Diles Que No Me Maten and No Joy Ignite Astoria Stage

A vibrant night of music unfolded in Vancouver as the Astoria Pub hosted a co-headlining show featuring the Mexican band Diles Que No Me Maten and Montreal’s No Joy on March 2, 2024. The evening showcased a striking contrast in performance styles and audience engagement, drawing a diverse crowd eager to experience the eclectic sounds of both bands.

The night began at the Lido, a local establishment known for its dynamic atmosphere, where the dance party Black Box celebrated its one-year anniversary. As the energy filled the space, concert-goers made their way to the historic Astoria Pub in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, ready for an evening of musical exploration.

Dynamic Performance by Diles Que No Me Maten

On stage, Diles Que No Me Maten, whose name translates to “Tell Them Not To Kill Me,” captivated the audience with a bold and confident performance. The five-member band from Mexico City is renowned for its unique blend of krautrock, psychedelia, and post-punk sounds. Their music, often rooted in improvisation, created an engaging atmosphere that encouraged spontaneous connections with the audience.

The band’s set was characterized by a rich tapestry of sound, featuring saxophone, harmonium, synths, and guitar. They frequently eschewed fixed setlists, allowing the next song to naturally evolve from the mood or audience response. This improvisational approach resonated well with the crowd, creating a sense of shared exploration. As their final notes echoed through the venue, the enthusiastic response indicated a strong impression had been made.

No Joy’s Mixed Reception

Following Diles Que No Me Maten, No Joy took the stage, led by composer and multi-instrumentalist Jasamine White Gluz. Known for their shoegaze and noise pop roots, the band has recently ventured into more experimental sounds with their album Bugland. Expectations were high, but the set faced challenges right from the start.

The performance began later than anticipated, and White Gluz’s admission of fatigue set a subdued tone for the evening. As the band moved quickly from song to song, the initial energy began to wane, leaving some audience members disengaged. Calls for an encore went unanswered, contributing to a feeling of abruptness in the performance’s conclusion.

Despite these setbacks, several highlights emerged during their set. Tracks from Bugland shone through with their rich layers and sonic depth, rekindling the audience’s attention. Older songs evoked memories of the band’s expansive sound, briefly reigniting the room’s energy.

In retrospect, the night at the Astoria showcased two distinct musical experiences. Diles Que No Me Maten’s performance fostered a sense of community and adventure, while No Joy’s set, marked by a late start and a lack of an encore, felt less cohesive than usual.

The evening concluded back at the Lido, where the Black Box celebration continued, providing a joyous close to the night. The lively dance floor reminded attendees why this event has become a staple in Vancouver’s nightlife. The contrast of performances at the Astoria highlighted the city’s evolving music scene, challenging the long-standing notion of Vancouver as “No Fun City.”