Show Reviewed:  illScarlett with Faber Drive
Date:  April 3, 2008
Venue:  The Back Alley, Calgary

5 Stars 

Reviewed by:  Amanda Waschuk (Calgary Correspondent - Canada)

To be honest, I went into the Faber Drive and illScarlett concert without very high expectations.  In fact, I had assumed they were like every other punkish band, adored mainly by thirteen-year-old girls; but in reality, these boys rocked my world.  More than just simply lyrics and mainstream sound, both bands commanded a real identity.   

Faber Drive grabs your attention right away with their high-energy rock songs as lead singer Dave Faber interacts with fans and makes it clear how passionate he is about music.  Currently making its way up the charts, "When I'm With You" is the most recent hit by Faber Drive.  Other hits played at the show include "Tongue-Tied" and "Second Chance".

After, main act illScarlett went on to create a crazy mosh pit with rockin' tunes while also having the ability to chill out the crowd with some cool reggae beats.  These boys are based out of Mississauga, Ontario and have recently released their second studio album, which produced the major hit "Nothing Special." 

You know a concert is good when more than just the lead singer is able to entertain.  This was definitely the case with illScarlett as Johnny Doherty, the bassist, jumped around doing the tongue wag and the whole band co-coordinated head banging along with the crowd.  Meanwhile lead guitarist Will Marr roused enough interest simply by sporting a head of massive dreads adding to the reggae atmosphere of many of illScarlett's songs.  And, of course, lead singer Alex Norman was a delight to watch as he showed a lot of facial expression in accordance with the lyrics of each song.

This show comes very recommended whether you are familiar with the bands or not, both have the undeniable ability to entertain a crowd.  Faber Drive and illScarlett absolutely complement each other right down to the incredible confidence and obvious enjoyment of loving what they do to both producing amazing cover songs (Faber Drive: "Died in Your Arms Tonight"-Air Supply; illScarlett: "All That She Wants"-Ace of Base).  This is a show you don't want to miss.