Concert Reviews

Renee Rapp: A Woman for All Seasons

Renee Rapp, 23, star of HBO’s The Sex Lives of College Girls, demonstrated that she is not a one-trick pony at Montreal’s MTELUS on October 21, 2023. While playing Leighton on the series jumpstarted her career, Rapp used her following from the television show to promote her passion as she shared videos on social media of her singing original pop songs. Indeed, she may now be a more successful singer than actress as she went viral on numerous occasions which allowed Rapp the opportunity to travel the world on her ongoing “Snow Hard Feelings Tour” for her debut album Snow Angel


Frozen to Death at Le Studio TD, and it's Only November

“The best Montreal show we’ve ever played,” gasped Frozen Soul frontman Chad Green while wiping sweat off his face after a particularly energetic show. The Texas death metal act played at Le Studio TD last Thursday as part of their Assimila-Tour with 200 Stab Wounds, Judiciary, and Tribal Gaze.


Slow Pulp’s Contemplative Shoegaze Grunge Fills Bar Le Ritz

Slow Pulp is a dreamy Chicago-based band that formed in elementary school as a trio between guitarist Henry Stoehr, bass player Alexander Leeds, and drummer Theodore Mathews, before Emily Massey joined the band as their vocalist in 2017. Yard, their second full-length LP, was just released in September 2023.


Dope Lemon at L’Olympia: Pure Psychosis

What is it that is captured by the pseudonym of Dope Lemon? For one, it is a psychedelic experience orchestrated by Australian singer-songwriter, Angus Stone. Listeners might as well gear up with their bell bottoms and a tightly rolled joint, as Stone’s music very much mimics the sensations of lying in the beating sun at late-1960s Woodstock. The strong folk and indie influences from Stone’s earlier musical duo, alongside sister Julia Stone, carry through into his newest project, Dope Lemon. Dope Lemon was established as Stone’s new artistic front in 2016.


Laufey Bewitches Theatre Beanfield

Laufey's Bewitching tour truly is representative of its name. The 24-year-old is currently the most streamed jazz musician on Spotify. She holds inspiration from Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Oscar Peterson, and Taylor Swift. Saturday, October 28th, the Icelandic singer took the stage to perform her latest album Bewitched at Theatre Beanfield.


Genesis Owusu @ Le Studio TD

How do you one-up yourself after a theatrical live debut, a sold-out orchestral show in Sydney, and an opening slot for Paramore? If you’re Genesis Owusu, you don’t. You reset, you go back to basics, proving your talent in a singular vision only an artist of your calibre can provide. On October 18, Montreal had the privilege of catching the genre-defying artist live on the STRUGGLER tour, supporting his acclaimed sophomore album of the same name. 


Nick Cave Delivers a Moving Performance in Montreal

Australian singer-songwriter Nick Cave played to a sold out crowd at the Sir Wilfred Pelletier theatre this past Thursday, putting an acoustic spin on his diverse repetoire.


Violent Femmes Deliver Angst and Excitement to MTELUS

October 12th, 2023 was a time capsule to teenage angst for the band, Violent Femmes, at the 40th-anniversary tour of their self-titled debut album at MTELUS.

This Folk Punk Band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin found critical acclaim in 1983, when this first record, filled with youthful yearning and anger, was released. The tracks, written by Gordon Gano, the lead singer and guitarist, at the young age of 18, explore themes of sexual expression, anger, love, lust, and wanting your dad to lend you his car. 


Devendra Banhart Brings the Groove to Theatre Beanfield

Venezuelan-American indie icon Devendra Banhart stopped by Montreal’s Theatre Beanfield on October 7th with his Flying Wig tour, showcasing his newfound dark and synth-filled sound. 


Two Eyes on Lil Yachty

In the ever-evolving music landscape, Lil Yachty has carved a unique mark for himself through his genre-bending, distinctly charismatic, and memorable sound. His boundless creativity translates not only through his music but through every aspect of his performance. Yachty’s vision was brought to life through engaging visuals, corresponding lighting, and breathtaking harmonies at MTELUS on September 27th in Montreal. 

Lil Yachty's new album Let’s Start Here is a radical departure from his previous musical style, introducing a psychedelic rock sound that has received critical acclaim. MTELUS welcomed Lil Yachty on his The Field Trip tour, creating a basically perfect concert.


Tiny Fest 2023 Day 2: A Captivating Showcase of Underground Music

Worst Dad Ever, a booking company that hosts DIY festivals and shows, presented Tiny Fest 2023 in collaboration with Casa Del Popolo in Montreal on October 6th and 7th. Despite the name, this year’s Tiny Fest #3 celebrated local singers, musicians, and bands of all genres, introducing Montrealers to new underground music. 


Tiny Fest 2023 Day 1: Diverse and Intimate Shows in the Heart of the Plateau

Tiny Fest 2023 kicked off Friday, October 6th across the Plateau venues Casa del Popolo, La Sala Rossa, and La Sotterenea. This year marked the third iteration of the micro-festival produced by Montreal booking agency Worst Dad Ever, sponsored by CJLO 1690 AM and Norla Hats. Despite the rainy weather and the first crisp evening air of fall, Montrealers packed into the three venues beside Boulevard Saint Joseph to watch short sets from beloved local artists plus more bands from across Canada and the United States. 


Bahamadia and Shabazz Palaces: Two Giants of the Jazz Rap Scene Grace POP Montreal 2023

There are very few things that can make hip hop lovers stop dead in their tracks and this year POP Montreal was definitely held responsible for a skipped heartbeat or two. Whether fans got the news from the posters plastered around the city or from having their thumbs come to a sudden halt from the usual continuous scrolling, the word was out. Two giants from the jazz rap scene, Bahamadia and Shabazz Palaces were playing together for POP. 


Wu-Tang Clan and Nas Bring a New York State of Mind to Montreal

The Wu-Tang Clan and Nas brought a fresh slice of New York City rap to Laval this Monday night, playing to a packed Place Bell crowd.

While the artists have been touring under their New York State of Mind bill since 2022, this year’s run of shows falls during the celebration of hip hop’s 50th anniversary. As the story goes, the genre itself was spawned at a party in the Bronx in the summer of 1973 - giving the tour’s New York State of Mind moniker extra stopping power.


Cannibal Corpse Bring Mayhem to l’Olympia

Cannibal Corpse, Mayhem, Gorguts, and Blood Incantation steamrolled through Montreal this past Thursday, playing to a sold-out crowd at l’Olympia theatre.


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