CONCERT REVIEW: CAROUSEL SCENE W/ SHE DREAMS IN COLOUR AT THE ROXY CABARET - MARCH 27TH, 2015
The Roxy is one of Vancouver’s most significant 19+ venues – if not a “premium” one, it’s memorable and iconic. It features a full stage, significant roomy areas for both dancing and sitting, and all the amenities a good bar should provide. The Roxy straddles the line between “excellent bar” and “good venue,” and a trip there is always worth the night out. Almost every adult Vancouverite has a memory of a concert at The Roxy, and it’s well-regarded for a reason.
It was an EP release show, which always tend to be a bit more fun and well-executed than regular shows. Playing The Roxy is a decent accomplishment, and props should be given to any band who does so. It’s an established and very fun venue.
Opening for Carousel Scene was all-girl punk trio She Dreams In Colour. The three put on an excellent performance in their small ensemble, as they always do. They have a loud and energetic hard-rocking performance, which is particularly notable for their size and age – the three are all still teenagers. They provide an excellent opener to get the crowd pumped, or function well as headliners on their own. I can only look forward to bigger and better things from She Dreams In Colour, who can be found performing shows around Vancouver at least once a month.
If I had anything to critique about their set, it would be its length – they only played for about half an hour and left the stage before 9:00.
Next came the headliners and EP releasers Carousel Scene. They gave away free copies of their EP to anyone who wanted one right by the door, which was a lovely and generous treat. They put on a reasonably long show, about 45 minutes – it was decently entertaining.
It wasn’t a super high energy show, nor was it boring or dull at any points. The band performed what they knew how to do and exhibited the vibe that their EP has. Singer and guitarist Ashley Weis dominated most of the show – not overshadowing the rest of the band, but definitely the leader and focus. Amusingly, drummer Chris Pallot performed most of the show with his shirt off.
The best bit was the acoustic part of their set – it was relaxing and showcased the pure vocals in a way the rest of the set didn’t.
They’re sort of a mellow alternative indie grunge band – not depressing or low in their music, but never quite super cheerful either. Watching their set seemed almost like background music – there certainly weren’t a lot of people dancing. Nevertheless, it was a beautifully performed and crafted show, and well worth the trip to anyone at The Roxy.
The concert ended just before 10 – reasonably early for a Friday night. The Roxy’s house band who performed covers played right after, although much of the crowd dispersed straightaway. It was a low-key show great for anyone interested in Vancouver’s alternative scene.
