Halifax Pop Explosion started up twenty years ago. Since then the five-day long festival has only gotten more wild. HPX has over 150 bands in almost two dozen venues, which is why the festival continues to reach a huge whack of people and is a place for new and innovative talent in genres from hip hop to punk, from folk to indie rock.
If you take a glance at a map or understand basic geography you’ll notice, for a lot of people to get to Halifax they’re going to have to come through New Brunswick. This is how the Pre-Pop Festival at the Capital Complex started up three years ago. There was all these bands looking for a place to stay and they thought they might as well play while they’re here.
Along with a slew of international and national artists, the Capital has invited some local groups to perform throughout Pre-Pop.
So, if you can’t hitch your way to Halifax, you’ll be able to get a taste of what you’re missing, here at home. It’s a busy time of year for everyone, but treat yourself to night of out-of-town bands and some Freddy favourites. Here are some fantastic acts to gander at this week.
For a complete schedule lurk the Capital Complex’s website. Pre-Pop is going on from Oct.21- Oct. 26 and tickets can be purchased at the Cedar Tree Cafe or at the door. Doors open every night at 9:30 p.m.
Rah Rah – Tuesday
This six-piece indie act from Saskatchewan is one hell of a show to check out. They’ve got everything you’d want in a band- guitars, drums, bass, accordion, violin, keyboards and alternating leading vocals. Their latest album The Poet’s Dead which was awarded the “Independent Album of the Year” at this year’s Western Canadian Music Awards, is oozing with catchy touching on twangy songs like “Prairie Girl” and “Art and Wife”. After just a few listens you’ll be boppin’ your heads along to these guys. The band spices up the audience’s life by switching around their instruments among one another, and their energetic shows often feature Pop Rocks and confetti, how do you resist that?
Poor Young Things and SexGhost will also be playing.
The Darcys – Wednesday
These Toronto art-rockers are bringing along their dream-like synth-y distorted tracks. Art rock is an alternative spin on the extended limits of rock & roll. This bearded quartet has been compared to the likes of David Bowie, Radiohead and an early Arcade Fire, so you better expect some wicked cool experimental sounds.Their songs are rife with hooks and complex textures, however each song manages to stand apart from the others. You’ve got the anxiety-ridden “Close To Me” and the dance provoking “Pretty Girls.” On top of all that you’re going to get some eerie vocals and some mad keyboard ballads. Get ready for a night of upbeat weird fun.
Still Life Still will also be playing.
Suuns – Thursday
Everything cool always comes from Montreal and experimental band Suuns is no exception. In June their recent album was longlisted for the 2013 Polaris Music Awards.Their winding electronic melodies are weird and their chords slightly chilling , but they remain danceable with even their slow tunes. They can let a chord balloon into psychedelic meditation or get gritty with speed.These guys have the ability to make some new noises without being too out there that you don’t feel like you’re listening to high frequency radio signals picked up from a forgotten station. In other words, Suuns is wicked fun if you’re looking for a chill eve or hip-swaying night.
We are the Wolves and Royal Canoe will also be playing.
KEN mode – Friday
Are you looking for noise? Head-thrashing? Metallic Rock? If your answers are yes, yes and yes then you’re going to want to chuck up the ticket price and see this Manitoba trio. Kill Everyone Now mode or KEN mode as they’re commonly called are so loud, the Capital’s walls will be shaking. If you have concerns about the future of your eardrums then bring some ear plugs- bring two pairs for after the first pair shatters. This dance party killing machine is relentless with their live shows. Frontman Jesse Matthewson is a madman and if he’s not giving the audience grueling death stares then he’s being a spitter and a microphone-licker. This band never misses a beat and only gets louder as the night goes on.
Full of Hell, Hardcharger and Cavern will also be playing
