Candy Apple alive with unique sound

Wed May 5  2010
CORRECTION: (From Alberni Valley Times, May 11, 2010) The conflicting lines
in the article in last Wednesday's Alberni Valley Times "Candy Apple alive
with unique sound" should have read that opening for Wesley were Off The
Rock Records, an aspiring underground hip-hop group featuring Sirreal. Also
opening for Wesley were Braeden Marshal, a family rock band that has soared
past the stereotype that goes along with family bands. Both opening acts are
from Nanaimo.*****

Vancouver-based Daniel Wesley and his band performed for a sold-out crowd at the Candy Apple Martini Lounge on Thursday night.

The pop/surfer, rock/reggae-esque performer didn't disappoint.

Opening for Wesley were Off the Rock Records, an aspiring underground hip-hop group. It features Sirreal and Braeden Marshal from Nanaimo. They are a family rock band that has soared past the stereotype that goes along
with family bands.

Most of the songs that Wesley played were from his self-titled album, however the band played songs from each of their four albums, Outlaw, Driftin', Sing & Dance and Daniel Wesley.

A few of the songs that Wesley played, including Cocaine & Cops, seemed to have a strong sublime feel, in a good way, with an ever-present ska/reggae vibe to it. Wesley's bassist, Darren Parris, did an excellent job creating a thick and groovy layer of bass that worked as a danceable backbone. Their song entitled What's Your Name had a back road southern feel, which was well received by the crowd.

At one point, Wesley told the audience that he was surprised and impressed with how many people came, because this was his first time in Port Alberni.

The highlights of the night included when Wesley played Drunk & Stoned and the audience joined in for the chorus. Another was when Wesley performed You Ain't Shit, which the audience also sang along with. You Ain't Shit sounded like a raunchy/stoner version of Jack Johnson, in that it had the same relaxed bluesy feeling to it, except the lyrics were far from any Johnson has ever sang. Although the subject matter of Wesley's lyrics may seem off-putting to some, the music itself was stellar. Wesley's singing and guitar playing fused with Parris' bass lines and Tim Proznick's drumming were a wonderfully captivating blend.

The band ended the night with their hit Ooo Ohh, a chill stoner anthem with lyrics such as "gonna catch a wave and smoke a little ganja," the repetitive lyrics and rhythmic ska feel to it entranced the crowd. Wesley's lyrics, along with the help of his band, eased the crowd and brought everyone on a pilgrimage where their hearts were rocking and their feet were stomping.