Live Review: The Twilight Sad - Wise Hall and Lounge, Vancouver 24/05/2019

The Twilight Sad bring yet another epic performance to Vancouver’s Wise Hall and Lounge.

Opening the night, Kathryn Joseph plays a mesmerizing performance. Beautifully poised and emphatically dazzled in small details. The delicacy (of her music) echoes throughout this venue that’s dressed in warm fairy lights - adding to the intimate setting.

“Today I have extreme band rage because I’ve been in a band for a long time, I’m so sorry” she jokingly explains as she is performing solo tonight. “Here’s another song about being a miserable bitch,” despite her soft sound, each track is bearing with emotion, feelings pouring out of every breath and word. The audience grow quiet from the first note, some not uttering a single word until Kathryn takes her last round of applause. They are without a doubt under her spell, hypnotized by every piano melody and the sound of her ethereal voice.

By now, the Wise Hall is packed and the front row has been eagerly saving their prized positions so when The Twilight Sad get to stage, every fan is prepared. Drinks at the ready, phones in hands and the perfect view all at standstill awaiting that opening track.

Thankfully the band come out in full force, instantly erupting into crashing cymbals, thundering guitars and enigmatic vocals. As ‘I Became A Prostitute’ begins to play, it’s apparent that many fans are happy to hear it as it’s one that isn’t played as regularly.

It’s a special show, many fans have travelled far to be here - a testimony to their love for this band. Some friends (whom met through The Twilight Sad) reunite and some maybe meet for the first time, it’s not often that the quintet are over this side of the pond so best to make it count.

Although, twice in the space of 7 months is pretty good going. Closing the night, James explains how “being away from people at home is sad but seeing the way people have reacted tonight means the world, and whoever gave us the full fat iron bru, thank you so much.”

Words and photos by Alice Hadden