Concert Reviews

Torquil Campbell's True Crime Fascination

It has been said that the best lies contain an element of truth to them.


Kacey Musgraves at MTELUS, Jan 12, 2019

Photo: Kelly Christin Sutton

“You guys are ready to fucking yee-haw!”

It wasn’t a lie when Kacey Musgraves made that exclamation near the beginning of her show at MTELUS over the weekend.  Despite bitter-cold temperatures (a situation Musgraves also colourfully expressed concern and sympathy over), it couldn’t keep down the palpable excitement of an audience hungry to hear their country queen.


Still Woozy At Le Ministére, Jan 20 2019

 

Still Woozy fans braved the biggest snow storm of the year to see their show at le Ministère, and they got their money’s worth. Despite the one-hour delay, the young energetic crowd really enjoyed both Victor! and Still Woozy’s  performances.


A$AP Rocky At Place Bell, Jan 13 2019

Photo: Kaya Martin

A$AP Rocky’s “Injured Generation” tour took to Place Bell on Sunday night to treat fans to a stadium show based on his 2018 album TESTING.  

A$AP Rocky is the most popular member of Harlem rap collective A$AP Mob that began to gain popularity in 2011 after the release of his debut single “Peso” and his Live. Love. A$AP. mixtape. The rapper has since gone on to become a fashion icon in the music industry, and has also been featured in several movies.


Ensiferum at Théâtre Corona, Jan 9 2019

Truth be told, I hadn’t delved into Ensiferum’s music before summer 2017 when I caught them at Montebello Rockfest. I was, however, turned into an instant fan when their pulsating anthems roared into my unsuspecting ears. Really, what I learned that day was the strength of Ensiferum’s music, and their most recent visit to Montreal’s Corona Theatre (all the way from Finland no less) further confirmed it. You don’t need to be an Ensiferum fan to enjoy their show. The melodic nature of their songwriting is enough to sing along to just about any of their songs, while being fast and aggressive at the same time.


The Internet at MTELUS, Dec 8 2018

The Hive Mind Tour by The Internet and Moonchild came through Montreal at MTELUS on Dec 8 2018 with a concert incomparable to any I have ever seen.


Jorja Smith at MTELUS, Dec 18 2018

Photo: Louis Pavlakos

Performing at her sold out show on Tuesday December 19th at MTELUS, the lovely Jorja Smith blessed us with her amazing vocal range and an unforgettable tone.


Playboi Carti at MTELUS, Dec. 1 2018

Playboi Carti made a stop in Montreal on Saturday night as part of his Neon Tour, and an eager crowd awaited the artist’s much-delayed performance at MTELUS.

Atlanta native and long-time A$AP Mob affiliate Playboi Carti is on the last stretch of his tour,  continuing to promote his debut studio album Die Lit that dropped in May 2018.  The album came after the success of Carti’s eponymous debut mixtape, featuring his breakout single “Magnolia” that put eyes on the 22-year-old trap rapper. 


Sloan at Cafe Campus, Nov 27 2018

For those looking to relive the 90s, there’s no better news than a 30th anniversary performance possibly in the works of the debut album by Halifax power-pop quartet Sloan. “Four nights at the Foufounes!” bassist Chris Murphy told the crowd, before adding that he hopes to assemble the other acts that played their first Montreal show.

Murphy was joking, of course, because Sloan is nowhere close to being a nostalgia act.


H.E.R. at MTELUS, Nov 20 2018

One of the most inspiring concerts I’ve been to in a while. I Used to Know Her Tour features young artists who have multitasked attending school while pursuing their passion. They are ambitious souls who are born to entertain.


Fucked Up at La Sala Rossa, Nov 4 2018

For a Sunday night, Montreal had many options for concert goers on Nov 4th. Metalheads seemed divided between seeing Behemoth at MTelus or Windhand at le Belmont. Personally, I was originally planning on seeing some good ol’ Quebec grindcore at l’Entre-Nous. That is, until I got word that Fucked Up would be in town, along with hardcore sound-alikes Mil-Spec.


Haken at l'Astral, Nov 1 2018

On Thursday Nov. 1, London-based progressive metal band Haken brought their North American tour to Montreal’s l’Astral. They were joined by Norwegian band Leprous and Boston-based band Bent Knee.

A line gathered early at the venue for the sold out show. I kept my reputation of being first in line and managed to get a front row spot for the concert.


Striker & Unleash The Archers: The Next Generation of Power Metal

On this legendary day, Edmonton’s power metal outfit Striker and British Columbia’s Unleash the Archers invaded the shores of Montreal.


Homeshake's Red Hot Night for POP Montreal

On Saturday night, a sold-out Rialto was hot and ready for one of Montreal’s finest indie singers of his generation. After two opening acts, first Cherry Monday, followed by Guy’s#, the young faces in the crowd started chanting and hollering at Homeshake as he was preparing his equipment on the stage.

 


CJLO @ FME 2018

The 18th edition of the Festival de Musique émergente, or FME, took place over the Labour Day weekend. From Thursday to Sunday, the city of Rouyn-Noranda was overflowing with music.
 

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