When a band gets started in the Lower Mainland we here are treated to almost monthly shows and gigs from the band as they try out new songs and grow their fan base from “friends & family” to actual fans who have discovered and enjoyed their music. One of the latest bands to grow out of the “friends & family” circuit to find success out of that realm is Yukon Blonde. The rock group from Vancouver has found a growing success throughout 2011 and the Vancouver concert at The Biltmore Cabaret was not the only one on tour, but it was in fact the midway point of a large scale tour that has brought them all over North America and sees them heading to the land down undah (Australia) to end off 2011.
One of my personal favourite venues in Vancouver was once again the hosts for a Yukon Blonde show. The Biltmore Cabaret was sold out on Thursday night and not a single soul more was getting in to see the band. This lead to a few logistical issues at the venue, but that isn’t what you are here to learn about. I can describe the performance in four words: YUKON BLONDE KILLED IT. This packed house in their hometown was exactly what the band needed as they are on their longest tour to date as a band. People were jammed into the venue from the font of the stage to the bar in the back. They asked the crowd to clap along to a song; we gladly joined in. They asked for us to sing along on a simple chorus; we all screamed along.
“We are Yukon Blonde. We are from Vancouver but we are only here for one night. I guess you guys are our one night stand” Joked the lead guitarist between songs. The band was loose on stage, cracking jokes between themselves and with the crowd. They were all smiles as they tore through the high energy set that pushed the time limit to near closing time. I speak for myself and the crowd there that we would have been ok with them playing for another 60 minutes.
As with many rock shows the energy in the crowd matched the energy that was coming from the stage. As the songs got heavier and louder, the crowd got more amped up and moved more. There were even a few daring fans that went crowd surfing. However, the overall happiness and positivity in the crowd got a response from the band “That was the most cautious crowd surfing I have ever seen. You all were so nice and safe about it” This was 100% true.
Their newest EP Fire/Water was on sale at the merch booth and just like the tickets for this show they were moving quickly. Along with some very stylish shirts and pins the merch booth was running low on supplies once the night was over. I know this will not be the last time that Yukon Blonde comes and rocks Vancouver and I also know this WILL NOT be the last time I see them. I just hope they have the shirt I wanted in medium next time around.
Photos of Yukon Blonde © Jamie Taylor
Photos of The Paint Movement © Jamie Taylor
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