Art Signified 4 Year Anniversary Night One:
High On Fire, Archons, Waingro, Astrakhan, Dead Quiet, Heron and HEDKS.
At the Rickshaw, Vancouver BC on January 20th, 2017.
Presented by Timbre Concerts and Art Signified
I am going to keep this write-up as brief and simple as possible, simply because it would be completely impossible to write anything about this show and attempt to construe it as an unbiased review. Having worked with Art Signified closely since its inception (and a bit before that), I am very partial to its approach, particularly in the aspect that above all it aims to bring people together through music and shared creative passion. Their ideology is at the forefront of all efforts to make this community as inclusive as possible. Mitch Ray and Taya Fraser, you have my unending support and eternal respect.
HEDKS
Heron
Dead Quiet
First of all, hats off to Zach Herbert of Timbre Concerts for making this rager of a party show come to fruition. While definitely not the first – and certainly not the last – joint effort between Art Signified and Timbre, this one stood out in that it let me witness so many friends I have made through our music scene open for High on Fire. Biased as I am, I honestly can’t say if any of the 5 local openers played any better than any of the others. It was as if I was watching my friends play their black little hearts out not just because they were playing a show with High On Fire, but because they would have done so anyway. If you aren’t familiar with any of these bands, check them out – if you like heavy and/or aggressive music – there’s honestly something for everyone here.
Astrakhan
Waingro
I wasn’t familiar with Archons at all. As High On Fire’s tourmates on this West coast run, I have a feeling that a lot more people will be taking notice of these guys soon. They definitely won me over, and I’d be surprised if the majority of those in attendance didn’t feel the same. Sadly, this was the one set of the night where I felt like the stage lighting wasn’t being my friend. I will get better shots of you next time I see you, I promise you that!
Archons
Finally, it was time for High On Fire to take the stage. Having shot these guys every time they’ve been through Vancouver in the last 4 years, I thought it seemed appropriate to take a slightly different approach this time around. Moments before HOF took the stage, my close friend Brittany expressed an interest in taking photos, so I just handed her my camera and let her do her thing. I think she killed! It was really nice to get to spend the last set of the evening just watching and drinking with my friends for a change. So yeah, this night absolutely ruled on all fronts.
High On Fire
