Five years ago (to the day) I was on board a train heading from Vancouver to Toronto, with a group of musicians, music fans, and a film crew for an adventure called Tracks on Tracks. One of those musicians was Adaline, and as it turns out, that trip was the last time I saw her perform live. Since then, she's been busy in writing mode, scoring films with the likes of Brendan Canning, and moving to LA. But recently some of that writing came to fruition with her new album Aquatic. And with a new album comes a return to her home of Vancouver for an album release show at the Biltmore.

I got to the venue just catching the tail end of the second opener of the night, Jessicka. She had a chill, electro-pop vibe. There was one song I really liked, but didn't catch the name of, a soaring pop jam, before she finished off the set with a couple dancey tunes, one immediately catching your attention with the opening line "I wanna punch your fucking face".

Soon after it was time for Adaline to take the stage, joined by an all star lineup of Andrew Rasmussen, Robbie Driscoll, and Jason Cook backing her. The stage was bathed in blue light, both appropriate for the release of an album called Aquatic, and also matching the moodiness of her sultry alt-pop. She played exclusively from the new album, singing confidently with a voice that ranged from big and powerful to low and seductive, occasionally getting behind the keyboard as well. Highlights included the swirling "Criminal", the slightly frantic (and aptly-named) "Commotion", and the beautifully heartbreaking "Younger Days".
Adaline was also visibly grateful to be there, making sure to thank all of the familiar faces in the crowd; longtime supporters, other bands (I swear about 37% of the crowd was other local musicians), and especially her parents, who were front and centre.
After the driving beat of "Entertainer", Adaline slightly mocked about the encore process, joking that this was where she leaves and we cheer her back, only to wander to the side of the stage and immediately return, the rest of the band not even moving. She finished off with one last song, the chilling title track "Aquatic", appropriately also the last one on the album.

It was great to see Adaline performing again, especially with such a strong show for the new album. Hopefully it won't be another five years until next time.

setlist
Nostalgia
Criminal
How Could We Know
Stronger
Younger Days
Break Me Apart
Calling It Love
Commotion
Entertainer
(encore)
Aquatic