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thepermanentrainpress · 1 year

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CONCERT REVIEW: BRASS CAMEL W/ CHASE THE BEAR AT WISE HALL - MAY 13, 2023

Chase the Bear and Brass Camel performed at the quirky and intimate Wise Hall on Saturday, May 13th. Tucked away in the Commercial Drive area of the city, surrounded by heritage homes and co-operative housing, the venue is a staple of the local music scene. In a world of mass audiences and global stadium tours, both bands showcased the magic of music engaged with the community.

Chase the Bear kickstarted the concert with blazing guitar riffs and Troy Gilmore’s magnetic, raspy vocals. The bandmates sported trendy retro outfits – a homage to their largely classic rock sound with subtle soul and pop. The band played through their setlist, which included the wild, western-flavoured “Five More Minutes,” the determined and desperate “Underwater,” the spunky and empowered “Quit Callin’,” as well as “Wildheart” – a song of energized longing. Connor Brooks’ drums were consistently confident, skilled, and lively; the beats pulsated through the crowd and into the soul. “It feels like we're in a coming-of-age movie,” I told my friend.

Brass Camel took to the smoke-filled stage with glamour and charisma. Daniel James emerged in a purple suit, white headband, and orange-tinted glasses. The crowd watched in awe as the band performed with their signature steely electric melodies, high-pitched vocals, and vintage synths. The whole scene felt massive and intense, despite being in a smaller hall. The band shredded through many of their released tunes, including the rowdy, sci-fi “Last Flight of the Vulcan” and the bouncy and playful “Dinger’s in the Back.” The melodies and notes had such a beautiful dynamic range in-person. While the studio versions of the songs are fantastic, there’s nothing like experiencing the artistry up-close and firsthand. Fingers maneuvered expertly during complex guitar solos. With each new song, the band transitioned seamlessly and with style.

The crowd was quickly wound up, even starting a mosh pit during the dramatic and feisty “King for a Day.” Brass Camel ended on a high note with the cool, catchy “Pressure Cooker” and jumpy and joyful “I’ve Got the Fox.” At no time was the crowd not bopping their heads or flicking their wrists. Eyes were glued to the stage when James brought out a sleek, double-prong electric guitar. Immediately after the show, the band members ran to work the merch table and connect with fans.

Chase the Bear and Brass Camel teamed up for a high-quality, fun, and inspiring concert. The event brought together a talented group of musicians who don’t get enough credit for the bonds they forge in communities across the country. Sparks were quickly and expertly cultivated and lasted the entire show, the heat rivalling the blistering temperatures of the day.

“So... do you feel brassed?” I asked my friend, as wicked guitar rung out and colourful lights faded at the end of the show.

“I feel brassed,” he declared.

Written by: Jenna Keeble Photo credit to: Heather Horncastle

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thepermanentrainpress · 1 year

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BRASS CAMEL: BRASS

Brass – Brass Camel Release Date: September 9th, 2022

Track Listing:

1. First Contact 2. Dinger’s in the Back 3. I’ve Got the Fox 4. Pressure Cooker 5. King for a Day 6. Last Flight of the Vulcan 7. Easy 8. Shaking in my Boots 9. Only Love

Brass Camel’s LP Brass is an electrifying, retro smoke show. Its invigorating rock, jazz and blues blend gives listeners a scorching spectacular soundscape. Animated melodies and lyrics make the tracks a feast for the mind. The music is expertly mixed, producing a magnetic and cohesive collection that feels equal parts familiar and fresh.

“Dinger’s in the Back” is distinctive and fun. Daniel Sveinson’s classically sharp rock vocals pierce strong electric guitar riffs, as atmospheric lyrics pump up the party: “From the Hindenburg to the Albert Hall / the man won’t stop until he’s rocked them all.” “I’ve Got the Fox” is a funky pedal to the metal. Heavy guitar riffs and glossy synths rev up in a tune perfect for street racing. Curtis Arsenault’s electric bass is marvelously murky and thick, while Wyatt Gilson’s drums strut in a confident stride. Rich imagery is ignited by the lyrics: “Five litre demon cleaner rolling down the block / Burnt rubber one hundred metres shows you what it has got / Feeling like Jackie Stewart when I pull up to the spot.”

Galactic grunge settles in “Pressure Cooker.” Melodies dig in deep, as Sveinson and Arsenault harmonize in a colourful contrast. A heroic story marred by confrontation and retribution: “The fighting out in the streets / Of cities built on lies and deceit / Now we're really feeling the heat / Feels like we're living in a pressure cooker.”

