#SaBand

[thepermanentrainpress]

UNDER THE RADAR: JULY 2023

July’s Under The Radar is our kind of Vancouver Special. Check out these summer releases from SaBand, Haley K Turner, Fake Shark, Not Sisters, Hillsboro, and Jonah Ocean!

1) SaBand - “We Don’t Like The Sun”

"We Don’t Like The Sun” is apprehensive and callous as it explores the “frustration and rage” of a strained relationship between father and son. I liken it to a dramatic garage rock song that has the smashing guitar solo and danceability, but a layered emotional core. It delves into the presence of an absentee parent while referencing ideals and ancient rituals (Mr. Righteous and “dance with Dionysus”); their enigmatic approach bears a rousing factor all on its own. The ultimate disappointment is heavy, but not surprising (“You failed to read my gaze / your smile remains”). SaBand does an excellent job in the sound department, working with producer Felix Fung to form a frenetic yet matured energy. The back half of the track really shines as the sorrows intensify. We care more than we like to admit when it comes to family.

The band’s new album What You Paid For is out now.

Written by: Chloe Hoy

2) Haley K Turner - “Can’t Find Her”

Haley K Turner’s latest single, “Can’t Find Her,” takes aim at disposable dating culture – a harsh reality for many. The alt-folk tune was recorded with Juno-nominated producer Tom Dobrzanski (The Zolas, Said the Whale), and is an amalgam of piano, guitars, and orchestral strings with uplifting intensity. Turner addresses those who abandon a relationship for the excitement of someone new, asking what happens when the cycle doesn’t repeat. Her voice has a timeless quality to it, weaving in and out of empowerment and heartache.

Turner grew up in Kelowna and as I currently reside in the city, I can’t help but assume her imagery alludes to the unfortunate but oft Okanagan wildfires. It adds a personal touch to music that is textured, relatable and gentle; the essence of being human.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

3) Fake Shark - “Bummer Summer”

“Bummer Summer” is a bit of a self-inflicted pity party; the repercussions of burning every bridge at the solitary forefront.

It is concise but eye-catching. Eerie falsetto, a deepening hook and even rawer lyricism harbour a sense of longing throughout. While some of the band’s recent releases showcase more jangled, electronic-inspired sounds, their knack for shout-along punk and tight musicianship remain unmatched. “I used to be so much stronger / now I hang onto pain like it’s worth something,” frontman Kevin “Kevvy Mental” Maher sings with nonchalance. Billed as an anti-song of the summer, “Bummer Summer” drips with intrigue and sarcasm—a tragedy of one’s own doing.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

4) Not Sisters - “Shades of Blue” 

Online dating can be a tumultuous time as alluded to in “Shades of Blue.” The bedroom pop duo, comprised of vocalist Amanda Doucette and producer/multi-instrumentalist Tom Maguire, revels in the anticipation of a new flame and the brooding repetition of nights alone. It has a bubblegum sound but does offer lyrical depth beyond the lighthearted exterior (“I was trying to beat fate / cause this sh*t’s never calibrated in my favour”). Recalling a “rough four to five months” in Doucette’s past, the song muses over the prospects of love found and lost, unfortunate timing, and what it could mean for the future. Her vocals are playful, at times layered as inner thoughts are expressed. Their music is modern and fun while amplifying how our feelings can permeate into all aspects of our life—especially where hearts are involved.  

Their self-produced debut EP Feelings Make Us Human is out now. 

Written by: Chloe Hoy

5) Hillsboro - “Exit Plan”

I love a good west coast introduction—having not been familiar with Victoria’s Hillsboro prior to their pitch email, I am now well sold on their grungy, indie pop rock marriage. Lead vocalist and guitarist Nima Walker’s own tortured past is at the core of their upcoming debut record, reflective of his “newfound intoxication with self-ruin” at the start of the pandemic. “Exit Plan” is the pain; actions and thoughts driven by destructive tendencies and delirium. It lacks pleasure and redemption while unraveling with alarming ease (“No sleep with all the noise and speed / Just find me when you want to leave”). Their sound is distorted vibrancy, reaching for resolve amidst agitation at every corner.

