Outer Limits Brings the next Wave of the Scene with Stutter, Witch Victim, cherry pick & G.U.S.H
Photo credit: Mia Smith - G.U.S.H.
By its second day, the Outer Limits concert series had drawn an eclectic and growing crowd to the Blox Arts Centre. But, this was a crowd that knew exactly what it was walking into. Most arrived with earplugs in hand and a clear appreciation for headbanging, ready to throw themselves into the noise from the moment they walked through the doors.
Not only was this bill stacked to impress rock lovers of downtown Calgary but, also set to impress those who did not even know they loved alternative-punk music.
The night started strong and harsh with local band Stutter, who shattered expectations from the moment they hit the stage. Their raw emotion, crushing sound, and undeniable stage presence brought a fresh edge to post-hardcore, setting the tone for everything that followed.
Photo credit: Mia Smith - Stutter
What stood out most, however, was the consistent and infectious energy from the guitarist. His intensity and relentless movement made it near impossible to not move yourself.
Next to come on was Witch Victim. They created the sonic equivalent of walking through a foggy forest while there is a punk concert raging just beyond the trees. The dreamy melodic vocals paired with a harsh rock beat was something I did not know I needed. The contrast created the perfect juxtaposition of ambient emotion and experimental rock. Witch Victim will definitely be on my list for the next time I need a soundtrack for an introspective walk through the woods.
Photo credit: Mia Smith - Witch Victim
cherry pick followed that up. But, going in, I knew this was going to be a good show based on the momentum they’ve had so far in Vancouver and beyond. Every high within their songs was matched with an equally powerful low. Which in turn created a perfectly balanced punk rock melody that kept people engaged from start to finish.
Her riffs stayed at the forefront of my mind for days following the show, and I doubt I was the only one. The live band created an atmosphere of both dance and intentional listening which is hard to come by.
Photo credit: Mia Smith - cherry pick
Finishing off the night, G.U.S.H brought an undeniable atmosphere to the evening. The tone of the band shifted with each song that was played. The contrast between the songs chosen for the night were intentional and reflected in the tone of the crowd through and through.
Outer Limits is set to be one for the books. The Blox Arts Centre is the perfect setting for it, with its gritty, immersive atmosphere adding to the experience. But seriously, I cannot stress this enough: bring earplugs. It gets damn loud in there.
