No Island has developed their own special flavour of rock that blends inspiration from the timeless sounds of the ’70s with the contemporary sounds of indie rock and the technical prowess developed during years of music studies at Capilano University.
No Island — which plays Aug. 22 at the Snoring Sasquatch — has taken their love of innovative classic rock and channelled it into an exciting direction that is equal parts comfortably familiar and refreshingly new.
With well-crafted original songs and a unique sound complemented by keyboards and saxophone, No Island’s catchy, powerful and sophisticated approach bridges the gap between genres and generations.
“Bursting with energy and good vibrations ... the group flexes their musical muscle to create a well-defined sound that stretches across generational boundaries,” said Steve Jessel in the Invermere Valley Echo.
No Island offers something different that appeals to a wide and varied audience, and since 2009 has been delivering an exciting and memorable show to sold-out clubs and venues in the Vancouver area, as well as local festivals and private events, never failing to draw in a crowd and keep them entertained.
Growing up, the five members of No Island all heeded Bob Seger’s advice: They took those old records off the shelf, and they sat and listened to them. The result, a decade or so later, is a new brand of rock that blurs the lines between genres and generations.
Hippies have become hipsters, disco has given way to techno, and Woodstock lives on in Coachella, but through 40 years of cultural evolution, that old-time rock and roll has stood the test of time. No Island strives to honour that tradition and sing its praises through their own unique voice.
Funky bass lines punch their way through a thunder of drums while vintage keyboards and ferocious guitars lay a foundation for dual vocals, soaring harmonies and scorching saxophone. From small-town watering holes to downtown clubs, No Island’s energetic live show never fails to fill a dance floor or bring a crowd to its feet.
Since forming in 2009, the band has found both residence and inspiration in Vancouver’s vibrant music scene. A desire to blend the forward-thinking creativity of today’s indie rock with the timeless appeal of yesterday has kept No Island’s sound focused and their vision strong.
The band released their debut album, Sign of the Times, in March 2011. After touring western Canada in the summer of 2012, No Island released their follow-up CD, The Waiting Game, in December 2012.
Tickets are $10 in advance at Black Bear Books, Buffalo Trails Coffee House and Kingfisher Used Books, and $13 at the door, which opens at 7 p.m.; the show starts at 8.
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