IDLES played the PNE Forum two nights in a row, closing out their Vancouver stay to a sold out room. Joe Talbot’s sincerity rang loudly throughout the set, melting into the audience where you could see hugs being shared, helping hands lifting people back on their feet from moshing and dancing, and unity during shouts of “Free Palestine”. IDLES is a shining example of pushing a revolution via the stage and the power of solidarity through music.

As we inch closer to the conclusion of this year’s SXSW, the start of the weekend was busier than ever with a range of ripping showcases. With most of the unofficial showcases having stacked bills due to numerous bands dropping out of the official lineup, we were bound to hear music that was sweet for our ears no matter where we ventured. Here are a few of the best things we saw on Friday at SXSW.

Easing into day three, we went from rock show to dance party back to experimental/industrial hip hop. The multidisciplinary nature of SXSW keeps things interesting and it’s been exciting to hear a vast array of acts who are all uniquely changing the genre boundaries. Whether it’s larger-than-life saxophone group O. or new up-and-coming acts like FCUKERS, we are excited to put a few on your radar. Read on to hear a few of REVERIE’s favourites.

Calgary Folk Festival brought their 2024 instalment of Block Heater back to the city, welcoming an otherworldly lineup of acts from Nico Paulo to Cat Clyde over the course of three days. The Palace Theatre showcase kicked off the weekend on Friday with prairie rockers Kue Varo and the Only Hopes, Daneil Romano’s Outfit, and The Devil Makes Three.

Obroa-Skai are a screamo, noise band from Edmonton, Alberta, where they celebrated the release of their newest album, Science Progresses One Funeral At A Time, before hitting the road to Calgary to bring their sonic revolution to Modern Love.

Check out Part.1 of Reverie’s favourite albums of 2023! Featuring yeule, Kue Varo and the Only Hopes, Sufjan Stevens, Afternoon Bike Ride, Water From Your Eyes, 100 Gecs, JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown, Boygenius, Wednesday, & more.

Toronto-based band, PUP, have built themselves a solid reputation of being a frenzied live act - one where the stamina is reciprocated between the band and audience at all times. I’ve seen it take place a few times at small venues throughout the city such as the small, but mighty, Commonwealth Bar and Stage, but taking on a theatre sized venue is a whole other ballgame. However, the band sold out the room in a short amount of time and proved that their fanbase is stronger than ever.

This summer, we are leaving the romantic interests behind in favour of bestie season and our two representatives are Sydney-based producer Willo and niina, who shared their new drum and bass inspired track “i’ve got a bf (best friend)”.