knowledge ofmind-expanding world of underground music. His most
recent effort, debut LP Apple Bonkers, is a drivingcollection of pop songs that dip in and out of focus,
alternately searing and soaring. Even after a decades-long career in music, Gion described the songwritingprocess as a hugely important piece of self discovery,
and it certainly shows. Pieces of folk, pop, shoegazeand, of course, psych arent exactly stitched together as
much as they woven intuitively. With a little help fromJonestown band mates both in the studio and on stage,Gion is about to reveal to LEVITATION audiences what
may well be the apex of his illustrious career. (CG)
JONATHAN TOUBINNEW YORK, NY
The Pony. The Twist. The Hucklebuck. The Swim. ThePhilly Dog. The Uncle Willy. The Cow. Th e Bristol Stomp.
The Fly. The Boogaloo. The Lurch. The Fishin Pole.The Duck. The Break. The Bird Train. The Monkey. TheHippy Hippy Shake. The Shimmy. The Frog. The Wig.
The Whiplash. The Shakin Fit. The Crusher. The Jerk.The Mashed Potato. The Skate. The Buri-Buri. TheHully Gully. The Hunch. The Alligator. The Stroll. The
Harlem Shuffle. The Freddie. The Loco-motion. TheFreeze. The Climb. The Bounce. The Cool Jerk. The Dog.
The Motion. The Fire Bird. The Warm Up. The Thing.
The Popcorn. The Mau Mau. The 45. The Whip. TheWillie Bop. The Funky Boogaloo. Th e Grizzly Bear. The
Crank. The Watusi. The Dish Rag. The Jerk Train. TheLoose Eel. The Ape. The Gouster. The Chicken Scratch.
The Wallop. The Dip. The Broom. The Bug. The Aba-Daba Do Dance. The Itchy Koo. The Dive. The EgyptianShumba. The James Brown. The Wobble Wobble. The
Snacky Poo. The Bad Baboon. The Slosh. The Weasel.The Switch. The Brain. The Waddle. The Trankey Doo.
The Shag. The Shim Sham. The Big Apple. THIS GUYHAS ALL THE MOVES AND THEN SOME. (BD)
JJUUJJUULOS ANGELES, CA
Sometime in the early 2010s, an unidenti fied Angelenotrekked out into the Mojave Desert and performed a
conjuring spell, bringing forth an entity of unimaginablepower and grooviness. And thus, JJUUJJUU was born.
Well, perhaps this wasnt exactly how it happened, butits a likely story. In any case, the Los Angeles-based duo comprised of Andrew Clinco and Phil Pirrone infuse
their live show with some pretty freaky mojo. (KU)
KING TUFF
LOS ANGELES, CAWe think weve finally figured out why all the kids goga-ga for power-pop puff daddy Kyle Thomas these
days: his video for Madness (from last years glam-rockbasement party platter Black Moon Spell) is just whatthis generation needs to open their eyes and expose
the madness within them, not to mention showcase acrowd-surfing gorilla. Thats exactly what the cartoon-
addled crazy known to his fans as King Tuff did. A highschool hoodlum raised in the artistically adventuroustown of Brattleboro, Vermont, a future in music came to
him later than most when his first foray as KT fizzled.With the uncertainty of a post-secondary path looming,it took other projects like the stoner-rock swagger of
Witch, the avant-folk of Feathers and the ramshacklepop of Happy Birthday to combine like Gatchaman
(cartoon nerds, look it up!) and st art a fire of Inferno-likeproportions under his butt; the resulting phoenix hasnow risen to give all the freaks and geeks of the world
a reason to light up, live like its their last day and showtheir A.D.D.-affected appreciation for the father figure
they never knew they had; albeit one who always fallsfor the rocknroll-a, Coca-Cola, makes-him-wanna-lose-control-a girls. Eh, nobodys perfect. (BD)
L.A. WITCHLOS ANGELES, CA
Does anyone remember that movie The Craft aboutthe trio of witch-wannabes who find a kindred spiritin a fourth grade girl recently transplanted from a
difficult home life to a new school full of wastoidsand outsiders? As the girls get off the bus, the driversays, Watch out for them weirdos! to which Fairuza
Balks character replies, We are the weirdos, mister.This group is the soundtrack to their weirdness dark,
vengeful and dripping with the blood of virgin sacrifices.OK, maybe not the blood part thats kind of gross. (BD)
MR ELEVATOR AND THE BRAIN HOTELLOS ANGELES, CA
The name of this Los Angeles psych outfit reallyforeshadows a lot of the antics they get up to. The music
they make is similar to what would happen if you took anearly 70s free love band with plenty of organ, turned up the
