blind commentary
“Emo-gaze” is the name of the game for this Saskie four-piece. The “gaze” part of Blind Commentary’s sound envelops listeners in layers of dreamy, fuzzy tones and reverb-filled guitars. Alt-rock and emo hooks add an irresistibly catchy, stomping element to their sound, reminiscent of mid-western emo giants and long drives late at night.
Tiger Really
Fronted by songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Lian Shao, Tiger Really has carved out a niche for themselves by mixing emo with elements of jazz, punk and indie rock, creating a sound that is both distinct and deeply resonant. Released last October, the group’s debut album Swan Sting pulls all punches, cementing the group as a staple of the YVR underground.
Black Ends
Self-proclaimed gunk-pop group Black Ends deal in ‘90s grunge filtered through 2025’s absurdities. Their debut album Psychotic Spew is all Mellon Collie with a little bit of sadness, layering sugar-sweet melodies over scuzzy-fuzzy punk riffs led by the laconic vocals of Nicolle Swims. This curatorial pick is a sonic shot-in-the-arm that reminds you how vital Seattle always will be.
Oranje
A Calgary math rock trio rooted in jazz and punk, Oranje blends tight, start-stop tunes with eclectic influences. Their debut EP, Pure Sport, charted 20th nationally on campus radios, and their upcoming debut full-length album aims to expand their musical reach by incorporating post-punk and neo-soul, featuring guest spots with local artists.
BIG EVIL RAT
From the frigid northern tundra comes BIG EVIL RAT, a rock-till-ya-drop six-piece with creepy garage grooves and enough drums to move your feet like you're swimming through hellfire. They’re no strangers to Calgary either, having recently played a scorcher set at Cheer’s latest album release last August, and of course, several ripping sets at Sled Island over the years.
Maneater
Vancouver-based indie rock duo Maneater seamlessly blends chugging guitars and warm harmonies, creating a rich backdrop for poignant lyrics that explore themes of abuse, friendship, and the unique experiences of being women/queer/POC in the music industry. Turn up their recent single “The Prize” for a perfect sample of what to expect.
Cassia Hardy
As the singer/guitarist for the rock band Wares, Cassia Hardy has performed at festivals and clubs from Dawson City to Charlottetown. Her music is voltage controlled, dreamy and deliberate, not raw but worked to a fine point. Self-described as “loud-ish,” Hardy’s anthems echo across Treaty 6 with deliberate dreaminess and folky verve.
About Sled Island:
Sled Island is an annual five-day independent music and arts festival in Calgary, Alberta that brings together a community of music, comedy and art with nearly 30,000 attendees in multiple venues across the city. For more information, visit SledIsland.com.
Upon entering a festival venue, the passholder agrees to being photographed, filmed or recorded in that venue, and agrees to the publication, reproduction, distribution and broadcast of all photographs, video or other recordings of the passholder's voice or likeness without further notice or compensation in any publicity, advertisement or other publication carried-out by, or on behalf of, Sled Island and in perpetuity in any manner and media whatsoever, including print, broadcast or internet.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and included at Sled Island. All festival attendees must abide by Sled Island's safer spaces and inclusion policy and agree to the code of conduct, which can be found at SledIsland.com/SaferSpaces.
Sled Island acknowledges Calgary as the traditional territory of the Blackfoot and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Ĩyãħé Nakoda First Nations, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney First Nations. Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).
You may also like the following events from Sled Island:
- This Wednesday, 18th June, 12:00 pm, Sled Island 2025 in Calgary
- This Friday, 20th June, 09:00 pm, Sled Island, Servus and CJSW present: Xiu Xiu, Kee Avil, Devours, HAWA B and more in Calgary
- This Friday, 20th June, 09:00 pm, Sled Island and CJSW present: Ribbon Skirt, Glockabelle, Pressure Pin and Brass Lip in Calgary
Also check out other
Music events in Calgary,
Entertainment events in Calgary,
Festivals in Calgary.
