Friday, February 16th Crimethink kicked this show off in a fashion I had yet to see at an Emergenza show. This 3 piece acoustic-punk band sported 2 acoustic guitars with a drummer behind. The odd mixture of Celtic folk music and hooliganesque riot inciting chants and punk-rock mantras made these guys one of the more unique performances I witnessed in Vancouver. Another unexpected twist in my visit to B.C. came in the form of Zelas Hype. This bluesy four piece, though all B.C. natives, had a sound that I can only describe as modern Americana. Proving to be the crowd-pleasers of the night, Mouthful of Daisy was among the most well practiced and well-polished acts of the weekend. This female fronted 4 piece showed a level skill and professionalism that really sets them apart. The Pirates followed with a retro set reminiscent of Velvet Underground. A Single Few were up next, with a well-polished pop-punk sound. Slitsoul brought their own flavor to the show with an aggressive and energetic metal set, immediately followed by a small riot in the club. Unfortunately, one of the victims of the ensuing chaos was the singer of the final band, Lost in the Sun, whose lead singer was attacked by a random belligerent as he was approaching the stage. Taking five minutes out of their set to wash most of the blood off his face, they then dove headfirst into one of the most memorable performances I have seen this year. I don’t know if the fight helped fuel the fire or what, but this band rocked with a passion and energy that really separates groups of musicians from true performers. With a dynamic and explosive rock sound a la Drive Like Jehu, these guys made sure that the show closed out with a bang. Saturday, February 17th Kicking off Saturday night’s showcase, Vix Band played a short but sweet blues-rock set. The Chase followed with a poppy punk-rock set, showing that not only do they know how to generate a buzz about themselves, but also that they also know how to play their fans like a well tuned instrument. Though a tough act to follow, Firebrand took the stage and made it their own, winning over much of the previous bands crowd in the process. Blind Tricks kept this momentum going, but took it in a totally different direction, with a very twangy blues-rock sound combining elements of modern indie-rock with that of the dirty south. Lokjaw had a gigantic nu-metal sound. Though their style of music is not all that uncommon, their stage presence adds an element that makes this band worth checking out. The Wizards closed this show out with an eclectic mix of funk and soul. Rock solid drumming accompanied by one member playing both guitar and bass, and a soulful and talented vocalist brought this show to an end with a light and entertaining note.