A forewarning of the shame and anguish associated with self-loathing and longing, with the essence of 90′s alternative, “Exit Plan” is devoted to their burden. I feel saddened by the lived gloom, but hopeful knowing Walker’s recognition of his limitations burned a gritty path forward. The band’s album will be released on September 15.

Written by: Chloe Hoy

6) Jonah Ocean - “Heaven”

Gorgeous choral harmonies open Jonah Ocean’s “Heaven” – as much a feeling as it is a place. Floating synths and grooving guitars form the melody; a drum knocks like a heartbeat. Akin to a breezy summer night, “Heaven” portrays the euphoria felt from music and from sharing that experience with others (“Hold me just like I was in the womb / Like god was in the room”). Jonah has a diploma in jazz/contemporary guitar, also integrating pop, rnb, and a killer croon. Lush and imaginative; desire without worry. You can’t get much closer to a moment than this.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

[meelvignetting-blog]

- Thank you for having us @rustyhook4216 & @hitmusicsa 🔥 We had an incredible time! @punkfontein @sidewalkcircus @rosshardingofficial You guys were superb 😍🤘🏻 Such amazing talent in SA! 📸 @jenny_cummins_art Oefff... We've got some hot news coming in this week 🔥🔥🔥 watch this space 😍 Thanks #dvhetnieinstagramniesoekkanhomnietagnie @j_kdrumz and @zadelhoff_music for the adventure ✨🥂 #samusic #band #saband #love #photooftheday #bandoftheday #whatanight #entertainment #lostinmusic #adventure #thejourney #thejourneycontinues #theawakening #watchthisspace #meelvignetting (at Rusty Hook) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cps1rA3Lm_j/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[leoncordion]

Cape Town Friday 19 October 19:00 - 20:00! See you at the amphitheater! @sibanyemusic @vandawaterfront #rainbowband #saband #capetownband #11languages #collaboration #worldmusic #togetherasone #saamsooseen #satourist #capetowntourist #southafrica #accordionist #trekklavier #akkordeon #singandplay #stiekuit (at Cape Town, Western Cape) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpEu4tygS9O/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=y6czi1v9f3ml

[meelvignetting-blog]

- We are not the blue man group, BUT, we'll be jamming at @therustyhooktavern this afternoon! It will most certainly be entertaining... SEE YOU THERE!! Get your tickets here -->> https://qkt.io/CnoISj (Or link in bio) #meelfontein #livemusic #samusic #samusicians #saband #photooftheday #happy #music #saffa #band #theleviathan #punkfontein #meelvignetting #thejourney #thejourneycontinues #theawakening (at Rusty Hook) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpo3YxCDYmq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[meelvignetting-blog]

- We cannot wait to hit the stage with THIS Line-Up 🔥 Get your Early Bird Tickets NOW... We'll be giving away some amazing gifts during our set so, you don't want to miss this one! EARLY BIRD TICKET LINK IN BIO AND BELOW https://www.quicket.co.za/events/204037-the-road-to-sa-open-air-rock-fest-2023-jarr-bar/#/ #SEEYOUTHERE #dayfest #gigtime #samusic #saband #music #fortheloveofmusic #thedoors #openairfestival #meelvignetting #thejourney #theawakening (at JARR Bar & Restaurant) https://www.instagram.com/p/CngPMQ6jX_-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[meelvignetting-blog]

- Let's take a moment and appreciate these exquisite musicians ✨ It's not often that I have to remind myself that I need to focus on the job because I get so completely lost in the music 😅 but last night was tough! @far_from_familiar_official @screamincolours @wonderboomband Thanks for a magnificent show ❤ #samusicians #samusic #saband #localislekker #localmusic #music #lostinmusic #1177productions #bestjobintheworld #lovewhatwedo #1177 (at Railways Cafe) https://www.instagram.com/p/Clsud-YMe3P/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[meelvignetting-blog]

