Vancouver organ powered ’70s style Bend Sinister are taking it a little easier this summer.
“We’re writing more and getting ready to record a new album” said Bend Sinister guitarist Joseph Blood, who brings the band to the Slice, July 9 with Calgary duo High Kicks.
“So this summer is a lot quieter than it usually is,” Blood said, noting they have a couple bigger summer festivals including The Tall Trees Music Festival in Port Renfrew B.C. on Vancouver Island, with fellow Vancouverites Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer and a bigger festival in Sylvan Lake with heavyweights like Our Lady Peace.
While the band isn’t playing as many festivals as usual, they have some key appearance at Artswells and another festival where they play with Platinum Blonde.
“ We’re playing for or five days then home for a week, so we ’re spending a lot of our time in our rehearsal space,” he said.
In addition to writing as a band, they are also working with other musicians including The Gay Nineties as well as Hedley drummer Chris Crippin plus the Mounties, Hawksley Workman’s new trio which also features Hot Hot Heat’s Steve Bays and Limblifter's Ryan Dahle.
“Steve is from Vancouver,” he said.
They are also working in new band member Kristy Lee Audette.
“ She plays trumpet and synth and sings. She’s a perfect fit,” Blood said.
Earlier this year, they welcomed Nick Petrovich on drums.
“I think the last time we were in Lethbridge, it was one of his first gigs with us. He’s great and he kills it with the ladies,” he said.
They are excited to reconnect with High Kicks, who they will be sharing stages with in Calgary as well as Lethbridge.
“ Our bassist Matt will sometimes join them on stage, so they’ll have two bass players, which sounds amazing,” he said.
Even though they have been together for 10 years, European audiences are discovering them.
“We only have two albums out over there, so we’re still considered a new band over there, which is funny,” he said.
London, England based Prog Magazine, dedicated towards progressive rock music, recently nominated Bend Sinister for their Limelight award.
“ That’s a great feeling,” he said.
High Kicks and Bend Sinister begin their show at 9 p.m.. Admission is $15.
