Vancouver’s psychedelic-indie band If We Are Machines, along with local roots artists Folk & Country Line team up for an East Coast/West Coast show of solidarity at The Carleton on Wednesday, August 31st. Show time will be 9 PM and $8 at the door will get you in on the action.

Formed in 2008, If We Are Machines are a six-piece indie psych-rock band from Vancouver, BC. When listening, you’re as likely to hear a heavy and sprawling jam as a tender piano-led ballad. Pulsing bass and drums, looping, effects-laden guitars, and deep, driving synths seamlessly complement the raw and impassioned vocals. When paired with psychedelic projections and other transformative visuals in concert, it results in intense, immersive, and captivating performances.

Performing regularly throughout western Canada, they’ve played intimate shows at The Biltmore Cabaret and large-scale gigs at Vancouver Psych Fest and The Rickshaw Theatre. Their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed, and comes as no surprise to anyone who’s seen the band live; in 2012, the Georgia Straight named If We Are Machines one of the top 10 musical acts in Vancouver.

Having added a third guitarist to their ranks last year, If We Are Machines’ latest material is richer and more dynamic than ever before. Live, on stage, their songs reach another level, drawing audiences in and pushing beyond what’s been captured in the studio. It’s why If We Are Machines’ shows are as memorable and impactful as they are. It’s why they’ve always been a band you have to see live.

Robbie Graham – Vocals/Guitar, Daniel “Rusty Pickin’s” Sanderson – Guitar/Banjo,Kayla Ryan – Violin, Syl Medina – Percussion/Vocals.

Robbie’s lyrics weave stories of times long gone, guts and glory, and the wanderlust that lives in the hearts of all folk singers. His driving guitar playing brings energy to his songs that often result in toe tapping and strange urges to learn to play the spoons. 

Dan’s fast fingerpicking and colourful solos add new depth and flavour to the band.

Kayla’s playing detuned the band’s collective heartstrings and the only way to get them back in tune was to have her join, and become a defining member of the band.

Syl’s fast hands and backing vocals have given the band the charging rhythm and extra dimension that had been missing.

As great men once said, “what a long strange trip it’s been.” The Folk and Country Line will keep picking, grinning and traveling on.