Article by Sky Bear
Photos by All My Relations Photography
Do you want to go to a local concert where you don’t have to worry about the people at the table next to you talking over the music, plus great food and a lively, friendly atmosphere? Well, if you walked into The Spice Trail during Dirty Sanchez Orchestra’s hometown album release show, you’d find all of this—and be greeted by the alluring smell of the venue’s kitchen. The aroma of East Indian food wafts throughout the building, adding an unexpected and mouth-watering sensory experience. Enjoy their butter chicken poutine while listening to the evening’s lineup of skilled musicians, and you’ll find yourself impatient for The Spice Trail’s next event.
Threadbare Productions brings in all kinds and offers consideration to their patrons—with complimentary earplugs at the door. In a show like this, you’ll know if you need them the moment sticks hit drums and the light system flashes from the sound. With an expertly crafted selection of studio recordings playing to tide you over while the bands prepare, you’re treated to good music the moment you walk in.
Bringing us the first experience of the night was Psycho Hillbillees, a self-described transcendental hermit rock band. The two-person show stars Megan Wilson, the bassist and main vocalist, with drummer and backup vocalist Myk Brazier. Twenty years of experience playing music together is evident in their onstage presence—both a sight to behold and a sound to hear. Their expertise and long history playing together was evident in their performance. Particularly captivating was the moment the two of them entered into an enchanting instrumental, locking gazes with each other and playing in stunning synchronicity; taking you out of the moment and transforming you into a witness of undeniable talent and genuine human connection. Transcendental, indeed! To fill a stage with two people isn’t an easy feat, but Psycho Hillbillees leaves you wanting for nothing. Their mesmerizing bass, enthralling drums, and gripping vocalizations felt like being swept away in a river of sound—each interim giving you just enough for a gulp of air before you’re submerged in the music again and going with the flow until you’re delivered to the shore, looking back at the water to contemplate the journey.
Joining the pair onstage for their final song and introducing his set was Global Suicide Pact, a solo drummer by the name of Darren Neale. Watching Darren and Myk play dual drum sets was truly impressive. The intensity of their individual performances combined to create a striking sound, seamlessly blending together before drifting apart again—always in time, never overpowering each other. Darren’s individual performance was a display of mastery in its own right—showcasing his prowess alongside a pre-recorded instrumental. His presence on stage was commanding yet affable, lending a humanity to the powerhouse drumming sound.
Second last for the night was Broken Idols, with frontrunner Cody Martinka on lead vocals and guitar, Arya Virelli on drums, and Hot Tony on bass. While ska may have you cheering for more or rolling your eyes, Broken Idols meets that divide with a sense of humor and an energetic sound you can’t disagree with. Having recently released Almost an EP, Broken Idols offered a taste of their latest studio recordings—while also delivering a memorable cover of "Never Been in a Racecar" originally performed by Big D and The Kids Table. Broken Idols presents as a fun, silly band that takes their dedication to sound seriously—and easily injects the room with rowdy energy suited for a venue with ample space for a mosh pit. Broken Idols encourages you to get moving and enjoy the show—because really, not everything has to be so serious—and what better to deliver that message than the uptempo energy of new tone ska?
Closing off the night was Dirty Sanchez Orchestra—hot off the heels of their newly released self-titled album. Leading the charge with strong, gritty, good ol’-fashioned shouting vocals and shredding guitar is Barrett Prokopie. On bass guitar and backing vocals, Will Yannacoulias. Bringing the trio together is a fresh-faced drummer by the name of Charlie Prokopie—son of the band’s frontman. The band’s live performances delight you with the opportunity to watch the young drummer take the stage with a smile and blow you away. Dirty Sanchez Orchestra shocks you hard with refreshing nostalgia for the bare-knuckle hits of ‘90s hardcore punk. After two encores, the final song announcement sent the energy soaring—a mosh pit of different band members and ticket holders alike rounded out the evening and provided a memorable end to an incredible display of musical prowess and the many experiences that Saskatchewan’s punk scene has to offer.
After a night like this, you’ll find yourself walking away with the answer to an age-old question—that punk is certainly not dead. It is thrashing, kicking, shouting, and stomping in local venues, in towns nearby, alive and waiting to be found.
