Articles by Levi Manchak
Winterruption YEG: Jennifer Castle / Bodega / Wares / Ezra Furman / Bully Edmonton AB, January 24 to 26
Photo: Levi Manchak Jennifer Castle performs at Winterruption YEG Published Jan 27, 2020 Winter doesn't typically erupt on the prairies. It's more like a slow rolling, collective coma that takes hold just after the holidays and doesn't let up until late April. The downtime this year was Winterrupted by sharing acts and importing the established Winterruption Regina, Saskatoon and Big Winter Classic Calgary festivals to Edmonton.
Bodega Shiny New Model
Published Oct 24, 2019 7 If you called Bodega a pretentious Brooklyn band, they'd likely just say thanks. The art-punk group lean into cultural critique with self-awareness and sharp elbows. With their new Shiny New Model EP, they continue to deride digital culture and maintain their forward momentum while responding to the attention and acclaim they've drawn in the last year with equal parts smile and smirk.
Whitehorse Interstellar Rodeo, Edmonton AB, July 28
Photo: Levi Manchak Published Jul 29, 2019 6 Whitehorse's folky desert rock may end up as a soundtrack to our hot future at some point, but for the time being, the only thing they are saving through their music though is creative risk. There is no lack of talent between Whitehorse married couple Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet and they're not afraid to flaunt it during live shows.
Lucius Interstellar Rodeo, Edmonton AB, July 28
Photo: Levi Manchak Published Jul 29, 2019 7 The programming for the final day of Interstellar Rodeo was far more Rodeo than Interstellar, with the schedule dominated by country, folk and roots artists. The festival's unique crafting of pace and programming are commendable; that said, it may have been Lucius's first Rodeo, but they have been Edmonton Folk Fest favourites in previous years.
Marlaena Moore Interstellar Rodeo, Edmonton AB, July 28
Photo: Levi Manchak Published Jul 29, 2019 7 Alternative singer-songwriter is an incredibly tough genre to stand out in. Lucky for Marlaena Moore that her earnest, "aw shucks" attitude and self deprecating charm (The opening line from her song "Sidekick": "I was an ugly teenager / I look the same as I do now") are impossible not to notice.
Sheila E. Interstellar Rodeo, Edmonton AB, July 27
Photo: Levi Manchak Published Jul 28, 2019 9 A foul northern storm throughout the day was not the only relentless force of nature to grace the Interstellar Rodeo stage. Legendary percussionist and singer Sheila E. brought a hurricane of raw talent that overcame the cold, rainy day to reward anyone who'd braved it with one of, if not the best, performances the festival has ever featured. Within the first two minutes of her show, Sheila E.
Perfume Genius Interstellar Rodeo, Edmonton AB, July 27
Photo: Levi Manchak Published Jul 28, 2019 7 There's a patient power to Perfume Genius's performances. Nothing is ever rushed in the music that Mike Hadreas makes, but nothing ever quite feels slow either. There's a tender tension in the subtext of his songs; their pace rolls out like holding your breath until the last possible moment before you pass out, then sucking in as much oxygen as possible for a momentary euphoria.
Nyssa Interstellar Rodeo, Edmonton AB, July 27
Photo: Levi Manchak Published Jul 28, 2019 7 Interstellar Rodeo hosts interstitial acts, typically up-and-coming solo artists, that perform while the stage is being changed over between larger bands — the performer tries to make an impact while a constellation of distractions swirl behind them. Nyssa seemed to come out of nowhere, walked out past the monitors with a calculated swagger and drew everyone's into her orbit like a bleach blonde comet.
Sharon Van Etten Interstellar Rodeo, Edmonton AB, July 26
Photo: Levi Manchak Published Jul 27, 2019 8 Sharon Van Etten is having a stellar year. Her album, Remind Me Tomorrow, is spectacular and has lead her to appear on daytime and late night talk shows alike. With a strangely early set time, it seemed too bright for make-out music, but as the heartbeat and low drone of "Jupiter 4" began, it quickly became clear that there's no wrong time of day to be enamoured.
Kinnie Starr Interstellar Rodeo, Edmonton AB, July 26
Photo: Levi Manchak Published Jul 27, 2019 6 There's no possible way that Kinnie Starr's performance could fit into a standard issue live review. In front of a stage being changed over between full-band sets, Starr began with several spoken-word pieces, stepping off the stage entirely and into the crowd to deliver her fervent poetry. "Buttons," a diatribe that confronts the male gaze, landed with focused impact as she stepped through the seated section of the festival grounds.
Aloe Blacc Interstellar Rodeo, Edmonton AB, July 26
Photo: Levi Manchak Published Jul 27, 2019 7 When Aloe Blacc steps on a stage, he doesn't fail to impress. A polished professional with no jagged edges, Blacc looked and sounded flawless as he danced and sang, blending classic soul and R&B songs into refined mashups. The Jackson 5, Bill Withers, James Brown and Stevie Wonder riffs all slid seamlessly together in Blacc's set through the slick skill of his backing band as well as his own command of the material.
Iceage / Nadah El Shazly / Rhythm of Cruelty Temple, Edmonton, May 2
Photo: Levi Manchak Published May 03, 2019 7 Being good-looking, young, and angry will never go out of style. Iceage have brandished that attitude better than most throughout their existence as a band. In recent years, however, they've veered away from frenetic noise-punk and toward a less anxious, cinematic post-punk style. Despite the shift, they remain wildly unbridled live, and brought their beautifully dishevelled energy to Edmonton Thursday night.
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