Phillips Backyard Music Festival – Tilt

Oh it felt good to be “back” at the yard! It’s been a few year since Nine Eight Seven has attended a Phillips Backyard Music Festival, but this year’s lineup was too good to miss. All the stars aligned for some hot hot heat, good beers, and great tunes. Here’s what we took away from the weekend:

Day 1:

On paper, if you know me personally, you’d safely assume that this would be THE night for me. I grew up listening to Cold War Kids, learned all the songs off Robbers & Cowards by heart, and even tried to ‘somewhat’ mimic their sound in my high school band. They’ve always been an inspiration, and one of the reasons I got more involved in the music industry. But, before it was time for CWK, we were treated to a couple amazing bands in the lead up.

By the time I made it down to Victoria, me and the crew made it in just in time for The Bankes Brothers. Now I’ve heard a lot about this group, but this was the first time I got to see them live. I was pleasantly surprised! Especially learning that they had just returned from a tour Europe two days before on the Wednesday, played a show in Vancouver opening for Band of Skulls on the Thursday, then making it across to Victoria for their backyarder set with 3 hours to spare. Impressive.

Brothers Morgan and Nelson Bankes fronted this five piece band, along side Carson Cleaver (lead guitar), Ross Haskett (bass), and Gray Oxley (drums). I can’t quite put my finger on it, but they remind me of a few bands I listen to all mixed into one. I mean this in a good way, not in a “they’ve stolen other people’s sound” kinda way. Although short, their set left me excited to see them again, would recommend.

Next up, an old personal fave of mine, Band of Skulls. I like this band for more than just their music. Back in the late 2000’s my sister showed me “I Know What I Am” for the first time and my mind was blown. Raw rock and roll. Later that year she bought us tickets to their show in Vancouver, maybe at The Commodore, and that was the beginning of this new musical connection with my sister, who has been my number one concert buddy ever since.

Band of Skulls were crispy. You can tell they’ve been around for over two decades just by seeing how good they are at their craft. From their powerful vocals to their air tight instrumentals, it was a fun show from start to finish.

Last but not least, the moment I was waiting for, Cold War Kids. Like I mentioned before, I’ve been following these guys for years! This must have been my 8th or 9th time seeing them.

They opened strong with “Love is Mystical“, and didn’t slow down one bit. Next they played “Run Away with Me” into “Miracle Mile” followed by “So Tied Up“. My eyes were lit up, my friends even had to go get my beers for me as I refused to leave my spot. I want to list off all the songs I loved from the night but then I might as well just post a photo of their set list.

Lead singer Nathan Willett looked like he was a having a great time on stage, which in turn makes the crowd have more fun. Bassist Matt Maust, the only other band member who has been there from the get go in 2004, looked as serious as ever. The first time I saw him I questioned it, but after a few CWK gigs you quickly realize it’s just his stage presence. Just really into it. Strong start with day 1.

Day 2:

Saturdays at Backyarders are always my “unofficial favourite” no matter who is on the lineup. No work before the show starts, and no work the day after, easy.

The day started off strong with Steve Bays (formerly of Hot Hot Heat). He opened with one of my personal favourites “Kid Who Stay in the Picture” – and even though this technically wasn’t a Hot Hot Heat concert, my dreams of seeing them felt like they came true. Steve had some playful banter with the crowd, commenting on a mistake he made (which I’m sure no one in the crowd noticed, I sure didn’t). Great start to the day!

Next up, Young Friend. I’ve had “PINCH ME” on repeat since before the Tilt lineup was even announced, so when I saw they were on the bill…

This was the final show of a cross-country tour, so you could tell there was some fatigue, but they were giving it everything they had. What more could you ask for? The crowd still loved it. Laid back, easy going vibes, Young Friend was a perfect afternoon set on this sunny Saturday. Personal fave track of the set, “Golden Rule“.

Closing of night two was Unknown Mortal Orchestra. From New Zealand but based in Portland, OR; these psychedelic rockers blew me away. They made it look SO easy. Midway through the set they threw down arguably their most popular track “So Good at Being in Trouble” – which had the whole crowd singing along. I wish I knew the names of more songs, because there were so many I want to give a shout out too, and I didn’t want to be that guy who was Shazamming mid-concert.

Day 3:

I was surprised to see how much energy these festival-goers had on day 3 of a festival! I had a bit of a slow morning…so I only made it in for Snotty Nose Rez Kids onwards, but holy did they ever bring the heat.

I’ve seen this indigenous hip hop duo a handful of times, so I knew what I was getting in to. Composed of Darren “Young D” Metz and Quinton “Young Trybez” Nyce, from the Haisla Nation in Kitamaat, these guys always get a crowd going. Quinton might not remember it but we used to play pool together back in university days at The Manchester Pub in Kits (shameless name drop).

Reviving us from this day 3 hangover, playing fan favourites like “Boujee Natives” and “Skoden“, SNRK were the perfect penultimate set for what had been an amazing Phillips Backyard edition. One of the only acts of the weekend that managed to hype me up while simultaneously giving me chills, 9.87/10.

The final show of both the night AND the weekend, G-Eazy. This was my first time seeing him, and even though it’s not my regular cup of tea, I left a big fan. The energy he brought was taken in by the crowd, and given right back. You can imagine the deafening cheers when he played “Me, Myself & I” – a song I didn’t even realize I knew so many words. I would post the video I took, but I was a bit tipsy and it looks like I was using an iPhone 3. It was a packed crowd to say the least, but he was so captivating he made it seem like it was just “Him & I” – hah (sorry).

All in all, this was one of my favourite editions of Phillips Backyard I’ve been to. I’ve already started planning my outfits for Reverb. Hope to see you all there! Tickets still available here.

Review: Mikhail Din

Photos: Tyson Elder @tysonelderphotography