FLOBOTS + The People Under the Stairs @ Le Studio

By Shaun Huet-Hunt - Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em - 08/12/2008

A wonderful Tuesday night in Montreal -- the sun was shining, the birds were singing, the beats were banging and Le Studio held a show to keep curious Montreal residents on their toes. With nothing left to complain about in the Rant Line, residents were forced to pile themselves into a venue with the typical surroundings of a bar needing more than just Boreal beer.

First part, local Montrealer Boogat, along with his critically acclaimed pate de salamande Daniel Russo Garrido, tore up the stage with his French/Spanish vibe, connecting both worlds with flow and simplicity. Not to say his lyrics are simple -- he is one of Quebec’s modern-day poets, bringing light to French hip hop where simplistic dark Omnikrom styles prevail. With his manipulation of lyrical flow and use of his MPC, he helped bring across a message that there is hope for French hip hop in Quebec. The message is plain and simple, lets get over the past full of “83” and sans pression and let bands like Boogat and Accrophone lead the way for musical progression in French Hip-hop here in Quebec.

As another bad after-tasting Boreal was fetched from an okay looking bartender, intermission soon became the second act. This is where the party people in the place rolled up on stage with the L.A. hand signs flashing. The one and only People under the Stairs (Double K and Thes One, both MC and Beat makers) took the stage to deliver a real party performance. Two of the most well-known and talented artists haling from L.A, even if some confused Flobots fans were unaware, delivered a highly anticipated show on my part with flawless precision and chemistry that is rarely seen between MC’s. They really do know how to create a party and the music was there to keep the crowd entertained. Between Thes One’s random freestyles and Double K’s impressive stage presence, heads were rocking to the sounds of classics like “Blowin Wax” and “Acid Raindrops.” With their new album coming out on September 30th called Fun DMC, they were on top of their game and surpassed the expectations of all P.U.T.S. fans in the audience. People under the Stairs have proven that their sound can no longer be contained under the stairs; they will emerge, and the underground will have raised a funk child too smooth for the mainstream.

As a well deserved Jack and Coke was purchased from a now pretty good looking bartender, it was used to wash the bad boreal taste lingering in this long and silent intermission before the last set. The lights came on, the voices of the politically charged Flobots were heard, the crowd roared, and that’s when I saw the most beautiful violinist of my life. I fell in love, she plucked the heart strings of my soul as she played the first part of “Stand Up”. Our eyes met at one point...I think...maybe, but her presence on stage was enough to win this reviewers heart. I don’t know if it was the anti-bush lyrics, Johnny 5’s U.S.A bandana, or the emo looking guitarist, but I had butterfly’s in my stomach revolving around my soulmate on stage singing the backup lyrics to my dreams and dancing her way into my camera phone (not creepy at all).

In all seriousness, Flobots rocked. They deserve all fame and publicity they are receiving from what most are calling the most slept on album of the year, even if their songs can be heard on the Buzz. Their message is clear, their songs are powerful, and they put on a really good show. I am also happy to say, that me and the hot Flobots violinist are now happily married and are awaiting our second child, she will soon quit the band to take care of me and my complicated needs. God bless America.

Tune Into Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em with Shaun every Tuesday from 10PM – 12AM