The Burn Ins bring a blues-rock component to this year’s International Pop Overthrow. No shouting “Dwight Twilley!” at inopportune moments.

Pop music is alive and well. And no, we’re not talking about the Justin Bieber/Rihanna set, the kind played by folks who can afford million-dollar Hollywood Hills song doctors (not that there’s anything wrong with that, of course).

We’re talking about power pop—songs played with guitar/drums/bass, with plentiful melodic hooks and harmonies. In other words, the kind of pop music that pretty much became a commercial kiss-of-death following the break-up of the Beatles.

Every year, the International Pop Overthrow brings together purveyors of this wondrous sound, and sets up in different cities with different lineups. This year, the Vancouver edition runs Aug. 30-Sept. 2 at the Fairview Pub (898 West Broadway). If you’re looking for a (cheap—only $10!) night out that will leave you tapping your toe and humming a new favourite song, check out one of these shows. To help, we’ve highlighted a few of the bands playing. Continue reading:
Get ready for Vancouver’s power-pop event of the year!