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Dope Lemon In Vancouver
Dope Lemon in Vancouver was all about the vibes. On May 19th, the Australian singer-songwriter Angus Stone brought his psychedelic charm to the Malkin Bowl for the opening night of the Golden Wolf Tour. It marked Stone’s third visit to Vancouver this decade, and this time, it was in celebration. Earlier in May, he released his fifth studio album, Golden Wolf, a record already earning praise for its upbeat, playful energy. The album invites fans to hold onto familiar sounds while embracing Stone’s continued evolution.
True to form, Vancouver’s skies delivered rain. But that didn’t dampen the spirits of the thousands who turned up for one of their favourite Aussie indie rockers. Fans camped out on the muddy lawn, some lounging on the grass in the back, others wading through thick muck. Even had quite a few lining up for grilled cheese sandwiches from a vendor. It was both chaotic and genius. Simple comfort food that, judging by the line, made someone a lot of money that night.
The crowd was decked out in Dope Lemon merch from the Rose Pink Cadillac and Honey Bones eras. A few vintage Angus & Julia Stone shirts seen made a statement. For those unfamiliar, Angus & Julia Stone is a sibling duo formed in 2006. Though they initially disbanded in 2010 due to creative tension, but reunited in 2014. Since then, have collaborated with legends like Rick Rubin, releasing a few projects, most recently 2024’s Cape Forestier. By 7 p.m., as concertgoers settled in and the drizzle lightened, The Palms hit the stage and instantly won the city over.
The Palms Surprise Us All
Let’s clear the air, this isn’t that Palms with Chino Moreno. This is the genre-blending LA duo of Johnny Zambetti and Ben Rothbard, known for their infectious mix of indie, hip-hop, R&B, and reggae. And after their opening set, those names are ones many Vancouverites won’t soon forget. Their set, largely pulled from their 2024 album Wonderland, was a lively, high-energy showcase of California cool. Rothbard’s vocals carried a vibe reminiscent of Mark Foster (of Foster the People), while the instrumentation hinted at Gorillaz-style groove. Together, the duo delivered a performance that made it nearly impossible to stand still.
A surprise cover of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” left the crowd swooning, but it was “Ghost” that truly converted me, and, I suspect, many others. Driving home, their album “Mulholland Dr.” felt like the soundtrack to my life. Beyond the music, a standout detail is that The Palms own all their masters, a rare feat in today’s music landscape. Unfortunately, that came from the fallout of a rough debut deal, but it resulted in a fiercely independent spirit that fans can feel good supporting. So, next time you need something fresh for a road trip, or honestly, just need to groove, throw on The Palms. And now, for the big kahuna; Dope Lemon in Vancouver.
Ain't No Party Like An Aussie Party
This was the sixth psychedelic rock show I’ve covered in under eight months, you’d think I have a thing for the genre. Back in March, after Lime Cordiale’s set, I said, “Nobody puts on a show like the Aussies”. After Dope Lemon In Vancouver’s performance, I’m doubling down on that. Known for hits like “Rose Pink Cadillac,” “Marinade,” and more recently, “John Belushi,” the Malkin Bowl show felt like a celebration of it all. The second Angus emerged in a sharp black suit with white pinstripes, a crisp white dress shirt, and signature black shades, the crowd went wild. With guitar in one hand and an Asahi beer in the other, Stone looked every bit a rockstar and was ready to give Vancouver a night to remember.
Setlist & Highlights
With Golden Wolf as the night’s centerpiece, tracks like “Sugarcat,” “Electric Green Lambo,” and the title track got major love. But Stone didn’t neglect the past, peppering in songs from Kimosabé, Smooth Big Cat, and Rose Pink Cadillac. One unexpected and surreal touch was the appearance of two “backup dancers” sporting oversized cat-head masks. Bizarre? Yes. Perfectly fitting Lemon’s aesthetic? Also yes.
Musically, the performance blended perfectly layered textures, like if Arctic Monkeys had a jam session with Gorillaz, fronted by Tame Impala. It had a smooth, sexy 70s sound, reminiscent of something from a blaxploitation film. By the time the main set hit full stride, the rain had tapered off, and Vancouverites embraced the moment, dancing, muddy shoes and all.
Say Goodbye To Dope Lemon... For Now
In the end, Dope Lemon in Vancouver was everything it needed to be: intimate, immersive, and unforgettable. Even in an outdoor venue, there was something deeply personal about Angus’s presence, like his aura pulled everyone closer. As I walked back to my car, soaked shoes and all, I felt genuinely moved. I wasn’t alone. Fans around me buzzed with the kind of giddy post-show energy that sticks with you. This visit from Angus Stone felt different, more profound. It wasn’t just a concert, it was a moment. Speaking for the city, I can’t wait for what Dope Lemon’s future holds, nor can I wait to experience his next moment.
I want to thank Dope Lemon In Vancouver and their wonderful team for allowing us to witness and capture this incredible show. Since the tour has only just begun, feel free to check out dates or learn more on the artist here: https://dopelemon.com/
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