STRANGE ADVANCE
@ HOLLYWOOD THEATRE, VANCOUVER
APRIL 26, 2022
Strange Advance returned triumphantly to the stage for the first time in over 30 years, at Vancouver’s classic art deco 1930s Hollywood Theatre. The event was absolutely packed, with anticipation in the air and the crowd thirsty to hear tunes not played live by the group for decades. Strange Advance did not disappoint.
With the modern-day lineup of original member Drew Arnott (vocals/keyboards), Sean Dillon (vocals/guitar), Ian Cameron (violin/guitar), Alexander (A-Train) Boynton (bass), Rob Bailey (keyboards), and Ross Friesen (drums), Strange Advance brought the past to life. The sextet performed 17 songs, most first-released in the ‘80s and only a few from their impressive recent release, simply titled 4.
4 ALBUM REVIEW
The band unit was tight, and Arnott’s vocals were spot-on as he performed eloquently with the calm stage presence of a veteran singer. Dillon diligently and flamboyantly executed vocals previously sung by original member, now retired, Darryl Kromm. Dillon had his work cut-out for him, having the lead on the majority of the evening’s songs, and did so quite well.
Ian Cameron is also known for his duo Ruckus Deluxe. His exquisite work, specifically with the violin, was on full display on numerous songs, including “Alien Time” and the radio-hit fan-favourite “We Run”. Three video screens placed behind the band, flashed moving computer-generated images and lights, which added a visual effect that added extra flair to the performance and distinctness to each song.
Strange Advance completed their comeback with two encores which included an excellent Spoons cover of “Nova Heart” and then one of their best-known and loved songs, the epic “Worlds Away”.
Strange Advance have three more live May dates upcoming in Toronto and Mississauga, and then plan to continue performing live shows, bringing their act back from the depths of the 1980s and into the hearts of enthused fans throughout Canada, and potentially beyond.
(Photography by John Graham)
Photos
Artist Links
SPILL FEATURE: I’M ON MY WAY TO A PERFECT DAY – A CONVERSATION WITH DREW ARNOTT & ROB BAILEY OF STRANGE ADVANCE: PART TWO
SPILL FEATURE: I’M ON MY WAY TO A PERFECT DAY – A CONVERSATION WITH DREW ARNOTT & ROB BAILEY OF STRANGE ADVANCE: PART ONE
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: STRANGE ADVANCE – 4
