Well you basically made it to the end of the year. I know how you’re probably feeling right now, tired, a bit burnt out, and just patiently waiting for Christmas break to arrive. But the thing I learned when I was little was don’t count the days, make the days. So instead of counting down and rushing through the days, let’s look at some events to get you excited for what’s coming instead of just passing through time.
The four piece alternative rock band hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Inhaler, will be coming across the pond to Vancouver to perform at the Orpheum Theatre this Sunday. I’ve actually only recently started listening to these guys quite recently but I love the vibe of their music. It’s fun and fresh and honestly really gives me fall vibes. So to me their music feels perfect for this time of the year. Tickets are still on sale for this one and the shows at 8:00 so start your week off right and go see Inhaler!
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band will be coming to Rogers Arena on November 22nd. This concert has been postponed two times already which to me kind of means it’s built up some great anticipation for people who are going. If you want to relive the good old days and spend the night jamming out to “Dancing in the Dark” and “Born in the USA” this is going to be a great night for you and a good way to get the weekend rolling. Bruce Springsteen is a 20 time Grammy winner and with the Grammy nominees just recently being announced, it’s a good time to get out there and listen to good music.
Also on November 22nd Rainbow Kitten Surprise will be live at the UBC Thunderbird Arena. This rock band from North Carolina is currently on tour throughout the States but will be making one Vancouver stop so if you are a fan this is your chance! You may know the band from the song “It’s Called: Freefall” or “Cocaine Jesus” which both have gained popularity on radio stations as well as social media. I love the vibe that Rainbow Kitten Surprise has. It’s different then most of the indie-rock bands I listen to and to me it’s the type of band you can never get tired of.
Beat the November blues and get out there! I know I’ll certainly be headed out to some shows to cure the seasonal sadness so you should too!
Bands have come from every generation, some new and some old. I have stumbled on quite a few in my time so far on this earth andI found or have been introduced to some that I will have in my playlist no matter what the occasion is. In this article, I will be sharing some of my top bands some background on them, and the impacts they have had on me thus far.
Foo Fighters
Starting strong we have the Foo Fighters, formed in 1994 by former Nirvana drummer and Rock music legend Dave Grohl, they have made an extreme impact in rock music and are considered one of the most influential bands in modern music. After the untimely tragic death of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, Grohl left and created a series of songs that then became the Foo Fighters’ self-titled debut album. At first, Dave played all the instruments on the records but recruited band members to make the Foo Fighters a full band.
Its original lineup had Nate Mendel on bass, William Goldsmith on drums, and Pat Smear on guitar; he toowas another guitarist for Nirvana, all alongside Grohl on vocals and guitar. This debut album was released in 1995 andit had immediate commercial and critical success with hits like “Big Me” and “This is a Call”.This showed off Grohl’s versatility in music with his raw and thought-provoking lyrics all tied in with his musical abilities.
“The Colour and the Shape” (1997) made all the difference in the band and was a huge turn in their career. Because it holds one of the most important songs in my life maybe yours as well “Everlong”. This song is truly one of the best-written and produced songs of all time. The amount of love and sensitivity I have within this song is incomparable to any new favourite song I have currently playing. I relate “Everlong” to my relationship with my dad. We have such a great dynamic with one another and my dad has been there for me through almost everything and has been my biggest supporter in life.This was the first song and bandthat we ever truly bonded over andhave so much love for it that I can’t find in any other artist. Moreover, back to the background of that album theband made some internal changes with Goldsmith leaving and Taylor Hawkins coming in as the new drummer.
Throughout the years the Foo Fighters have continued to evolve their sound by experimenting with different styles to expand their discography, With albums like “There Is Nothing Left to Los” (1999), “One by One” (2002), and “Wasting Light” (2011) which got the band multiple Grammy Awards.
The Foo Fighters have alwaysbeen recognized for their high-energy live performances and constant admiration for their fans. Their music has so many elements to it with themes of resilience, loss, and the true human experience that help listeners relate to it consistently. There has been a lineup change following the tragic death of Taylor Hawkins back in 2022 which broke mine and fans’ hearts. It deeply hurt my dad and me because we never got the chance to see him play live. But the band’s constant commitment to the music is truly admirable.
Foo Fighters will always be one of my favourite bands and will continue to be in my music library when all is said and done.
Inhaler
I found this band back in 2020/2021 I don’t remember fully however I have been following them for a while and I have not shut up about them ever since. Inhaler is from Dublin, Ireland andthey have grown quite the fan base since their formation back in 2012. The Bandis made up of Elijah Hewson (vocals and guitar), Robert Keating (bass), Josh Jenkinson (lead guitar), and Ryan McMahon (drums). They formed the band all while attending St.Andrews College in Dublin then they bonded over their love for music and the willingness to create their unique sound.
Elijah Hewson is the son of Rock legend Bono from U2 withthis the band naturally drew attention towards the band. However, Inhaler has shown through their talent and hard work that they are more than just a band with a nepo baby but a nepo baby in an all-around talented band. Their music could be described as a mix of indie rock, post-punk, and new wave similar to bands like The Killers, Kings of Leon, and ofcourse U2. Their sound is so nostalgic in a sense that it can be cinematic when you listen to their music.
Inhaler’s rise to face is traced back to a series of amazing singles starting with “It Won’t Always Be Like This” in 2018. They continued to build momentum with songs like “My Honest Face” and “Falling In”.
When they announced their debut album “It Won’t Always Be Like This” which was released in July of 2021I was ecstatic. The Album debuted at number one on the UK and Irish charts and the boys got even more attention and recognition for their talents. The record features a blend of energetic rock anthems and ballads that highlight the band’s ability to versatile sound.
In summary, Inhaler has made a huge impact on my musical repertoire andagain I would always recommend them to those who ask. If you’re into bands/artists similar to Beabadoobe, Fontaines DC, and Kings of Leon I highly suggest you check them out. They currently have two amazing albums including the first one I mentioned previously and their second studio album “Cuts and Bruises” which is a spectacular album from top to bottom and worth this listen.
The Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins formed in Chicago in 1988 as an alternative rock band with frontman guitarist and lead vocalist Billy Corgan. Their original line consisted of Corgan, James Iha (guitarist), D’arcy Wretzky (bassist), and Jimmy Chamberlain (drummer). The band’s music is described as a blend of gothic rock, heavy metal, dream pop, psychedelic rock, and progressive rock. But as my dad says ”it’s just rock n roll”. Their breakthrough in the band’s career came along with their 1993 album “Siamese Dream” which held tracks like “Today” and “Disarm” and was followed up by the highly popular double album “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” in 1995. This album carries classics like “1979” and “Bullet with Butterfly Wings”. Both albums solidified them as a mantel in rock history. I had the opportunity to see their show the last time they were in Vancouver and safe to say they did not disappoint. And they hold a coveted spot in my top bands of all time.
Each of these bands has its own special place in my musical library with each holding a special memory and significance in my life. I don’t know what I would have been like without them because of the bonds I have made with other people that I love to contribute to my love of the band’s music. Music is such a wonderful thing I can’t wait to see the Foo Fighter in August and Inhaler in November.
