LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
Although they recently wrapped up their islands cycling tour and are now on their way to the United States for a tour, West My Friend will be back on this Island by the end of the month, with a show in Errington scheduled for Sept. 5.
The Victoria band, described as quirky indie-folk among other descriptions, is comprised of four classically trained musicians who all attended music school at the University of Victoria.
Jeff Poynter, vocalist and accordion player with the group, said the islands cycling tour called Bikes, Barns and Beers was a carbon neutral tour, something band members have been wanting to do for ages.
“We had trailers for everything including the doubles bass,” he said.
The band members cycled about 200 km while on the tour, stopping to play at farms on Mayne Island, Salt Spring, Thetis Island and in Duncan and Nanaimo.
West My Friend’s first album called Place was released in 2012 and garnered multiple nominations at the Vancouver Island Music Awards including Roots Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
The group’s second album, When the Ink Dries, was released in March this year and Poynter said it features arrangements that are a little more polished along with the added sound of trumpets.
“The album hangs together as a whole a bit better, it’s a bit more cohesive and the songwriting is more mature as well,” said Poynter.
Poynter said the group’s songs features some unusual time signatures and key signatures and the sound generally appeals to all ages.
“I guess we try and push the boundaries of what folk music is, and I think that appeals to a broad range of people.”
The group is heading south for its second tour in the United States this week, playing in Oregon and Washington. On Aug. 31 they will play a show in Victoria to celebrate 5 years and 200 shows.
Don’t miss this busy band when they’re in town Sept. 5 at the Errington Hall, the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 from the Errington Store, Cranky Dog Music, and Heaven on Earth in Qualicum Beach.
Tickets are $5 at the door for children 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under.
For more on West My Friend visit
www.westmyfriend.com.