volume 10 notches, made the singer a bit angry, and gave
DEAD MOONPORTLAND, OR
Longevity is Dead Moon, with a background of
supporting the independent music scene in the PacificNorthwest. Their experimental style broke groundway back in the 80s with Fred and Toody Cole making
their start in the garage, psych, americana, and rock nroll scenes. The couple played with the Doors, JanisJoplin, Buffalo Springfield and other greats under the
name The Lollipop Shoppe. Riddled with a flux of non-permanent band members, the Coles early projects
faded. In 1987, just as the garage scene in the pacificnorthwest was taking root, the Coles developed anew project called Dead Moon. With the addition
of drummer Andrew Loomis, the influence of punk
drums made the trio much, much louder and solidified
their identity in americana songwriting with elementsof noisy experimental instrumentals. They gained aserious following in the 90s, a testament to that being
Eddie Vedders various covers of Dead Moon songs.The trio toured and wrote all over the United States,releasing something every 1-3 years before breaking
up in 2006. Never staying away from rock and roll forlong, individual projects occurred during Dead Moons
hiatus and in 2014 an intimate reunion set occurredfor Dead Moon in Portland. Years of mastery in music,marriage and collaboration defines this trio. (EJ)
them some pedals to play with. Theyre noisy, wild, whacky,and disorienting in the best way. This is the kind of show at
which that one hippie who doesnt get self conscious whenother people seeing them dancing wildly, is going to gofucking crazy. Leave your cares at home and go buck wild
to this funky organ psych music, we know you want to. (MR)
MYSTIC BRAVESLOS ANGELES, CA
Neo-psych nuances reign supreme over the acid-triptakers of this Los Angeles outfit. The dont just talk
the drug talk, they walk it with their most recent effortDesert Island - a testament to the swingin sixtiesand its flower children followers that grows every
minute. Tune in, turn on and drop out, man. (BD)
NIGHT BEATSSEATTLE, WA
Night Beats are a group from the rainy city of Seattlewho play distorted soul and garage rock. The bands
founder Danny Lee is originally from Texas, bringing anelement of signature down south psychedelic rock to
the bands RNB and soul roots. Their sound has veryfamiliar Americana rock vibe but with a compellingmodern twist in the form of added layering and
distortion. This signature sound got them signed to alabel almost immediately after the release of their firstEP, propelling them on to tour with fellow Levitation
headliners like the Black Angels and the Black Lips.These three bands will be reuniting to perform their
respective acts on the stage this summer at the festival.Prompting us to put another coin in the jar of whoeverinvented the phrase Music brings people together. (MR)
ROSE WINDOWSSEATTLE, WA
Hailing from Seattle, genre non conforming sextet
Rose Windows are a refreshing maximal contributionwhose melting pot style is both new and unusual,
but with enough familiar elements to make itunexpectedly nostalgic. Rose Windows are bestdescribed as a very heavy psychedelic blues band
with some jazz moments, quite a lot of flute, theoccasional nod to classic persian stylings, all narrated
by old fashioned american folk harmonies. Its thekind of music you would expect to hear scoring anexperimental take on a 1960s action movie. If you
cant imagine what that would sound like off the topof your head, then I guess well see you in June. (MR)
LA LUZLOS ANGELES, CA
Seattle Washington doesnt have a surf scene, so
since 2012 the ladies of the light have been makingone all their own musically speaking, sprinklingSpector-sound harmonies and reverb-ready guitar at
each swell and crash. Couple that with rollicking bassand shimmering keyboard play, youd be surpr isedto learn they werent from the shores of Laguna
but instead the streets of Sea-Tac. Their debut EPrelease Damp Face not only captures their love for
sandnsurf, but perhaps in an unintentional, butslightly ironic way, their sweat-soaked visages afterdays of recording under the blazing sun in a trailer
park. Touring quickly followed and theyve proventheir prowess by not wanting to just stick their toes
