The Pack A.D.- Rickshaw Theatre-January 28th, 2012
Bless the hometown show. It’s always a privilege to attend a sold-out gig on a band’s home-turf. Especially Vancouver’s own little band that could, The Pack AD. It was my first time at The Rickshaw, a downtown east side historical theatre venue and it was also my first time catching the 2 piece outfit live, despite being a fan of the band for a few years.
I had heard some less than positive comments regarding the sound quality of The Rickshaw, but I must have hit the place on an ‘on’ night because it sounded hella decent to me. The past few shows I’ve attended have been big theatre shows, and the Rickshaw definitely inhibits a ghetto fabulous vibe as opposed to the historic ritz of most of the others. Kitschy cool. And I was surprised and impressed that it still felt pretty intimate despite being a 1000 capacity room.
As I may have mentioned, I will probably be late for my own funeral and I walked in way tardy for the openers, local metal band Black Wizard. Which is a damned shame because I actually wanted to see them. But from the sounds of it they’re workin on new stuff and I will definitely go check them out next time.
Next in line were Pierced Arrows. The legendary punk couple, formerly of Dead Moon, did a decent job of warming the crowd up for the headliners. You gots to give anyone well into their 50′s a bunch of respect for continuing to get on stage and do what they love. No roadies, no stagehands, no unnecessary flair. Just a guitar, some drums, and a tiny teardrop shaped vintage bass. Pretty sweet.
The lights dimmed and the majority of the building moved up to the front as The Pack AD got settled on stage. As Maya Miller (DRUMS!) and Becky Black(GUITAR!) went to it, the giant screens alongside the stage were illuminated by a badass kung-fu movie which suited the high energy, raucous set to a tee. Kicking off with the heavy hitter “lights”, a track from the 2011 album ‘Unpersons‘, these 2 ladies brought it and brought it hard right until the encore regardless of how many cocktails they/we/me had knocked back beforehand. It’s really obvious that since they play together so friggen often, each knows which move the other one will make before they make it. It’s rock chessboxing. It’s wonderful to watch.
The duo ripped through a fantastic set playing the best from ‘Unpersons‘ and a few from 2010′s ‘We Kill Computers‘ (including my personal favorite “B.C. Is On Fire”). Although the 2 piece is essentially the bare bones of rock, The Pack AD are LOUD and tight. Their sound makes me want to move to the point where I lose control and the music takes over my body. Dear Vancouver: it’s okay to let go and get yer flail on. In fact, I recommend it. DANCE HARDER!!!!
I have never heard of someone walking out of a Pack AD show disappointed. I asked a bunch of people who had seen them in different venues and locations and everyone seems to agree. Aside from the dynamic, balls-out music, their casual-cool attitude in between songs really works in their favour. They don’t need a shtick….they are legit rock stars. 
You can’t fake that.
Wrapping things up with the song “cabins”, Black perched herself atop Miller’s kit and the crowd went fucking nuts for the encore. It was a really intense evening that I was happy to be a part of. If you’ve never seen em live, DOOOOOO IT…they tour hard and often. The Pack will be hitting Seattle and Portland next month if yer game for a roadtrip! If you can’t cross borders, be sure to pick up “Unpersons”. It kills. Also check out the band’s recently released music videos via the links below.
-Jamie Woodward (Photos by Shawn Muys)
