POP Montreal returned for its annual weekend of concert after concert spread over 5 days, with over 400 artists and bands playing at over 50 venues across the city. On Friday, CJLO staff attended a few of the shows POP had to offer

Lisa Rupnik

It’s not often you witness a band’s rise to stardom unfold in real-time, but for Irish post-punkers Fontaines DC, it’s evident they’re on the fast track to world-renowned rock star status. With every new release, the shows grow larger, the crowds become more fervent, and the band’s presence in the music world becomes increasingly undeniable.

Arriving at the venue not too long before 8:00 PM proved to be just in the nick of time, which was a stark reminder of how much condo developers in Montréal have changed the live music landscape. In light of the recent closing of La Tulipe and the loss of Le Divan Orange back in 2017, both over noise complaints by new neighbours, venues like Bar "Le Ritz" P.D.B seem to be pushing the start times earlier to avoid the same consequence.

Under the soft amber glow of candlelight at The Balcony, Toronto-based collective Lavender Town delivered a soulful night that blurred the lines between jazz and hip-hop.