JUNE 4th, 2022
WARP KINGS/CURDS & WHEY/CELESTIAL RUIN

Review by: Metal Mom Rita
Photos By: Char Tupper
http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/warp-kings-guests/

Metaltitans own Metal Mom headed into Vancouver to cover a few bands at The Roxy Cabaret, a club on the downtown strip of Granville st, one of the more popular clubs within the downtown district.It had been quite a few years since I was last there, but a joy to be back.

First up tonight is CELESTIAL RUIN (Vancouver), who I have reviewed many times in the past, but this was a first for them, an acoustic show. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I can say now that if you missed it, you lost out on an really phenomenal show. This was also their 11th anniversary from the date of their first show they ever played. Tonight really showcased their talent, especially Larissa Dawn, their singer, I am always amazed at her extraordinary vocal range, and she did it without a crack or falter. Each of the members showed off their talent tonight, and to perfection. Adam Todd tapped out his drumming skills, Mike Dagenais, well his bass riffs complimented the songs so well, even on acoustics, which I couldn't picture for the bass, but he is a master at his craft. Marcus Carey carried out some great riffs as well, first time I had seen him perform with CR since he joined,  he knew his stuff as well and had some energy in his performance too. An acoustic show is a great way to showcase the talent behind the band. They played a variety of songs, along with some covers, and what can I say, they excelled at it, they have the talent to give their fans an exceptional set.  

CURDS & WHEY (Vancouver), took to the stage next. Now I have to say that I am used to reviewing heavy metal shows and the occassional rock, so it was a little hard to really review these guys. Yes, more or less rockers, and I did recognize some of the members, but I wasn't judging by who was in the band. A lot of really young people, their fans, had way too much energy, bouncing up and down, I didn't mind dancing, but the bouncing, well got a bit annoying after awhile, especially being constantly bumped by the bouncing people. Guess I am used to the moshers, who manage not to mosh with those who want nothing to do with moshing,which is great! I did get the chance though to be closer to the front and watch them each play their instruments, which they did with percission, job well done. Not sure I liked the look of the cowboy hat/sunglasses, but if that is his motiff, then so be it. You know I am just going to say, the fans enjoyed this band, and that is all that matters, not what I might have to say, and that is just my opinion. Larissa from Celestial Ruin also came onboard to sing for the final song, and what a fine job she did.

Last but not least WARP KINGS (Vancouver). Here is a little history behind the band. What happens when you can't play because of a global pandemic? Well, you bring together Brandon Kroeger, Mike Kroeger (yes, related to Chad Kroeger of Nickleback), Scott Holman, Robert Renman and Greg Kisser, start up a virtual super-band dedicated to playing epic covers in homage to songs that inspired each of them in their own warped way. Having a near zero-dollar budget, most everything is done "In House". Instruments are recorded at everyone's respective home studios, and Greg created the logo, mixing and mastering has been done by Robert. One big exception, Murray Yates from Echoman Records did an outstanding job recording and producing Scott's vocals. Put that all together, and there you have it, Warp Kings forms.  Now as to their performance, again, not judging by who is in the band, but just all around skill and sound. Truthfully, it was amazing, and I am not sure if it was because I knew 80% of their songs, so I could sing along. Which we all love to do. The only thing for me, was I didn't think it was so cool to have several drinks, including 2 beers at once at the mic between songs. If you call yourself a super band, I feel you need to be professional still, drink after your set, I mean the Metal bands I would say, 95% of the time, don't get hammered before their set (maybe after). It just didn't seem professional. Now the other members of the band, they had the talent, and excelled at what they did. I was impressed, they all generally looked as if they were having fun on stage. Kadooh and Larissa, within their set, joined the band to do guest vocals as well. Overall enjoyable evening, but Celestial Ruin was my number one choice tonight.