in the shallow end of the pool, instead clocking
endless miles from coast to coast in an effort to
spread the sunny vibes to all those within earshot.Returning home to record their full-length ItsAlive! in early 2013, sights were set on more road
trips and European engagements. Shortly after itsrelease in October of that same year, this girl gangbecame the subject of an oft-sung ode to death on
the highway Jann Dean-style when their van wastotaled by a semi-truck and an uncontrollable patch
of ice. The sun was clearly shining that day becausefast-forward to present time where their new recordis done, dusted, and ready for the next wave of
beach babes and baggy shorts come August 2015.Thus proving, to paraphrase His Royal Morose-ness
Morrissey, theirs is a light that will never go out. (BD)
THE SHIVASPORTLAND, OR
With all the quality acts coming out of our sister cityto the South these days (Portland, you guys) youd
figure our misfit protagonists of garage punk wouldbe a slightly bigger name on the marquee. Yet, for thisband who have been friends since high school, financed
their first few tours with seemingly nothing morethan the faith of friends and some Kickstarter funds,cruising along, singing their songs and not collecting
scene points on their zero-fucks cards serves themjust fine. Over twenty tours and four albums later, its
apparent that the bug they caught is still contagious
because their tunes are sick.. From the latest linkto Pebbles compilations, b-movie marathons and
sleepless nights on the recording room floor, YouKnow What To Do (their latest long-player) like theirprevious efforts twists the sounds of languid psych,
dirty rocknroll and sock-hop sweetness into a pretzelof dance-party pleasure that is incredibly containedwithout the use of new-fangled gadgets is as a result,
hard to resist. So, from that glowing recommendationalone, we suggest you get the fever in your blood
and let these kids show you how its done. (BD)
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LEVITATION VANCOUVER2015 FESTIVAL GUIDE LEVITATION VANCOUVER2015 FESTIVAL GUIDE10 11
RYLEY WALKERCHICAGO, IL
In our age of irony and sardonic detachment, Ryley
Walker represents a breath of fresh air. A folktroubadour in the best possible sense of the term,
Walker invokes the earnest fragility of Nick Drake,with a dash of Jefferson Airplanes instrumentalinventiveness thrown in for good measure. By way
of example, the video for Primrose Green finds theChicago-born musician gleefully (and unironically)
sniffing flowers, petting lambs and putting about ona John Deere tractor. Hes just that kind of guy. (KU)
THE SHRINELOS ANGELES, CA
Embodying the Californian skate culture through sludgeand punk influenced rock. The Shrine is a trio comprised
of gritty vocals and guitar, Josh Landau, CourtlandMurphy (bass) and Jeff Murray (drums). The raw lo-fi
distorted guitar lends the punk edge to the americanrock slow rolling riffs. After witnessing their live set itwill become clear why they are well received worldwide
by members of rock and skate culture alike. (EJ)
THREE WOLF MOONVANCOUVER, BC
Comprised of seasoned Vancouver rock musicians, ThreeWolf Moon carries an intense summer-y psychedelic
feel to this unique project. Consistently gaining biggershows, the 70s rooted style is easy listening for manydifferent folks. The songs are slow burning, with keys
and guitar complimenting each other in a union oftraditional and experimental. Three Wolf Moon is Adam
Grant (vocals, guitar), Tyler Maynard (piano, organs,synth), Evan Joel (bass, vocals), Max Grant (drums). (EJ)
THREE WOLF MOONVANCOUVER, BC
Comprised of seasoned Vancouver rock musicians, ThreeWolf Moon carries an intense summer-y psychedelic
feel to this unique project. Consistently gaining biggershows, the 70s rooted style is easy listening for many
different folks. The songs are slow burning, with keysand guitar complimenting each other in a union oftraditional and experimental. Three Wolf Moon is Adam
Grant (vocals, guitar), Tyler Maynard (piano, organs,synth), Evan Joel (bass, vocals), Max Grant (drums). (EJ)
WITCHVERMONT AND MASSACHUSETTS, USA
With lineage from groups like Dinosaur Jr., King
