The Martinez Brothers // Malkin Bowl
For 987, few venues in Vancouver feel as naturally suited to electronic music as Malkin Bowl. Hidden inside Stanley Park and framed by towering evergreens, the outdoor amphitheatre already carries a kind of escapist energy before a single track even plays. On May 9, The Martinez Brothers took full advantage of that atmosphere, delivering a set that transformed the space into something closer to an afterparty than a standard Vancouver outdoor concert.
By sunset, the crowd had fully settled into the mood. The cool evening air, the open sky, and the park surroundings gave the night a looseness that larger venues rarely manage to create. It felt communal from the beginning, less like a massive event and more like a gathering built around rhythm and movement.
Chris and Steve Martinez leaned into that energy immediately. Their set moved fluidly between sleek tech house, rolling percussion, and warm Latin-influenced grooves. Rather than relying on oversized drops or flashy production tricks, they built tension gradually, layering hypnotic basslines and crisp percussion until the entire crowd locked into the same pulse.
The transitions were smooth and understated. Tracks blended seamlessly into one another, keeping the dancefloor moving without interruption for nearly the entire night.
And the crowd absolutely fed off it. Vancouver audiences can sometimes carry a reputation for being reserved, but Malkin Bowl felt fully unhinged in the best possible way. From the packed front rail to the grassy edges of the venue, people were partying hard all night, dancing nonstop, shouting lyrics, throwing their hands in the air, and treating the entire bowl like one giant open-air club. The crowd seemed fully locked in, sweating and grooving throughout the set.
Their approach never felt rigid or overly choreographed. There was room for spontaneity, long blends, and moments where the groove itself became more important than any individual track selection. That club sensibility gave the night its staying power.
As darkness settled over Stanley Park, the visuals and lighting became more pronounced, but never overwhelmed the setting. Instead, the natural environment remained part of the experience. Malkin Bowl proved once again why it remains one of Vancouver’s most quintessential live music venues. For a few hours, Vancouver let go.
9.87/10
Photos: Mikhail Din
Review: Alex Jardine
