Live Review: Said the Whale & Beaches - Malkin Bowl, Vancouver 06/09/2019

Canadian legends, Said The Whale, played an incredible sold out hometown show at Vancouver’s Malkin Bowl, supported by newcomers The Beaches.

It’s no secret that Toronto-based band, The Beaches are Canada’s next big thing. Winning their very own Juno award in 2018 for Breakthrough Group, opening for bands like (Muse/Foo Fighters?) and selling out headline tours; their presence exemplifies nothing but the true rockstars that they are. Lucky for us, tonight they bring that energy to Vancouver’s Malkin Bowl to support Said The Whale.

Opening with Back Of My Heart, the four-piece - comprised of sisters Jo and Kylie and further fronted by Leandra and Eliza - instantly cause an uproar throughout the crowd. Alongside their ballsy attitude(s) is a hilarious and witty nature that features throughout everything they do. Making jokes about wanting your babies is just one example...

Half way through the set, guitarist Kylie performs an incredible solo rendition of MGMT’s ‘Kids’ before slipping into the eruptive, Desdemona. What was a quiet and dazed audience is now one full of different dance numbers and a sea of hands and phones. Shortly after, they’re joined by friend Kinkade on stage for the track itself (Kinkade) that is written about him. In doing so, the singer fearlessly jumps on stage to dance, freestyle rap and even throws his shirt to the crowd - an energetic guest appearance if you will. Their set closes with the iconic The Late Show which allows Vancouver a final chance to let loose - and that they do.

It’s now around 8:30pm, the sun has set and everyone has loaded up a couple drinks for the following performance - to avoid missing their favourite song I can only assume. Excitement is bouncing from body to body as the stage lights begin to dim. Said The Whale appear the only way they know how - smiling, waving and taking a brief second to absorb it all in with gratitude. Singer Ben starts with Gambier Island Green, a rather meditative and hypnotic piece that slowly welcomes us in to the show and allows Tyler and Jaycelyn to warm up some more.

Already, fans are showing their appreciation and no one seems to let their eyes fixate elsewhere. Throughout the night, Said The Whale make sure to give thanks to their many friends and family who have made it along - and to the fans of course. Making it a worthwhile night to remember, they’re also joined by guests during the show; Camilo The Magician, Maple Ridge Secondary choir and opener Jaden Bricker as well as CBC’s radio host, The Smugglers and Grant Lawrence dot on and off stage to offer vocals here and there. The night closes with Goodnight Moon, a heartwarming rendition and one that gives the perfect send off to what can only be described as a perfect evening.

Words and photos by Alice Hadden.