Photographer: Mackenna Lecomte
Ray Bull Brought Their Album to Life at the Fox Cabaret in Vancouver.
The venue filled with anticipation surrounding an abundance of love for Ray Bull’s music. Witnessing the genuine love the duo shares for one another was an added bonus. The night was full of warmth, and the freedom to be even a little silly.
Ray Bull
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Vancouver
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Ray Bull ✰ Vancouver ✰
The show began with a lovely set from Babehoven, their song “Birdseye View” was definitely my favorite they performed. I enjoyed its ya’ll-ternative sound. After their set ended, a man came on stage and switched on a fan for a large, red, “wacky waving inflatable tube man” that sat at the centre of the stage. It quickly unfolded and shot up to the ceiling. The tube man had vacant eyes while its body swayed back and forth to the pre-show playlist.
Soon, the crowd filled out more and it was finally time for Ray Bull to walk on stage with their drummer. (For those who don't know, Ray Bull is a duo, Tucker Elkins and Aaron Graham.) Elkins entered the stage holding a bouquet of balloons. He quickly placed them near the back of the stage and walked to a keyboard at the front of the stage. Graham followed behind him with a smile and went to the left side of the stage, passed the tube man and towards his guitar. Their set began with the song “You’re Still Here, So Am I” from their newest album Please Stop Laughing. I was quickly overwhelmed with how incredible and full their live sound was. For just three people on a stage, they sounded like a much bigger band.
The duo managed to bring the album to life on stage, while staying true to its sound. (I’m emphasizing this because, I feel that a lot of bands these days can make a great album, but it falls flat when they try to play it live, if not instrumentally, then vocally.) Ray Bull however, did the complete opposite, their live sound was dialed-in and full. Their vocals were on point, with stunning harmonies. Elkins was hitting high notes with ease. After the first song, he switched off the tube man; causing the crowd to go “awwww” while it slowly deflated. Graham addressed the crowd, after a few songs and said that: it was Elkins’ birthday. He expressed how much he loved him, and that he wouldn't be there without him. Then asked if they could sing “happy birthday” with him. Everyone agreed and Graham started to strum his guitar trying to find the right key. Elkins stood with both hands resting on his guitar, took out one of his in ears and smiled at his bandmate. Then out to the crowd while they sang to him. After, Elkins returned the sentiment, saying how much he loved Graham and that he also wouldn’t be there without him. Graham responded sarcastically, “save it for my birthday”
Laughter carried between them as they walked toward each other. There came an attempted hug while wearing their guitars. Graham then gifted Elkins a John Mayer tortoise shell pick. Elkins took it out of the package and held it up to his nose for a long sniff. Strumming with his new John Mayer pick, he smirked “it’s like he’s in the room.” Halfway through their set, Graham stated that before their next song, he had to consume a cricket. He went on to explain that he had lost a bet to Elkins, which resulted in him having to eat a cricket on stage every night of tour. He held out a box of crickets and said “we usually have someone from the audience volunteer to eat one with me in exchange for a signed t-shirt…but someone sadly stole our crickets at last nights show, so I will be eating it by myself.” Undoing the packaging, he held it out for everyone to see, “this one’s salt and vinegar.” To which Elkins replied, “everyone give it up for salt and vinegar.” The crowd giggled. Their entire set was incredible. Some notable bangers were: “Please Stop Laughing,” “Antifreeze,” “Marry a Skater,” “Under Your Eyelid,” “Know By Now,” and “The New Thing Dies.” “Under your eyelid” really stood out to me. The energy in the room was high and contagious. As the song continued to build, the audience grew louder and more impassioned with each verse. ”It’s Probably nothing” made me sob. The song was particularly beautiful and devastating live.
For their encore, the tune man was switched back on and they played two more songs: “Name Something Better” and “The New Thing Dies.” During “The New Thing Dies,” Elkins walked down the steps at the front of the stage and entered the crowd. He proceeded lay down on his back in the pit and continue to sing into the mic. Everyone smiled down at him while he sang the chorus from the floor. He then got up and continued the song, walking through the crowd. He made is way back on stage and as the song ended. They both thanked the screaming crowd and began exiting the stage. Elkins waved with a smile at the crowd and then aggressively nudged the tube man with his elbow before leaving. The tube man swayed around on stage; waving goodbye with its body. I stood still, trying to process everything I had just experienced. Their performance was wonderful. They put everything into each song. If you ever find yourself in the same city as a Ray Bull concert, I highly suggest you go and see them before they blow up, because their sound is meant for bigger venues.
Article by: Mackenna Lecomte
Plug In. Tune Out.
Ray Bull is an indie pop duo known for turning everyday anxieties, relationships, and self-reflection into clever, emotional songs. Their music is full of synths, punchy guitar lines, and infectious melodies. With witty lyricism and an experimental edge, Ray Bull combines playful charm with genuine vulnerability. Making their songs equally suited for dancing, daydreaming, or late-night thinking.