We Are The City
There always seems to be a built up anticipation when I go to watch a band perform live; especially when it’s a band that I’ve seen before and thoroughly enjoyed. I get a strange kind of feeling – might be nervousness – wondering if they’ll be as good as last time, or perhaps, maybe I had my beer headphones on, or maybe this time…then the curtains part, the first cord is struck and I’m lost in waves of familiar sound, worry free. Now throw all that in a converted movie theatre, the Rio on Vancouver’s cultural Commercial Drive, add the succulent smell of theatre popcorn and beer severed in the can, and that’s where I was Saturday night watching a favourite of mine, We Are The City.
I have had the pleasure of seeing this band play on several occasions, not since the release of their new album though, and Saturday nights show was, for me, their best performance yet; they played favourites from their debut album In A Quiet World, their newest High School and a handful of other new material. There seemed to be a cosmic chemistry brewing between the trio from the moment they took the stage; they engaged the crowd which instantly made them relatable. Before the first song ended it was impossible to ignore the fact that these guys love what they are doing. I could feel their energy transferring into their fans: an amazing ability for musicians. There was a freedom and an openness felt in each silence, before quick turnarounds in tempo, revealing a nostalgic darkness, which was tightly woven throughout each beat and lyric. Whether it was vocalist, Cayne McKenzie, surrounded by pianos, charging forward with his own unique lyrical style; Andrew Huculiak mercilessly beating his drums into submission, with perfect percussion; or returning guitarist David Menzel shredding and distorting a bag of riffs, the guys seemed to mesmerize the crowd.
The back and forth banter continued between songs, getting laughs and making it feel more like a room full of friends than a concert with strangers. They would then disappear back into their music once more, as if we never existed. Several songs had video accompaniment, or as the band would say, “…an unforgettable visual interpretation of the music” (wearethecity.ca). By the end of the set all senses were stimulated. The band showed gratitude for the support and for giving them the opportunity to play for a live audience. Honest, passionate and entertaining, what more could one ask for at a show?
For those not as familiar with We are the City, they hail from a small city in the Okanagan Valley, several hours north of Vancouver. They have a sound that is truly hard to attach a genre to; maybe something like piano-driven progressive-pop-rock would suite, but I’ll leave that for you to decide. Songs from their latest album release, High School, are what has grabbed the attention of the Canadian music scene, which is pretty awesome considering the creation of the album was, apparently, “the result of an experiment” (wearethecity.ca).
If these guys tour near you, go! You won’t regret it. Otherwise, their discography is available through their site wearethecity.ca or through bandcamp, including the 7” vinyl, Morning Song/Mourning Song. Be sure to check out the full complimentary 26 minute video accompaniment to their High School album which is also available on their web site.
I will do my best to get an interview with We Are The City in the new year! Happy listening!