Standout track on the album “King for a Day” is splendid satire; a fascinating musical interpretation of political power. “A legacy of spite and subjugation / Of wretched acts far beyond redemption / Was never in the plan when it all began / But the road to hell is paved with good intention.” Kaleidoscope-like call backs are scattered throughout the song, twisting and turning complex synths and electric guitars. The drums are quick, jumpy and bold. In a similar vein to Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy-use of iconic rock ballads, “Last Flight of the Vulcan” is a captivating retro-futuristic Star Trek homage. Sveinson’s electric guitar solo is impressively epic with shards of electric notes quickly building on top of each other. The lyrics transport you into interstellar ambience: “Tireless travels belting through the night and day / Outline of a delta that you can't mistake / Cratered fields reminders of the trails blazed.”

“Easy” is wickedly groovy. “If only it had been easy / Could have been a real bad man / A calculated evil doer / A night-stalking saboteur.” An undercurrent of menacing piano and agile saxophone add elegance to a gothic scene. While the song still maintains the album’s classic synth pizazz and overall electric sound, the darker tones of “Easy” make it a remarkable experience.

If you’re looking for an energetic surge, Brass Camel has you covered. With charismatic vocals, striking guitar, cosmic synths and pounding drums, Brass is a stylish and slick reverence to the rock gods.

Written by: Jenna Keeble

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thepermanentrainpress · 5 years

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DANIEL JAMES’ BRASS CAMEL: S/T

S/T – Daniel James’ Brass Camel Release Date: October 30th, 2018

Track Listing:

1. Issues 2. We’ve Gotta Live Together 3. New York 4. The Bane of William Watson 5. Nothing Wrong 6. Better Things to Do 7. Buenas Noches 8. Call the Doctor 9. A Price to Pay 10. Letters of Last Resort 11. A Long Way to Go

Daniel James’ Brass Camel’s debut self-titled album is a trippy 42 minutes of “Progressive Funk.” Drawing on influences and a sound ranging from Genesis, Rush, and Led Zeppelin to Parliament and James Brown, this is a record made with heart, soul, and talent.

My favourite part of this album was the extended instrumental solos, constantly changing tempo and key to create an innovative sound. Several songs on here like “The Bane of William Watson” and “Buenas Noches” are fully instrumental, and the parts I enjoyed most. They were especially enjoyable on headphones, being mesmerized in every single beat and stereo-sound jump. This album is a great intimate lesson to find yourself completely lost in, but these tracks also make great background music for a party or while doing some mundane activity. Guitars, synth, and even random beeping noises all contribute to create a sound that is distinctive, unique, and even epic on every track. It’s a party, a throwback, and a testament in an album.

Although these songs flow nicely as a continuous album, each song shines in its own way. Whether on shuffle or in order, and as isolated tracks or all 11 played at once, it’s a symphonic immersive experience.

Frontman Daniel James’ vocals are truly stretched and shrieked to its fullest potential. The Led Zeppelin influence is most obvious here, as is a sound of general 70s. The whole album feels timeless, but it most definitely takes a main cue from that decade in its composition. The subtle female backing vocals, the keyboard solos and lyrical themes would all fit right in 40 years ago. I really admire the periodic tribute here – it’s rare to find artists this authentic-sounding.

This band has a sound and style that is uncommon, sincere, and passionate. Their dedication to an iconic sound makes this debut a really fun, high quality release; these are the sort of tunes with a timeless sound that will appeal to all ages. On stage they perform with a wide ensemble of musicians for an immersive experience. No doubt, these songs were written to get listeners boogying and grooving all night long.

Written by: Cazzy Lewchuk

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thepermanentrainpress · 5 years

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CONCERT ALERT: CAMEL CHRISTMAS BASH AT WISE HALL

Daniel James’ Brass Camel is bringing the funk for a good cause. On Friday, Dec. 21st, the rock outfit will be hosting a Christmas bash at WISE Hall with partial ticket sales going to Music Heals Canada or Doctors Without Borders—the choice is yours when you purchase a ticket.

Fronted by Surrey-raised Daniel Sveinson, the Camel will bring together 11 musicians for a set of unorthodox rhythms and hip-swaying energy. No Sinner powerhouse Colleen Rennison will be performing a set of Aretha Franklin classics, and Shaun Verreault (Wide Mouth Mason) will be guesting with the Camel and playing a solo set of his own.

Daniel James’ Brass Camel includes past members of The River and The Road and Soliterre. Their debut album was released in October. Taking a progressive approach to 70s jazz and rock, there are many intricacies in their sound; big band-meets-smoky guitar that listeners of all generations can appreciate.

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Doors open at 7:30 PM, with music starting at 8. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/camel-christmas-bash-feat-shaun-verreault-colleen-rennison-brass-camel-tickets-52070222437. There will also be an area to leave non-perishable items for the food bank.

Posted by: Natalie Hoy

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