Reviewed by: Justin Fisher
Date: November 26, 2024
Winnipeg's Sidestage was lit up by an Irish flame this weekend as Lake Disappointment played their album release party with support from alternative rock band Lowlife and melodic hardcore act Storyteller.
Lowlife took the stage first with their explosion of lyrically honest feminist anthems, proudly exclaiming their beliefs (whether it's in a sarcastic tone or not) and venting their frustration towards men in their lives with their opening songs 'Again, I'm Really Sorry' and 'Nice Guys Finish Fast.' Included in the set were a handful of covers, 'Skin to Skin' by Movements and 'Pink Pony Club' by Chappell Roan, which was preceded by their big sing-along, 'dizzy & alone.' Guitarists Caitlin (also of Co Komono/Breathe In) and Ansa play well off each other, and Caitlin's stage experience is a tremendous asset to the band. Drummer Brooke pays tribute to drummers such as Spencer York, playing his unmistakable drum part in 'Skin to Skin,' and overall provides a solid foundation alongside vocalist and bassist Meghan, who's clearly becoming very comfortable on stage, as shown by how well she's been projecting her vocals and overall stage presence.
Storyteller performed an excellent set packed with infectious energy and a few posi jumps to boot, fronted by the charismatic Dylan James (Clipwing, Distances). Starting their set with three songs they released a few years ago, Storyteller shows what the audience is in for, with progressive pop punk jamming in the vein of Such Gold, Living With Lions and Polar Bear Club, fit with flourishes and tasteful shredding from their talented guitarists, Zach Allard (Distances, Fox Lake) and Garrett Brezden. Bassist Kyle Monkman and drummer Mike Dunn are filling out the band's rhythm section. Set highlights included a relatively new song, 'Stay A Little Longer,' which Dylan emotionally attributed to his parents and some family members he had recently lost. Storyteller ended their set with 'Lily,' a slow-tempo song which turns into a fast-paced hardcore song very quickly. Storyteller has several more new songs that are fully fleshed out and have great hook ideas. Keep your ears peeled for more music and show announcements from them in the new year.
Lake Disappointment opened their set with 'faretheewell,' the first single of their new self-titled album. The audience shouted the lines to every song on the setlist, proving to the band that these songs were special and were homemade anthems. At one point midway through their set, vocalist and guitarist Ross McKernan turned to the rest of his bandmates to react in response to the first moshpit of the night breaking out, giggling to himself.
Other highlights included trumpet solos by guitarist Ryan Bamforth, which had the crowd chanting for more after every song. Near the tail end of the set, Ross invited a friend of the band up to play guitar for a cover of PUP's 'DVP,' which was received very well, with multiple people running on stage to help with vocals. Ending their set, they played 2 more fan-favourite singles, 'k, so' and 'Before I Croak.' Ross spoke about the fact that this album was seven years in the making and was relieved that they could make it happen with the support of the scene.
Photos by Justin Fisher
This show was a success, and it's all thanks to the fans, the great bands that played, and the staff at Sidestage. Lowlife, Storyteller and Lake Disappointment are all three promising bands, and they proved that tonight with fantastic sets from each band.
Visit our review of the new Lake Disappointment album to see our thoughts.
Here are some more local shows that you should check out:
Friday, November 29th, 2024 - Texas King (London) with The Honest Heart Collective (Vancouver) and Great Wealth - The Handsome Daughter
Saturday, November 30th, 2024 - Emo Night in The Village 2 - The Red Flags (Billy Talent tribute), Young Cardinals (Alexisonfire tribute) and Second Floor Patients - The Osborne Taphouse
Saturday, December 7th - The Ripperz and Sweet Alibi - The Park Theatre
Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 - Pkew Pkew Pkew (Toronto) and Guilty Sleep - The Handsome Daughter (part of Winterruption)
Find more of Justin Fishers' work at Suburban Home UMFM 101.5, your home for everything melodic punk and emo, with a sprinkle of whatever mixed in. Wednesday, 1:00pm–2:00pm.
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