- If you haven't heard, @arnocarstensmusic is in town this weekend and we'll be joining him and @harmonicflowza on Saturday afternoon at @railwayscafe Get your tickets online! Link in Bio 📸 @thekaalvoetphotographer #samusic #saband #livemusic #railwayscafe #theatreshow #arnocarstens #meelvignetting #harmonicflow #showtime #music #thejourney #reinohetnieinstagramniesoekkanhomnietagnie #photooftheday #blackandwhitephotography (at Railways Cafe) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClPEWuULni1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[meelvignetting-blog]

- We're at @rumours_rockcity this Saturday with @avolverband and @butch&thelonewolf Hope to see yous there 🍻🖤 #johannesburg #jhb #livemusic #saband #samusic #playtime #event #rumours #butchandthelonewolf #avolver #meelvignetting #mv #thejourney (at Rumours Rock City Westgate) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClOxfb1LfNH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[meelvignetting-blog]

- We'll be at @rumours_rockcity on the 26th of November 🔥 We'll also be playing one of our new songs 😍 Make sure you don't miss it Ya! 📸 @thekaalvoetphotographer #livemusic #gigtime #samusic #saband #rumoursrockcity #band #photooftheday #bandphotography #rockyalittleheartout #femalevocalist #meelvignetting #mv #thejourney (at Trixie’s Café) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck-e-Utj3EM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[meelvignetting-blog]

- Had a blast at @railwayscafe last night with our mates @fourthsonsouth 🔥 Thanks to all who came out and bobbed heads with us! Can't wait for the next one 😎 #samusic #saband #livemusic #railwayscafe #fourthsonsouth #meelvignetting #mv #thejourney #stickers #bandstickers #fridgestickers #stickerfriday #stickemup #kelvinator #vintagefridge #rust #music (at Railways Cafe) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckz5jReji2k/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[meelvignetting-blog]

- Super excited fornour show at @railwayscafe this Thursday with our friends from @fourthsonsouth 🍻 If you haven't seen FSS with the increadibly tallwnted @sarahjadegardiner then you absolutely cannot mis this event 🔥 Hope to see you all there! 📸 @thekaalvoetphotographer #samusic #saband #livemusic #liveentertainment #rockyalittleheartout #meelvignetting #mv #fss #fourthsonsouth #railwayscafe #thejourneycontinues (at Railways Cafe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkqOPkPj-3z/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[meelvignetting-blog]

- Lekker gig coming up with our lekker friends @fourthsonsouth Don't miss it! #gig #gigtime #livemusic #samusic #saband #railwayscafe (at Railways Cafe) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj7GfYKjgwN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[meelvignetting-blog]

- These moments are 🖤🖤🖤🖤 #samusic #saband #meelvignetting #mv #mvband #thejourney #thejourneycontinues #reinohetnieinstagramniesoekkanhomnietagnie https://www.instagram.com/p/CjE5VOhDnFQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[meelvignetting-blog]

- @indiedogband rocki g it out @railwayscafe Pull in!!! #saband #samusic #livemusic #lovemusic #lovewhatwedo #localislekker #indiedog #photooftheday #bandphotography #1177productions #thejourney (at Railways Cafe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfezCr1LQoA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[meelvignetting-blog]

- Tonight is the Night!! Join us at @railwayscafe for some good old Rock n Roll!! Cannot wait to share the stage with @indiedogband and @ptoussa 🔥🔥🔥 R100 entry Best Pizza in Town Lekker Drink Specials SEE YOU THERE! 📸 @zeelieruan #livemusic #samusic #saband #railwayscafe #lovemusic #lovewhatwedo #photooftheday #bandphotography #1177productions #rockyalittleheartout #blessed #color #yellow #meelvignetting #thejourney #theatre #reinohetnieinstagramniesoekkanhomnietagnie (at Railways Cafe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfdDoH8Ivq8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[meelvignetting-blog]

- Super proud of @meggsandtoast_band for their epic set tonight! 😃🥂✨🔥 Thank you for letting us be part of your show 💙 #livemusic #samusic #saband #jarrbar #meggsandtoastband #zadelhoff #jamming #toasting #entertainment #upandcomingartist #lovemusic #thejourney (at JARR Bar & Restaurant) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfZ2lkdLLDG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=