If there is one thing that defines the Vancouver underground, it is the ability to transform a concrete box into a home. Tonight, Green Auto often bathed in a harsh, moody red, was washed in a cool, upbeat purple, signaling a shift in tone for a night curated by Living in Sound Productions.
Arriving at 6:30 PM for doors, I caught the tail end of soundcheck, a privilege that offers a glimpse into the technical precision behind the chaos. I was immediately drawn to Kittens lol's stage plot, which featured a vintage TV and Pokémon bedsheets draped over the gear, a setup that piqued my interest long before a single note was played.
The efficiency of the night was unmatched. This was not a sluggish Thursday night gig; changeovers were rapid, with bands setting up and tearing down with a speed that spoke to their professionalism. Doors opened at 7:30 PM, and by 9:45 PM, three bands had already completed tight, high-energy sets.
Local grunge outfit Autonomous Apes kicked off the night, bringing a "closing set" energy to the opening slot. Their sound is heavy, driving and immediately commanded the room, sparking headbanging and cheers early in the evening. They played hard, anchoring their set with their standout single released late last November, proving they are a staple of the local circuit.
Next up was the touring duo Kittens lol, often seen on the road with headliner Saoirse Dream. Their set was a masterclass in high-stimulation aesthetics. With lyrics flashing on the vintage TV and lights pulsing, they turned the small stage into a playground of poses and dance moves.
The vibe was "cute and chaotic," a precise dance between heavy beats and adorable imagery that kept the crowd on their toes. They utilized every inch of the floor, even pulling out a piano to play on the ground for a cover song near the end of their set. It was an intimate performance, fans were hugging and holding hands in the front row, fully immersed in the world the band had built.
The energy shifted violently and joyfully, with Nanaimo’s Danger Box. Blurring the lines between punk and death metal, they brought a raw, unpolished enthusiasm that whipped the room into a frenzy. The concrete construction of Green Auto became a participant in the show, with high-frequency reflections bouncing off the walls and the floor shaking under the weight of the mosh pit.
Despite the aggression of the circle pits and stage divers, the band maintained a genuine care for the audience. "Stay safe out there," they urged after a fan took a tumble onto the stage, proving that punk ethos is rooted in community. The set was a blur of motion, culminating in the drummer and guitarist momentarily switching places, a chaotic flourish where the drummer, once loose, surfed the crowd, followed moments later by a fan doing the same.
Unfortunately, as per my usual luck, I missed the final set by Saoirse Dream. Seeing the stories online, I’m admittedly jealous; the headliner clearly capitalized on the energy built by the openers.