Artist: JPNSGRLS
Genre: Garage Pop, Rock, Pop-Punk
Venue: Amigo’s Saskatoon
I LOVE MUSIC!!! Why else would I spend almost every waking hour of the day doing something EWest-y? So when the opportunity comes along to take in a show, I typically jump at the chance! (Although if I’m being honest, I must admit that the old lady in me would prefer to be home and in bed by 11pm)
I am happy to announce that my inner old lady was successfully shoved aside the other night, and replaced by my rarely seen rowdy, punk-rock loving teenage alter-ego… And if I am to learn anything from that experience, it is to stop paying attention to time, and to sleep when the music stops!
Before I get too carried away, let’s tackle this concert experience right from the get-go. The evening started off with our newest addition to the EWest team, Tramaine Miles, chatting with the guys from JPNSGRLS, (phonetically JAH-PAH-NEEZ GURLZ or Japanese Girls, heh heh heh), which proved to be a most perfect choice for her very first interview! Followed by a quick game of TAG, (You’re It!), around the playground, this segment is a must watch when it airs this fall on both SHAW and our weekly web-series.
Tramaine Miles interviewing JPNSGRLS (Left to right: Drummer – Graham Serl, Lead Vocals – Charlie Kerr, Bassist – Chris McClelland, Guitar – Oliver Mann) (Photo by Kato Ferrer)
We returned to the venue, (Amigo’s – side note, not only an awesome music venue, but a Mexican restaurant, so if you LOVE enchiladas, this is the place to go!)… Where was I? Oh yes, FOOD!… I mean, Amigo’s! We returned there later that evening, chatted with the guys briefly about their setlist, figured out which songs to film for b-roll and then we got down to business. Well the business of me buying their new album on vinyl of course!!! BAM! Circulation. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to check out Daryl’s album review!
Signed vinyl copy of JPNSGRLS Circulation album and Setlist (Photo by Melissa Henderson)
Shortly afterwards, the openers took the stage, (ACRONYMS) and let me tell you, this group is INCREDIBLE! Their sound, their presence, their show, I loved everything about them! What would you think ACRONYMS is an acronym for? If you guessed A Criminal Regiment Of Nasty Young Musicians then you would be correct! We will be catching up with these guys near the end of September at their next show, they had our attention from the first chord to the last beat, and I for one cannot wait to see them perform live again!
And now for the main event, JPNSGRLS! Right from the start of their performance I was hooked. Unable to stand still, their music grabbed hold of me and within seconds I was almost front row centre bouncing and singing along to all the lyrics I didn’t even know. Have you ever been to a show, where you only know a couple of the bands songs, but every song they play is just so fantastic it doesn’t matter if they are brand new to you or not? This was the case for me. Having only previously heard SMALLS and DAVID AND GOLIATH, I was anticipating those, however, literally within seconds of the first song “Brace Yourself”, I was in it, singing along with the mrrrnnn laaaaaaa loooooo of the person who doesn’t know the words but wants to be a part of the moment. Yep, that’s me! HAHA!
What followed what a high energy, fifteen song set featuring four incredibly talented musicians doing what they love to do best, play music. I have been to many a concert, and there have definitely been some where you can tell the performers are just that. Performers going through the motions. What an experience it is, almost a revitalizing kickstart to further “up” your passion for music, when you have a group of artists doing what they love to do. PLAY MUSIC!
My favourite songs from the concert:
Mushrooms
Tiger
Circulation
Southern Comforting
Smalls
Unicorn
Oh No Echoes
I highly recommend not only going out and buying their album Circulation, but definitely hitting up their next show near you as well. There’s something about a live performance that draws you in to every beat, and allows the music to settle into your core. Not that I’m saying you’re missing out by dancing to your new favourite album at home in the kitchen, (yes yes, I am a kitchen dancer), but I am totally a sucker for the atmosphere of a live show. Even if it is past my bedtime. Happiness comes from doing what you love to do and these guys exude pure fricken happiness. CHECK ‘EM OUT! And then tell me how right I am. HAHA! Do it.
Be sure to tune in this fall to catch the all new thirteen episodes in EWest Music’s fourth season, featuring our interview with JPNSGRLS, and also including never-before-seen interviews with Billy Idol, Def Leppard, Nazareth and many, many more!
-Melissa
Lovin’ Life One Day at a Time
Melissa Henderson
Much like a scent can evoke an emotional response or memory, upon hearing any song off Michael Jackson's Dangerous album, I am instantly transported 23 years in the past and I find myself driving through the Black Forest with my family off on an adventure!
Throughout life's journey I have been developing into this current version of myself, and have noticed that above all my taste in music has best reflected who I feel I am.
Listen in on my life soundtrack and you will find a range of genres from Punk to Metal to Christian to Disney, easily summing up who I am as Loud, Happy and Animated!
"My greatest gift to you
is a dance floor
free from insecurity"
-Alexisonfire
