Images: Pkew Pkew Pkew, Daydream, Rayner January 10, 2018 at the Beauty Bar

Pkew Pkew Pkew may be from Canada but I feel like the experiences they sing about, from drinking at home before a show to save money to the desperation of trying to get a pizza because you drank on an empty stomach, are universal to anyone that’s been (or dreamed of going) to Fest.

Musically, the band reminds me a lot of Latterman, with poppy chords and gang-vocal choruses that are made to be sung along with loudly, which is exactly what we did at their free Beauty Bar show earlier this month.

After being sufficiently warmed up by a trio of bands who were all smiles – Daydream from California and Vegas’ own Rayner and Illicitor – it was time for Pkew’s Vegas debut.

The band immediately had friends and strangers alike put fists in the air to song “Kathie Lee + Hoda,” “Blood Clot,” and “The Prime Minister of Defense,” with a small but dedicated set of fans packed right against the small stage.

Things went so well, in fact, that Pkew had to return to the stage for one last song. This turned out to be a fitfully faithful cover of Rancid’s “Olympia, WA,” a perfect choice as it gave everyone the chance to sing along one more time.

-Emily Matview

Photos by Aaron Mattern | https://www.flickr.com/photos/akmofoto/