The second band I'm profiling from this years fest is...NEEDLES//PINS...

These guys came over and played the TALK'S CHEAP x-mas party a few months ago, and blew me away. They have a 7 incher out on their own label and a couple sold out cassettes, and a track on the Bloodstains across BC 7"...decent, catchy stuff in recorded form...but the songs played live, with a shitload of energy, are great! One of my fave Vancouver bands going right now...and I can't wait to see 'em again. They have a blog here...and Myspace here. They will be closing the first night of music at the EARTHQUAKE SHAKE...

Ten days left until the first night of the EARTHQUAKE SHAKE, so I'll be spotlighting a different band from the fest each day until then. First up...THE MANDATES!

THE MANDATES are a relatively new, 4 piece band outa Calgary featuring members of bands like THE THROWAWAYS, KNUCKLEHEAD, SIDS and THE TENSION SLIPS. They cite bands like the NEW YORK DOLLS and THE BOYS as influences...so you no where they're coming from. Pop-edged punk-rockthat brings the hooks without sacrificing the balls. I haven't seen 'em yet, but knowing these guys from their other bands, we're guranteed a energetic and catchy set. Check 'em out on Myspace! THE MANDATES will be opening the first night of the SHAKE on Friday, June 10th.

Website for the 2011edition of the fest is updated. Full line-up for the Friday night and Saturday shows are up, and Two-Day passes and One Day Tickets are available for purchase through Paypal on the Tickets page. We will have tickets available at TALK'S CHEAP (556B Pandora) on Wednesday, June 1st, for those of you in Victoria. Check back for updates or email info@earthquakeshake.com for more info. Should be a great show...it's a small venue, buy your tickets while you can!