After listening to the EP, it became clear that the Young Liars have a sound that can really only be described as infectious in the best way possible, the opening track had me grooving along to the melodic vocals and catchy beats almost instantly.  The upbeat electro-pop tunes on Homesick Future are a true testament to the talent of this young band.  While the guys may have to work other jobs to pay the bills this album shows that making is music is not only what they are passionate about; it’s what they are good at.  Through the seven songs on the album, never once did I feel the urge to hit next, if anything I wish it could have had a few more songs.

For a debut EP, the Young Liars have been able to demonstrates their range with each song carrying it’s own unique vibe.  Now, this isn’t to say that Homesick Future seems disconnected.  In fact, the opposite is true because each song builds on the last to create an album that is as much a treat to listen to in its entirety, as the songs are individually.  I got so caught up in the Young Liars’ dynamic sound through this EP that before I knew it, I was back at the beginning of the album and listening to it again.

This is the most recent music video from Matt Brevner, produced by local Vancouverite Kasey Lum.

Check out more of Matt’s work at www.myspace.com/thetruemcb

Brian Healy and Rob Tornroos have worked together on a number of projects in the last 10 years.  However, with the addition of Stefan Tavares they have come together to form Elias.  Drawing on their own life experiences, and wide range of musical influences from the past 50 years these guys have developed a sound that is truly their own.  And with the release of their sophomore album, Fossils, February is going to be a very busy month for these guys.

So first and foremost, how did you guys come together to form Elias?

Oh, that’s kind of a long story.  But Rob, the guitar player, and I have been playing together for like 10 or 11 years now, just out of high school.  We’ve had a bunch of different projects since that.  But, this one has been around for just about five years, I guess.  Then Stefan came into the fold, and he auditioned when he was 15 or 16 when we were looking for a drummer way back.  And we were just like, “we can’t, this kid is too young”, and then three or four years later we ended up changing our tune.  So it just all kind of came together.

How has your music changed over the past five years?

I think that as a musician you’re always trying to out-do yourself and also just to be more honest with what you’re carrying across to people.  I think that’s one of the big things now, it’s not us trying to be something, it’s us trying to represent ourselves as best we can, but then to also improve upon what we’ve done in the past

And have your influences changed to match this?

Definitely, when Rob and I first started out, it was more of the British scene that was influencing a lot of what we wanted to create, but now it’s all over the map.  And we can sort of take hints from them and make it our own.

As you guys come into your own, what can we expect from the new album, Fossils?

This is all new, 10 fresh tracks we’ve written within the last year.  There’s a lot of groove and dark moodiness, but then there’s a drive to it – a nice dynamic to it over all.

What was it like to make this album?

It really just came down to the guitar player, Rob, and I creating new songs from nothing.  Just piano or a guitar or vocal ideas and then build on that: rather than in the past, we had always had a full band that we wrote with.  With this process, we would have the bare bones of songs, and it was hard to see where they would go once you put drums in, or bass in, or added synth lines and changed the tempos.

What inspired you during the writing process?

I think it’s just everything from being on the road, to being in a band, just living life day-to-day.

What were you looking forward with your show at Venue (February 10^th)?

We used to play there a lot when it was called Plaza Club, and it was one of our favourite places to play, so it’s kind of cool that we’re going back there.  We don’t do a lot here, so I think it’s kind of a novelty playing in our hometown.  So it’s definitely exciting.  And, we haven’t played with Hey Ocean! for quite some time, we’ve known them for a long time as well.

What’s in store for the coming year?

After the show, it’s the release, which is going to be great because it feels like we’ve been sitting on things for a long time.  So actually sharing all these songs with everyone is going to feel great.  And then doing a little more touring, and actually figuring out how to convey the album live is going to be an important part of the next few months.

And last but not least, what is your favourite thing about the city?

When the sun finally breaks through the clouds like the last couple of days.  It’s pretty refreshing, especially sunny winter days.

Check Elias out here: www.myspace.com/eliasband

“Easy Come Easy go” is the new single off of Great Lake Swimmer’s  5th studio album New Wild Everywhere which comes out on April 3rd.

The Easy Come Easy Go music video was directed by Scott Cudmore (Rural Alberta Advantage, Timber Timbre), shot in one take and showcases the band performing in a studio in their hometown of Toronto as the set gets deconstructed around them.

They may not be from Vancouver but we love this band from T.O just the same. Check them out live! They’ll be playing at the Commodore Ballroom on May 11th, 2012.

www.greatlakeswimmers.com

Re-Fashion Vancouver is a fashion re-sale. Think of it as spring cleaning for your closet but you make some extra money from it!
Here’s what you do:

1. Grab all the brand new or nearly-new clothes that you’ve never worn
2. Rent a space and sell them
3. Refresh your style with new finds at Re-Fashion!

It’s not a swap meet and it’s not a flea market – it’s not about swapping one piece for another or selling used clothes – it’s about selling the stuff that you bought and have never worn or have worn only a couple times. (Don’t you hate it when that happens?)

Re-Fashion will be on April 21st, 2012, from 10am to 2pm at Yaletown Roundhouse Exhibition Hall.
$3 at the Door

Have things to sell?
You can rent a 6ft x 6ft space  for $60. (Which you’ll probably make back once you sell that gorgeous dress in your closet. Or that blazer you never ended up wearing…)

To apply visit ReFashionVancouver.com

Why we love it: It’s a new spin on a classic that is easily dressed down or dressed up. Blouses are versatile; updated versions are fashionable to wear out to impress, yet conservative enough in its structure to be work-appropriate. (Unless you’re wearing a sheer version, you don’t have to worry about accidentally showing too much, since the latest trend is mens-inspired: buttoning all the way up to the collar.)

Our favourite updated feature right now is the embellished collar (we’ve also spotted embellished cuffs, trim and shirt pockets, which are fantastic details). Major plus to this trend? DIY potential!

There is lots to explore with the updated blouse. We’ve observed the following lovely choices:

• Printed trim (collars, wrist cuffs, pockets)
• Feminine menswear styling
• Tops buttoned all the way up
• Sheer material
• Scarf-print blouses
• Layering with bib necklaces on top of the shirt vs. under the collar
• Tulip sleeves
• Tie-knot fronts

How to wear it: Under a boyfriend blazer or denim jacket and layered with a necklace; then tucked into a pair of trousers or a skirt and finished with a belt, depending on the volume of detail or pattern.

Where to buy it: We suggest trying Barefoot Contessa, Plum Clothing, and Violet Hill Boutique for local shops. If you’re headed for a mall, we suggest Jacob and H&M. Happy hunting!

Here are some looks to inspire you from lookbook.nu:

The ballroom was packed, hot and buzzing. There were over 50 tables featuring drinks from Tinhorn Creek, Painted Rock, Hillside, Howe Sound, Lighthouse and others!

I kinda wish there was a larger food selection but my favorite was the Mocha Cheesecake from Trees Organic! (Wine + Cheesecake?! SO GOOD.)

Overall it was a great show of BC’s best, and hey! All the proceeds benefited the BC Children’s Hospital!

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! No need to stress about big gifts… think cute, sentimental and flirty!
Here’s a list of our favorites from local Vancouver artists and designers:

1. Obakki Leighton Tank & Scarlett Short $125

2. luluanddrew Heart of Gold $20

3. Lemonni Valentines Day Card Set of 6 – Love is… $16

4. Brooklyn Designs Sterling Custom Initial & Heart Pendant with Crystal Quartz Necklace $65

5. Jen Ellis Sadie Copper Heart Ring $25

6. Beauzuness Custom Inital Gold Heart Necklace $27