Mar 31 2010
Vancouver-based alternative rock band, The Veer Union, performed for a sold out crowd at Candy Apple Martini Bar on Saturday night.
Opening for The Veer Union were Christopher Arruda and The Day He Quit, both from Nanaimo. There was hardly a dull moment as all three acts were spectacular.
The crowd went absolutely wild for The Veer Union. That shouldn't be too much of a surprise considering their recent fame and the fact that two members of the band are originally from Port Alberni.
Within the madness, I was standing beside rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist, Eric Shraeder's parents. Eric's dad filmed the whole set, and was beaming, clearly proud of his son and his band's accomplishments.
Despite The Veer Union's fame throughout North America, the band was immensely humble. At one point, front man and Port Alberni boy Crispin Earl said that although his band has played many concerts, playing in Port
Alberni was by far the best.
The songs that The Veer Union performed had especially hard-hitting lyrics, to which the audience responded with zealous fist-pumping and singing along with the band.
Most of the songs that the band performed were on their newest album entitled Against the Grain which includes hits such as Seasons, Youth of Yesterday, and their latest single, which they're currently promoting, Darker Side of Me. I noticed that there wasn't any disparity between passion conveyed within The Veer Union's studio album and in live concert, which I must say, is rather refreshing.
The last song of The Veer Union's set was a cover of A Perfect Circle's Judith, which left the crowd begging for an encore. They got it - the band played a cover of Rhianna's Umbrella with Crispin urging the crowd to sing along during the chorus. The encore was dedicated to Eric's sister because he missed her wedding when they were on tour. It's her favourite cover they play. The encore was also dedicated for the band's close friend that has recently passed away.
After playing the encore, the band told the crowd they'd be hanging around to sign autographs and party with everyone. It was a breath of fresh air rocking out with such a modest group of guys. I caught up with them while
they were in town, so stay tuned later this week for a story on these two successful Port Alberni musicians.
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