Tuff, Feathers and Annihilation Time, WITCHtakes ferocious power from each act while making
an entirely different kind of ruckus. The bandhas a primal energy that is riddled with subtlecomplications. Theyve been called obsessed with
the 70s and levied with labels like stoner rock anddoom metal, but WITCH is too expert of a groupnot to play with convention. This is a group who
understand riffs, fuzz and sheer blunt force betterthan doctors know medicine. Drummer J. Mascis
clearly doesnt need six strings to get the job done;
in WITCH he offers clamorous rolls and fills thatcompliment the punishing riffs like the aftershock
from an earthquake. The one reprieve from thebands assault comes from Kyle Thomas twistedlyprophetic vocals that act as a beacon of light cutting
through a dense fog. Across two full-lengths anda select run of live performances, WITCH havesifted through all the dank and smoky tropes of
hard-edged psych to deliver only the best. (CG)
SHIGETODETROIT, MI
Inspired by the motown and jazz albums he heardduring his upbringing in Detroit, Michigan ZachSaginaw creates a unique brand of electronic music
combining elements of these genres with that ofdystopian rhythmic noise. The music he makes
under his middle name, Shigeto, is melody driven yetsparse with his background experience as a drummermaking a strong appearance as a stripped down yet
driving force. Some of his material graduates fromthis minimal foundation and takes on more robusthip hop inspired elements. The clattering of wind
chimes rolls over a burst of oscillating syntheticnoise all underlined with a couple bars of jazz piano
played on a muted keyboard, these are just some ofthe elements you will find in this artists set. (MR)
events
TOBACCOALLEGHENY COUNTY, PA
Tobacco is the solo project of Thomas Fec, who is
regularly the front man of experimental pop bandBlack Moth Super Rainbow. Tobacco is like the darker
more eerie evil twin of BMSR. Its made using almostentirely analogue equipment, and encapsulates all ofthe warped experimental aspects of BMSR without the
polished pop finished. It can be glitchy, it can be silly,and it can be a little scary at times. Its an audio journey
into a glitchy cartoon fairytale with a heavily distortednarrator telling the story. Video projections during thelive show will help to illustrate this twisted electronic
escape. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. (MR)
WHITE POPPYVANCOUVER, BC
Crystal Dorval makes the kind of lo-fi pop that flourishesfrom its unfussy production rather than hiding behind
it. Dorval knows her way around melody and texture inequal measure. Her vocals often function as an elegantwaft through the soothing din of deteriorated guitars
and burning synths. Thats not to say that White Poppydoesnt know how to pack a punch: Across five expertly
crafted releases with likes of Not Not Fun and KingfisherBluez Recordings, Dorval has occasionally cut throughher own intimate dream worlds with the use of throbbing
drum machine beats and honest-to-god licks. All toooften there is a tendency for narcotic ambient musicto function as a downer, but the White Poppy project
is far more interested in creating a feeling of elevatedeuphoria. Isnt it time you increased your dosage? (CG)
WILLIE THRASHER
AND LINDA SADDLEBACKVANCOUVER ISLAND, BC
Willie Trasher started his musical career as the
drummer for Inuit rock and roll band The Coredells inthe early 60s. From there he went on to play in severalother groups like Red Cedar and Morely Loon. At this
time he embarked on his solo career singing aboriginalfolk music, performing all around Canada with songsthat explored his culture and spoke out against political
issues his people faced. Most recently three of hissongs were feature on a compilation album released on
Light in the Attic Records called Native North AmericaVol.1. Linda Saddleback has joined him as a musicalpartner in recent years. This duo will be delivering a
hot dose of Canadian folk, which at first might soundlike a tame affair, but before you get all excited and
come to this show with flip flops on, dont forget thatone member has Thrasher for a last name. (MR)
7/21/2019 Levitation Vancouver 2015 Festival Pullout Guide Published by BeatRoute Magazine
7/7
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