When I was 13 years old, my life changed when I received my first Columbia House catalog. I got to pick 10 CDs out of the massive list. One of the CDs I picked was the self-titled Limblifter debut. This kick-ass alternative rock album quickly became one of my favorite albums and still, to this day, is top of my list.
Many years later, I started listening to the album more frequently when I discovered they had not only one but three amazing new albums along with Ryan, the frontman’s, multiple other projects like The Mounties, Age Of Electric, and his epic solo album.
In 2020, I managed to get tickets to see them play in Victoria, BC, but unfortunately, COVID had kiboshed this event, and it had to be canceled.
Finally, in the spring of this year, with the end of COVID and Ryan healed up nicely from his open-heart surgery, they announced they are doing a sweet little tour starting in my neck of the woods with two shows in Victoria and Nanaimo. I grabbed tickets immediately and started making plans. A few days later, they announced a show on Mayne Island at The 44, a venue on an alpaca Farm. I managed to grab a ticket for this one also as the very generous owner of the farm was willing to hold one for me at the gate. What an epic way to start this tour; my plan is to hit up all three events.
I spent about a week doing major planning, booking rooms, studying ferry schedules, figuring out bicycle connections, and preparing my cabin for being away for several days. I worked my way down to the ferry lineup on Hornby Island at 6:00 a.m., so I’d be first in line for the first sailing. About 5 minutes before the first sailing, the ferry workers came out to inform us that the connecting cable ferry will not be running for the entire day. They said there is absolutely no chance of it being fixed and that I was officially stuck on Hornby Island. What a disaster! But at least I still had two other concert tickets that were still a possibility. Unfortunately, the next day was the same thing, so that meant no Victoria show.
Saturday I finally made my way to Nanaimo with only a few problems with BC Ferries this time. I met up with my good friend Matt, and we hoofed it to the show, only to arrive a bit late. We could hear Limblifter already on stage at 7:45, so we wasted no time and rushed inside.
I was surprised to see an empty dance floor. Come on, Nanaimo, you can do better than that! It didn’t take long, and there was a good-sized group of people hit the floor. The band was unbelievably tight. Each song was like a step back in time for me and played to complete perfection. These four were definitely meant to make music and perform with each other. They definitely each bring their own ingredient to this delicious pie. Gregory Macdonald with his, what I would describe as a balancing act, with his studio-quality keyboards and guitar. I say balancing act as I feel he truly ties this group together giving it it’s full sound. Megan Bradfield with her beautiful voice and some ripping bass lines really brightened up the whole room. Eric Breitenbach, while resembling Animal from The Muppets, beat the crap out of his drum kit, blowing the whole room away with his enormous sound. And finally, the front man Ryan Dahle. It truly is a dream to see him perform, and I was not disappointed. He didn’t miss a note with his flawless guitar and vocals and blew me away with his talent. His writing and playing, in my opinion, is the best I have ever experienced. I feel a great amount of nostalgia with his songs, even when I am hearing them for the first time. They started with a few songs from the newest album, which is usually a disappointment when I go to shows, but not with Limblifter. Their newest album “Little Payne” is what I would classify as a masterpiece. It’s almost hard to distinguish which album many of their songs are off of as the sound is stable throughout their career which I find to be a rarity. There was at least one song off each of their albums, including “Hya” off of Ryan’s solo album. A quick comment from Ryan states that they have actually never played Nanaimo and hope to return. I just really hope they do!
Unfortunately, for some odd reason, the Queens in Nanaimo end their shows very early to allow time for the local bands to play afterwards. The event was over just after 9:00. I’m definitely not used to this in my regular venue, The Waverly, usually goes until at least midnight.
After the show, I was lucky enough to introduce myself to all four band members. I could not believe how friendly and welcoming each was to my approach. They were each also nice enough to sign a show poster for me and hook me up with a set list.
I know one thing; tomorrow I’m going to wake up to the Sun.
BENEATH THE ISLAND 
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