The incredible indie explosion: Weed

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      Weed’s Gun Control EP is one of the messiest-sounding recordings you’ll hear all year. Look past the ultra-scuzzy fidelity, however, and you’ll discover four ’90s-influenced rock songs that brim with sharp hooks and awesomely explosive fuzz-soaked riffs. Clearly, singer-guitarist Will Anderson—along with guitarist Kevin Doherty, bassist Hugo Noriega, and drummer Bobby Siadat—are working on an almost nonexistent recording budget, and their songs sound all the more thrilling for it.

      Best local release other than yours:

      “I think my favourite thing that came out in Vancouver this year is that new record by Nü Sensae [Sundowning]. They were pretty cool before, but the addition of the guitar really put the band on a different planet.”

      The year’s best gig:

      “The best gig I saw was Hemogoblin at Neptoon Records [on June 17]. They did a set there for Car Free Day and I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Hugo and I were waffling about whether to walk home and, in fact, almost left because we wanted to beat the rain, but felt compelled to stay for some reason. My immediate favourite band in Vancouver.”

      What classic never leaves the turntable?

      “I would have to say the one that’s stayed with me the longest is Loveless by My Bloody Valentine. My parents brought the CD to me as a gift when I was a 16-year-old boarding-school student. I think I asked for it because I saw it listed in some NME or Rolling Stone list, but certainly there weren’t any immediate peers who turned me on to it. Anyway, the influence it has had on our music is probably obvious, and I still think it’s the most badass album ever.”

      Where are we impressing your out-of-town friends?

      “I used to work in Kitsilano, where you can get the $10 lunch special at Indian Oven [2006 West 4th Avenue] from noon to 3. It’s basically un-fuck-with-able. You get an entree, naan, rice, and a side salad for a ridiculous price. Quiet lunch-break vibes too.”

      Like LMFAO, who’s sexy and knows it?

      “That’s got to be Sasha [Langford] from Cascadia. Is there anything sexier than a strong woman who plays heavy, heavy music?”

      Uncle Morty left you his fortune. Where are you opening a venue?

      “I feel like I never see any DIY shows on the Drive. I’m not a big Drive guy myself, but I do think it would be cool to have a show in one of those Italian restaurants down there. There’s one called Joe’s Café [1150 Commercial Drive] with a checkered floorboard that looks awesome and is sort of abandoned on one side.”

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