MARCH 26th, 2022
BIG WRECK + GUESTS

Review/Photo Gallery By: Char Tupper
http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/big-wreck/

Tonight I head out to the Abbotsford Centre featuring Big Wreck, Monster Truck, and Brokn Love, some classic rock bands that have joined forces to tour across Canada. Originally this tour was scheduled for late 2021, but due to the Omicron variant and changing regulations, the tour got postponed to Spring 2022. I wasn't sure what turn out was going to be like, with the current vaccination requirements for events, and with the parking lot having lots of open spaces, even the ticket holder lines weren't like I was used to seeing pre-pandemic.  Crowds were very mellow and relaxed, atmosphere felt unusual, as I am used to heavy metal crowds, and they are a bit more energetic, thats for sure. I hadn't listened to any of these bands before, as like I mentioned, I have a heavier taste in music, but, I won't let that cloud my judgement, I'm open to new experiences, so let's see what this event has to offer this metal head tonight.

First performance was by Canadian rockers, BRKN LOVE, forming back east in Toronto by Justin Benlolo, releasing their first album via Spinefarm Records back in 2019, Justin and his band mates continue to bring the tradition of the classic garage rock band alive. Tonight, they brought their style to the crowd of Abbotsford, which in my opinion, I definitely felt like I was in a large garage listening to a rehearsel. The music wasn't quite to my liking, a little too simple and basic, which is the basic formula for a garage band mind you, but whether it was nerves, or something, the energy of the band wasn't there. I do enjoy bands, of all genres, when they commit and show some raw energy and enthusiasm into their performance,  that passion bounces off the artist, and into the audience, which you both feed off one another making a better experience. Performance wise, the band did execute their songs well, heard some feedback a couple times, and wasn't a fan of "Ok guys, this song is about drugs", then starting the song. I felt like saying after the second time they introduced a song in this way, "You know, you can write about things other then drugs??" I chuckled to myself, and watched the rest of their performance.

Next up was MONSTER TRUCK, another Canadian rock band out of Ontario, this time Hamilton, ON. They hit the stage and the atmosphere of the audience changed drastically, people came rushing back from the bar and lounge area to come back and watch these guys perform. Forming in 2009, and recently releasing a new record pre-pandemic, and sadly touring for the record was halted by covid-19 restrictions worldwide, the band was excited to be touring in support of the new material. These guys definitely had more energy and presence during their set, crowds cheering, and more interaction between the band and fans, which I enjoyed. One thing I will mention, is their set went from upbeat songs, to more blues influence and slower tempo, which as a setlist was, to me, poorly planned out. It should have been more of a mix between slow and fast, not all the high energy songs first, then close with all slower,not the right formula for a concert.

Final performance tonight was BIG WRECK, these guys are a Canadian/American band, forming back in 1994, however disbanded in 2002, but came back together in 2010, and the band has been through various changes, dynamics, even life-changing events (Brian's passing in 2019), these things haven't stopped the force that is, Big Wreck. Currently touring in support of their first of three EP's, "Big Wreck 7.1", that was released in fall 2021, the band is getting to perform some newer material for the first time, which the fans tonight thoroughly enjoyed.  I think I still need to get used to bands, when reviewing,  that don't walk out on stage and immediately come running out with raging guitar riffs, drums blasting, heavy bass notes, and upbeat vocalists. Big Wreck definitely walked out onstage, in a more mellow manner, and their songs weren't nearly as rampant and energetic as I am used to. That being said, the fans truly enjoyed it and they were very happy with the performance. I would say, again, would be nice to see a little more energy, even if its moving from side to side, interacting with fans more, since it feels a little "cold" when bands don't interact with the fans much, that extra touch makes a difference if you ask me.