Astrakhan

Age: 19+

Guest DJ TBD

ASTRAKHAN: Astrakhan was born in the winter of 2012 through the joint efforts of Jerome Brewer and Dustan Toth. Both searching for something new after the collapse of their previous bands, they enlisted Dustan's former band mate Adam Young and fellow Vancouver, BC, shredder Rob Zawistowski to round out the line-up. Drawing on influences from classic metal, post rock, psychedelia and doom the quartet finds a prominent place amongst a blooming Vancouver heavy music scene. Through sharing the stage with acts such as Cynic, Cult of Luna, Cryptopsy, Weedeater, Helms Alee, Baptists, Subrosa, Bison, and Anciients, Astrakhan's music has grown into a methodical yet chaotic sound-scape boiling over with intense conviction.

Astrakhan's relentless work ethic and lust for artistic composition has yielded a short but well received catalogue. Their latest release was distributed by War on Music Records, and has gained the band international attention and critical acclaim. With the impending release of their first full length album at hand, Astrakhan is planning a five week tour across Canada in June 2016.

IF WE ARE MACHINES: Formed in 2008, If We Are Machines are a six-piece indie psych-rock band from Vancouver, BC. With an expansive, layered, and dynamic approach to song writing, the band channels a wide range of influences into a unique sonic identity. Listening to If We Are Machines, you’re as likely to hear a heavy and sprawling jam as a tender piano-led ballad. Pulsing bass and drums, looping, effects-laden guitars, and deep, driving synths seamlessly complement the raw and impassioned vocals. When paired with psychedelic projections and other transformative visuals in concert, it results in intense, immersive, and captivating performances.

Performing regularly throughout western Canada, If We Are Machines has shared the stage with acts as various as Cult of Luna, Minsk, Subrosa, O’Brother, Mystery Machine, Johnny de Courcy, Black Wizard, No Sinner, We Hunt Buffalo, Ancestors, Midday Veil, War Baby, Native, and Superheaven. They’ve played intimate shows at The Biltmore Cabaret and large-scale gigs at Vancouver Psych Fest and The Rickshaw Theatre. Their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed, and this should come as no surprise to anyone who’s seen the band live; in 2012, the Georgia Straight named If We Are Machines one of the top 10 musical acts in Vancouver.

Now preparing their third release and planning a cross-Canada tour, the band are ready to take their sound to new heights. Having added a third guitarist to their ranks last year, If We Are Machines’ latest material is richer and more dynamic than ever before. More direct and heartfelt. It’s a compelling combination and it makes a very human connection. Live, on stage, these songs reach another level, drawing audiences in and pushing beyond what’s been captured in the studio. It’s why If We Are Machines’ shows are as memorable and impactful as they are. It’s why they’ve always been a band you have to see live.
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