On October 23, 2025, Red Gate Art Society hosted a triple bill that showcased the sharp, sweaty side of Vancouver’s alternative scene. The night paired Deaf Dogs (@deafdogshq) — a five-piece Vancouver rock group — and indie rockers Anteater Eater (@anteatereaters), with Autonomous Apes closing out the evening. This was my first time at Red Gate, but not my first time seeing Autonomous Apes.
Deaf Dogs (Vancouver) — opened the night with gritty riffs and taut arrangements. As a five-piece they filled the room quickly, and their tight playing and call-and-response hooks warmed the crowd right up.
Anteater Eater (Vancouver/Victoria) — brought indie-leaning melodies and earworm choruses. Mid-set one of their guitarists pulled out a violin, adding a surprising classical harmony that braided beautifully into the alt-rock textures — a standout, genre-bending moment that felt both playful and emotional.
Autonomous Apes — headliners with garage/post-punk bite: loud guitars, punchy drums, and an immediacy that landed perfectly on Red Gate’s small stage. They mixed lots of throwback songs with a handful of new material, which kept longtime fans singing along while also giving the set fresh edges.