Anciients / Bison / 4BPM
You hear about these types of shows, you know the "I was there when they played at..." moments, but you just don't get to be a part of it—or at least I never thought I would, that is, until this show.
Let's start with the venue. If you haven't been to The Owl Acoustic Lounge, I highly recommend it the next time you're looking to have a night out in Lethbridge. The various owls spread around the place, the records hanging from the ceiling, the artwork—it all just pulls together to create an amazing venue for live music.
I've seen many bands in small venues, and the sound is normally less than quality. I'll be blunt—they make the bands sound like shit. This is not the case with The Owl. The sound for each of the bands was incredibly well done. Balanced.
I know, you're not here for a review of the venue. You're here to find out if the cost of admission was worth the show... Let's talk price first. $20. You read that right, $20. I was stunned—three bands for nearly the same price as a fast food meal.
On to the bands now.
4BMP - An Experience in Youthful Energy
The night opened with a local band, 4BMP. As I had not seen or heard of this local band prior to seeing the ads for the show, I took some time to listen to their music on Bandcamp. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of production, but it really couldn't capture or match the experience of seeing them live. Don’t let their name fool you—this band is not playing at 4BPM.
Listed on Bandcamp as a Skramz/screamo/fast band, you really understand this when their set gets rolling. You could sense the slightest bit of nerves in the lead singer, but when that first line of lyrics started, those nerves were fully replaced by a frontman with the clout and presence of some of the best in the industry. The riffs, drumming, and bass were full of just as much raw energy as the lead singer.
While I urge you to check them out on Bandcamp, if you ever find yourself with the opportunity to see them live, do yourself a favor and go.
Bison B.C. - The Name Is All I Need to Say
It wouldn't be much of a review if I ended it there, though. I really don't need to say much else, because for those who have seen Bison live, you know what I'm talking about. This foursome has quite a history. In their nearly 20-year career, they have released four full-length studio albums and two EPs. Once again, we have a band that, while providing some amazing music to listen to, just has to be seen live.
Even on a small stage, the energy of this band overflowed the space. You couldn't help but start slowly nodding, which soon turned into a full headbang. Even with a broken strap and then a broken string, James didn’t miss a beat—taking the issue in stride, finishing the song, and then getting restrung for the next.
Luckily, this was the only snag in their set, and what a set it was. These guys know how to put on a show. From one song to the next, their energy surpassed bands half their age.
I had never listened to Bison B.C. prior to this show, but after seeing them live, I’m a fan for life and hope to experience this high-energy group again and again.
Anciients - Anything But Old-Time
I’ve been listening to Anciients’ latest release, Beyond The Reach of The Sun, since it dropped in August of this year. Such an amazing album. This band knows how to pull an album together to create more than just a collection of songs—they create an experience.
While the setlist wasn’t an epic length like that of bands that play stadium and
arena tours, we got something much better: an up-close and personal experience with a band that is going places. The sound was just like I was sitting at home with the vinyl spinning on my turntable with my headphones on—but with that live touch that can't be experienced sitting in your basement.
The set was as clear as the sound on the album, only live. An experience I’ll be able to recall while listening to the album at home again and again.
The encore at the end of the night was only allowed with the promise that the crowd would "get fucking moving," as requested by lead vocalist Kenny Cook. The crowd returned the favor with the smallest mosh pit I’ve witnessed, including a quick crowd surf by one of the members of the opening act, 4BMP.
Should You Go See These Bands?
In the most direct way I can put this—fuck yes. If you have the chance to see Bison B.C. and Anciients on their current tour (there are only three dates left), I hope you take it. If you're unable to see any of them on this tour, then keep watch for future dates or events and be sure not to miss the opportunity to experience some of the best metal I’ve seen from non-stadium-level touring bands this year.