PASA Musik Showcase @ Club Lambi

My last night of Pop Montreal festivities was spent at the PASA Musik Showcase. I made my way to Club Lambi to take in the sounds of Sarah MK, La Bronze, and Elsiane.

Of the three performing females, I was most familiar with Sarah MK. The last time I heard her perform was at Conn-Shawnery's CS02 record launch. Her Worth It CD from last year caught fire on CJLO charts and playlists. I naturally looked forward to the moment she sang "Think Dat". The songstress can also rap which could make for an interesting album if she were inclined to do so.

Next to perform was La Bronze, a group consisting of a keyboardist, guitarist, the singer and occasional background vocalists. To my surprise, the small drum kit being set up after Sarah MK's set was for the singer. It is not often that we get to see a female drummer and singer. What is even rarer is to see a female drummer and singer spontaneously break into dance choreography at any time. That happened that night at Club Lambi, and added to an already lively performance. In most cases, the drums are in the background of songs. With La Bronze, the drums are at the forefront of the music. For those who like their music on the heavier, percussive side, La Bronze's sounds are for you.

Elsiane closed off the night's trio of female performers. At one point when she was preparing her next song, I heard someone near me call the names of Enya and Bjork in describing her effect on him. Elsiane was the most unique vocalist of the night, and of my Pop Montreal 2012 experience. My theory is that she may have been classically trained. Her singing quality was operatic in nature to me. It would be easy to do like the gentleman near me and compare her to other artists but that would rob her of her originality. She also brought a unique aura and stage presence to Club Lambi. The Pop Montreal performance was her last before leaving for a European tour. The new album is called Mechanics of Emotion.

A special note of mention to the showcase host JJanice and his fellow MC, the musicians present that night, the organizers and Beat The World's DJ Sugarface Nene for making this review possible.