Our other CFUV’er at Sled Island has offered some pretty good insight, and even better pics of all the happenings at Sled Island! 

       “The day started off at Sloth Records with a set by Whoop-Szo. I fell in love with their first album, which was mostly a mellow/noise-y indie rock record inspired by Canada’s great white north. Nothing prepared me for how heavy today’s set would be though, other than the fact their front man looked like he could have easily fronted a heavy metal band. The set was loud and noise-y and I could appreciate how the band was challenging the conventions of their form. My only criticism is that at times it was hard to get a grip on what sound the band was exactly going for. Still, when you see a band you love play it’s hard not to enjoy yourself.

(Whoop-Szo)

       Having a small gap between Whoop-Szo and the next band I wanted to see I stayed for the next band, Dumb. After 30 seconds I had to walk out only because of my absolute contempt for indie punk rock and because I’m pretty sure I was older than everyone else in the room by at least 10 years.

      So I headed over to Less 17 to catch a set by Lab Coast. I’m not sure how I heard of this band, probably one of the hundreds of albums to have come through the station over the years. I felt more at ease in this environment, with the average age much closer to where I am myself. The band played a pretty tight set of upbeat indie pop/rock songs that likely drew inspiration from Belle and Sebastian at some point. The interplay between the two guitarists was enjoyable as was the pensive vocals of the lead singer.

     (Lab Coast)

Next I walked over to The Commonwealth (did I mention it was raining all day) to take in a set by Victoria’s Fountain. Whoa! Hold the phones! Where did these guys come from?! Last time I saw Fountain perform it was nothing like this! The band has obviously been playing together for quite some time and have tightened up their sound a lot. But it was the passion and energy that really blew my mind. One criticism I have of post-punk is that being so obtuse and angular can really suck the punk ethos out of a band; they become too serious. But Fountain was the exact opposite of that. They even sounded funky at times! Definitely the “band of the festival” so far for me. Fountain has come a long way since I last saw them perform.

 (Fountain)

      So next I headed over to Central United Church to see Tortoise play. It was still raining and at times like this I always regret choosing style over substance when I buy clothes for myself. But no matter, the church would offer me the refuge I sought. I like church shows. Unlike my more cynical brothers and sisters I can very much appreciate the beauty offered by stained glass windows and the thought of the lifelong service of a priest who dedicates himself to the noble cause of servicing their congregation’s souls. Anyhow, Tortoise are a five-piece post-rock band from Chicago that has a deep background in jazz. No wonder each of the members played at least 3-4 instruments throughout the show. I tried to locate the jazz influence in their music, but could only find it a handful of times. Tortoise’s sound is difficult to place. Maybe it’s just “Tortoise”. But what a great set! I will always enjoy sitting back and watching a band of virtuosos play their instruments. If they can innovate and come up with an entirely new sound, even better! The crowd obviously loved these guys too as they beckoned them back for an encore. I’ll definitely have to check out the rest of the band’s discography.

      Hoping to wind down and end things on a “chill” note, I headed over to Bamboo lounge to watch another Victoria act, okpk. Dan’s in-between song banter was en point as he described to us what grime music is then played some “bangers” from the new Laggards’ album. okpk is another band that has grown over the years and it was nice to hear Dan play some upbeat “bangers” that sounded uplifting and that the crowd could dance to. After the show Dan accused me of festival stalking him as I had just caught his set back in Victoria last week. He wouldn’t tell me if had any other festival gigs coming up, but Dan, if you’re out there, I will find you. This isn’t the end…

 (okpk)

If you couldn’t make it to Sled Island this year, Dana’s coverage will make you feel like you DID make it Sled Island!