Live Review: Obroa-Skai’s Album Release Show at Modern Love in Calgary, AB
Obroa-Skai Photo Credit: Shannon Johnston (@me_only_louder)
Obroa-Skai are a screamo, noise band from Edmonton, Alberta: where they celebrated the release of their newest album, Science Progresses One Funeral At A Time, before hitting the road to Calgary - bringing their sonic revolution to Modern Love. The event was put on by Bookburner Productions, local music organizers specializing in 'alternative' genres and have been drawing crowds for their cutting edge emo and punk bookings. The lineup featured experimental drone/noise project D.F.H, eventually leading into an emotive spoken word performance by Mustafa Rafiq who’s vocal delivery was reminiscent of mewithoutYou’s A to B Life, with Mustafa interweaving brilliant lines from a Palestinian poet overtop of a wailing guitar that left listener’s wide-eyed for more. Mustafa proceeded to play an instrumental saxophone track, walking off the stage to play in the crowd. He eventually led the listener’s to the Modern Love photobooth where it became more than just a musical experience, but an emotionally charged art piece.
Obroa-Skai were also joined by fellow hardcore locals False Body, who thrashed with Converge-inspired riffs and a vocalist who balances the perfect amount of melancholic expression with disruptive anger that reinvigorated my love of the genre.
It’s no secret that the politically conservative positions within Alberta, especially the gender identity policy that is a threat to trans lives and human rights, are causing harm and divide within the province. It’s hard not to feel a sense of hopelessness living in Alberta, especially being part of the LGBTQ2S+ community and feeling so blatantly targeted by your own goverment and supposed protectors, just for existing. Modern Love was an inclusive space for these emotions to be expressed, where our anger and frustration could be truly felt and validated, especially once Obroa-Skai took the stage. Beyond anger and frustration, was also solidarity and hope, with the band beginning their set saying “…the world is fucking shitty, but one day these things will die, Danielle Smith will die, zionism will die, and Palestine will be free.” Those words were resounding amongst the blood red lighting that flooded Modern Love - which I couldn’t help but signify with passion, death, and one day renewal. From there, the band launched into politically and socially powerful songs that melded together like a beautiful cacophony. It was impossible to take my eyes off of the way the band members played off each other - from Cory and Amy sharing vocal duties while forging their respective instrumental places on guitar and bass, to Chris masterfully delivering signature riffs, while Durrell kept everyone in time with punchy drum lines. The band showcased a bold and cathartic lament that was a shared connection amongst the crowd.
Mustafa Rafiq photographed by Shannon Johnston (@me_only_louder)
There was also a strong, authentic feeling of community support amongst the bands, which was inspiring to witness. For example, I couldn’t help but notice the way the lead vocalist, Michelle, of False Body, stared admirably in the front row at Amy, eventually joining the band on-stage to scream a few lines. I think the mutual respect between the bands speaks to the work that they are doing not only in the screamo/noise community in Edmonton, but also in the way it extends into other cities. They have created a place where we can revolutionize and everyone is invited with open arms (except for Danielle Smith, we don’t want you).
Catch Obroa-Skai live at Prepare the Ground Fest, taking place in Toronto from May 31st - June 2nd, 2024.
False Body photographed by Shannon Johnston (@me_only_louder)
D.F.H photographed by Shannon Johnston (@me_only_louder)