The Asexuals / The 222s / Hollerado @ Cabaret JPR (Pop Montreal)

On a night that featured dozens of artists performing in and around the city, there was only one show in Montreal I had my heart set on for the last month or so…

The Asexuals – Original Lineup - ONE NIGHT ONLY – With the 222s and Hollerado

If you’re from Montreal, and you’re familiar with its legendary punk rock past, then you probably swell up with pride at the mere mention of John Kastner, Alex Soria or Psyche Industry records. It’s fair to say that much of the show’s attendees had most likely been part of an Asexuals circle pit at Foufounes some 20+ years ago. It wouldn’t be a stretch to assume that many of these concert goers hadn’t seen each other, since.

That’s what made this concert that much more gratifying.

Stepping into the Cabaret on this particular night was not only a homecoming for this legendary punk quartet, it was a well-overdue reunion of music lovers and mutual friends. Friends that were (and still are) part of Montreal’s music scene in the ‘80s and ‘90s with The Doughboys, Asexuals, Me Mom & Morgentaler, The 222s and the Nils, among others.

Since this was a busy night on the town, I had missed what was apparently a terrific opening set by Ottawa-area power-poppers Hollerado. I bought their Record in a Bag a few months back due to its novelty, and a few friendly recommendations; I will now listen to it again on the assumption that I’ll enjoy it more, for some reason, this time. Does that make sense?

Following them was one of Montreal’s original punk rock groups, the legendary 222s. Sadly, I had missed their earlier reunion shows during Toronto’s NXNE festival this past summer. It would be safe to say that it wouldn’t happen again, as they were no ordinary opening act. If you were there, what you saw was a  one-man entertainment android whose sole purpose was to keep your eyes from blinking. Yes, Chris Barry, frontman of the 222s mesmerized the packed house with stage moves straight out of Mick Jagger’s playbook. Along with punk rock gems like “Hold Up” and “Academic Drop” he and his band mates delivered one of the finest opening sets I’ve experienced in ages.

As a band that has distinct sonic ties to the Stooges and the New York Dolls, I pray they don’t follow suit and release new material on par with “Cause I Sez So” or “The Weirdness”, that would be just plain awful.

After a brief intermission, the months of anticipation had finally led up to this: John Kastner, Sean Friesen, T.J Collins and Paul Remington took to the stage for the first time in 25 years. As the lights dimmed, the signature drum/bassline to “Be What You Want” began, and the wait was finally over. The Asexuals were back, and though it might’ve only been a brief homecoming of sorts, the crowd was more than thrilled to be witnessing one of the most astounding reunions to hit our fair city.

The audience consisted of seasoned punk veterans, long-time fans, squeegee kids, music geeks and parents that paid the babysitter a little extra for the night. The one thing everyone had in common, was the goofy teenaged grin that wouldn’t go away for 24 hours. As a first time attendee (I was 2 when the Primitive Air-Raid comp came out), I was knocked senseless, figuratively AND literally in the circle pit near the front of the stage. A fan resembling Andre the Giant was really good at kick-starting ‘em… kudos!

In all honesty, it was tough not to go nuts during the show. There was the furious pace of “Contra Rebel”, the need to sing along to classics “Ego Trip” and “New World Order”, along with a few other surprises left in store. Take for instance, the classic Asexuals version of Dylan’s “The Times They Are A Changin’”, or perhaps their feverish take on “Pressure Drop”, undoubtedly one of the catchiest songs ever penned. Their encore featured a ground-shaking version of The Clash’s “Safe European Home” and closing the night was a fitting ode to the Nils with “Young Man In Transit”.

Although The Asexuals received some stiff competition from other PopMtl venues that night, this was the only show that was a true necessity. Over the last couple of days, I’d had my fill of lame electro-pop, over-hyped parties and douches attempting to bring the moustache back. Instead of talking to brain-dead fashionista scenesters, I met people in the middle of comparing the ‘Mats & Hüsker Dü to The Asexuals and The Doughboys. Rather than discussing guestlists or the avant-garde… I met a man who played a mean air-guitar… WITH HIS CANE !!!?!

Best show of the year, so far. (And hey, if you missed it… I shot a few videos and put e’m on Youtube)

”Pressure Drop”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMxdfz_L9pU
”Ego Trip”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjNh_FgiWOQ&feature=related

Mike B
The Lonesome Strangers
Playing his Mixtapes, Tuesday nights from 8 to 10pm