Movies of War

1 of 8 2 of 8 Get the best of Vancouver in your inbox, every Tuesday and Thursday. Sign up for our free newsletter. In a city plagued by venue closures, it's always a win when a new community space carves out its niche in Vancouver. Since Green Auto opened several years ago in East Vancouver, it's proven true to its tagline of being “built by artists, for artists,” providing a refreshing DIY space through which to encounter local artists.Last Thursday's show demonstrated why Green Auto is such an important mainstay of Vancouver's arts community. The triple-bill show featured an array of talent: singer-songwriter Laura Reznek, musician and composer Adam Mah, and Juno-nominated songwriter and recording artist Tariq. Brittany McGillivray Each act graced the stage with impressive talent and markedly different vibes— – a mix of sounds that could've felt disorienting but was somehow unified by the intimate-meets-industrial vibe of the venue. Laura Reznek warmed the stage, treating us to hits from her album, The Sewing Room, one of last year's most remarkable releases. On the heels of immense loss, Reznek articulates the inevitable and brutal ways that grief and joy intertwine. A stunning listen, the album feels even more moving live. Though she's since moved to the U.K., Reznek's Vancouver roots were evident in the room; notably, Reznek's recurring collaborator, choreographer Sophie Dow, was called on to dance to one of Reznek's songs, a surprise that the crowd was pleased to make room for. (It's these moments that feel especially magical in venues such as Green Auto, where spontaneous demands on the audience are more possible to accommodate than in larger spaces). Brittany McGillivray Brittany McGillivray Brittany McGillivray Following Laura Reznek, Adam Mah took the stage with his band, bringing an unironically sincere energy reminiscent of early 2000s rock concerts. As Mah politely thrashed his way around the stage and into the crowd, I felt a bit nostalgic for the days of crowded shows and spilled beer in a past iteration of Little Mountain Gallery, before noise complaints clamped down on the all-ages music venue (now a beloved comedy club). It was nice to see some of that energy reincarnated at Green Auto, where the crowd happily embraced Mah and his band's mod-esque dream pop. (I only wish he'd introduced his wider band of impressive musicians on stage). Brittany McGillivray Based on Mah's intelligent lyrics, it seems he is also nostalgic for days past; many songs bemoan how our preoccupation with social media and vanity metrics obstructs deeper connection and face-to-face conversation. Tariq and his band closed out the night to a crowd of fans seemingly familiar with his set. The Brasstronaut member's lyrical prowess was on full display within the heavier sound of his newer work. Energetic and precise, Tariq's incredible voice filled the room with narrative songs that enthralled the crowd and got people moving beyond a reluctant sway (a feat on a school night). "I always feel lovely community vibes when I'm here," he remarked. "And tonight's vibes in the room might be the best I've felt." Brittany McGillivray In a different venue, three acts with such distinct energies may not have worked so seamlessly. At Green Auto, it felt like a testament to why we need artist-run venues: so that we can have spaces of spontaneity and encounter, where the line between the stage and the crowd is less defined, and where concertgoers may discover music beyond their usual genres or subcultures. With Tariq rounding out the night on a high note, it was clear that incredible nights of music can come without exorbitant ticket costs. All the more reason to keep supporting local artists and protecting our independent art venues. Brittany McGillivray Join the discussion Facebook comments not loading? Please check your browser settings to ensure that it is not blocking Facebook from running on straight.com