Plants and Animals – Commodore Ballroom – February 18, 2011
Juno Award nominated and Polaris Prize shortlisted Plants and Animals kicked off their latest cross Canada tour in Vancouver Friday night. 
The relative newcomers are touring in support of their 2010 release “La La Land” but also debuted a few new songs during the set, presumably to be included on their next album. Although the band are new to me I was impressed by their live set…the songs sounded tight and for a threesome they make a whole lot of sound. 
This big stage performance is reminiscent of Muse, who are consistently voted one of the best live acts. The only drawback was the gaps of ‘dead air’ when the band switched or tuned guitars…this I’m sure will change as they gain experience and staff to hand them equipment.
Their straight ahead modern rock sound appears to appeal to a wide range of audience, every clique seemed to be present: hipsters, hippies, plaid wearing students, goths and rockers. Throughout the 75 minute set, everyone danced and bounced along whether it was an established hit like “Bye Bye Bye” or a new tune like the tentatively titled “2010”. If Plants and Animals are coming to your town I recommend checking them out now, before they move on to bigger things and venues