Thrice + Kevin Devine + Bad Veins + The Dig – Le National – Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
The Dig, from New York, kicked off the evening showcasing songs off their new album Electric Toys, including “I Just Wanna Talk To You”. The anxious Thrice fans welcomed the indie rock/pop quatro with much excited cheering. There seemed to be a lot of energy, especially for the first band of four to play. The Dig’s “dirty rock” sound seemed to do the trick to warm up the crowd and prepare them for the rest of the great bands to come. You can win a copy of The Dig’s debut LP, Electric Toys, by clicking here.
Bad Veins took the stage second, performing as well as they always do. It was their third time in Montreal and it would seem that they’re really starting to like it here. They played through some great indie rock tracks off their self titled album, including “Gold and Warm”, “Dry Out” and “Falling Tide” (the video for this one’s coming out soon!). As usual, their performance was exceptional and charming. Their new EP, Outliers, is currently available on iTunes, you can purchase it here.
Brooklyn’s Kevin Devine took the stage next, opening with “Brother’s Blood”, the title track off his most recent album. The set was filled with amazing tracks, displaying his southern-esque bluesy rock style accompanied by powerful vocals and heavy choruses. The crowd seemed mesmerized and fully engaged while he and his band flowed seamlessly through an array of styles ranging in experimentalism while keeping the same intensity.
Finally, Thrice was to take the stage. The crowd, now filling the entire venue, was ready for it, and it only took the band a few minutes to get properly set up before taking the stage and, well, rocking their faces off. They kept everyone happy playing a range of songs off of older and newer albums, mixing in heavier and softer songs as well. Every song was executed so precisely and with extreme technicality. There’s no surprise as to how they keep such devoted fans. Vocalist, Dustin Kensrue, frequently took little breaks and all you could hear was the crowd chanting the lyrics back at them. With every song, it seemed the fans got more and more excited, starting insane mosh pits during their older, heavier songs. It was an evening of beautiful chaos. Thrice fans really know how to lose their minds and rock out properly.
All in all, the night was full of brilliant performances and high energy songs as well as fans. I think it’s safe to assume that no one left disappointed. The four bands are on tour together for the following 5 weeks. – Kailey Diogo
Thrice
Kevin Devine
Bad Veins
The Dig
Photography by Sean Mundy
