Concert Reviews

Gord Downie And The Country Of Miracles @ Le National

November 8 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews


Fame and artistic talent are tricky things to manage. Consider the case of Gord Downie, who has both. He's the lead singer of the Tragically Hip. Maybe you've heard of them. Or maybe you're not from Canada. Gord, however, is no simple Canadian semi-alt-rock megastar. He's also a poet.

Devin Townsend @ Petit Campus

November 8 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews

Bonobo @ Le National

November 8 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews

Phoenix @ CEPSUM

November 8 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews


Imagine the greatest of ironies: a French rock group from Versailles travels across the ocean to the most populous French city in North America, gets booked at a French-language University by French promotion, and plays their American Grammy-winning album to a sold-out majority-French crowd…in English. Such a paradox might confuse objective observers, but for montrealers, it is the music scene. And it is exactly what took place on October 21st, 2010 at the Complexe Sportif de l'Université de Montréal.

Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan @ Cabaret JPR

November 4 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews

The other day, I skipped out on the 2nd half of my radio program in order to catch Mark Lanegan & Isobel Campbell play Cabaret JPR. Driving from CJLO studios to St-Laurent Boulevard took under ten minutes due to some speeding, whirling in and out of lanes and running to the venue from my parking spot. Totally worth it.

Bad Religion @ Metropolis

October 28 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews

 

Jason Collett @ Il Motore

October 27 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews

As always, Jason Collett could be spotted in the shadowy back corner of the bar as soon as I walked in, his eyes fixed on the opening act. Tonight, he and the rest of the small crowd at Il Motore were treated to a quiet, folky set from Daniel Romano, better known as the frontman for Attack in Black and the Daniel part of Daniel, Fred & Julie.

 

Blonde Redhead @ Metropolis

October 27 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews

Deerhunter @ La Tulipe

October 25 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews

“How are you?”

Black Label Society @ Metropolis

October 18 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews

When one goes to a Black Label Society show, they are sure to witness a few things. Entire redneck families (including young children) come to represent their set, as well as an army of middle-aged dudes in jean jackets and bad pants. Drunk girls line the venue and there's a 100% chance of getting beer spilled upon you. There will be lots of guitar solos, as well as posturing. The colour black will soon become the only thing you see as you try to mingle with the drunk throng.

Winter Gloves @ Il Motore

October 14 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews

Winter Gloves launched their new CD, All Red, at Il Motore on Friday, Sept. 24th. This Montreal-based synth pop outfit is a newcomer to the indie scene, but have made it big, being named Best New Artist by iTunes Canada after their debut release, About a Girl in 2008. Their curious instrumentation (including a Wurlitzer and a synth bass) have garnered them a spot in the hearts of fans.

Les Savy Fav @ The Little Burgundy Pop Loft (Pop Montreal)

October 11 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews
In another showcase of late night festival mayhem, I had the pleasure of experiencing Les Savy Fav live and in person for the first time ever. Being a late adopter of their brand of high octane, zany post-hardcore madness, I was warned that it would be an amazing live show. No one who commented would elaborate much, but each of them promised that the venue would likely be marred from the experience.

Holy Fuck / Indian Jewelry / Bad Tits @ The Little Burgundy Pop Loft (Pop Montreal)

October 11 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews

After finishing my radio show, I hopped into my car with Acetate Gratified host Lachlan F and we headed down to the venue.  It must be said that this place (for the uninitiated) is not easy to find if you rely on Google Maps.  We parked somewhere close to the bottom of the mountain on the west side of Parc Avenue and it turned out we were a few kilometres off base.  Go ahead and search for 6600 rue Hutchison and you will be pinned on someone's doorstep near the McGill ghetto.

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

October 11 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews

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

Deerhoof @ La Tulipe (Pop Montreal)

October 11 2010 // Magazine // Concert Reviews


Deerhoof has finally arrived! With a huge fan base in Montreal, Deerhoof has been taking their sweet time to play a show here, but Pop Montreal finally twisted their arm enough this year to get them to come out and play La Tulipe on October 1st. Their abstract pop has been seeping into the ears of Montrealers since their 1997 release, The Man, The King, The Girl. Their prolific EP career and generous free electronic tracks makes them a constant fan favourite. Plus the fact that they are so damn cute.

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