Show: King Khan & BBQ Show + Milk Lines
Venue: Bar le Ritz PDB, Montreal
Date: Monday, November 16th, 2015
Earlier in the day, a colleague pointed out the dangers of attending concerts since the unfortunate Friday attacks in Paris (he's scared of many things in life). Whatever. They can't keep us from living. You'll all agree with me when I tell you there are many ways to die right?
Being shot by someone deranged is just one of them. Heck, I might get hit by a car tomorrow. I'd rather live
my life as if everyday was my last.
Had some intestinal problems (severe gas, it happens to everybody). Arrived late at the Ritz, was too busy at home blow drying my stomach to relieve the pain. Milk Lines had already started.
Milk Lines
This Toronto or Montreal band (am all mixed up) is excellent as usual. Have been a fan for I guess what seems like a while now. Love the mixture of psychedelic and country in their sound. Exceptionally, Bloodshot Bill was on drums that evening. Emily Bitze had again some pitch problems, mostly when forcing her voice. Beautiful other times though, as on "Another Breed". Apart from that, everything was a 100% awesome. Their first LP was just released with In The Red Records. Have been waiting a stretch for that.
King Khan & BBQ Show steps on stage in full outfit as is usually the case. Couldn't help myself looking at King Khan's golden crotch. Have always been attracted by gold.
King Khan & BBQ Show
Not only are they super-duper live but they speak their mind. Sound wasn't great though, couldn't understand everything that was said. Bits and parts only. Like "Diva Cup all dressed" and "Tampons are killing the seals" (King Khan). Also, as a reaction to the violent mosh pit on the floor, "This is safe place!" "Suck my dick" "You could be making love to those girls and not punching them" (BBQ). Tried taking a picture of the turbulent floor when some stranger beside me gave me the finger. Love the pic!
King Khan & BBQ Show
The show ended early, no encore. Went straight home to bed with my Milk Lines vinyl. Slept like a baby. No more gas problems. Just saying.
Show: The Multiple Cat
Venue: Casa Del Popolo
Date: Saturday, November 7th, 2015
Saturday, March 8th, 2014. Sala Rossa. Lila Dit Ça was playing for the last time. The reason I was in attendance. Heard good things though from The Multiple Cat also set to play. Them being from Iowa, was very curious. I've been to Iowa a few times, having family there. Some Iowans are weird. Just saying. Turns out, that March evening, many things happened which I wasn't aware of. A couple among the crowd was being a pain in the ass, insulting the musicians while they were playing. It resulted in a fight outside between M, an attendee, and the girl. Actually the girl started beating him 'cause M insulted her boyfriend. I guess some Montrealers are weird also.
Was pleasantly surprised by The Multiple Cat. Even if the drums were played by a machine. Bought their record and approached Patrick Stolley. He mentioned trying a poutine while in town so I believe I suggested he go to L'Anecdote. He didn't understand a thing I said. Told him to forget it and walked away. There was no point in screaming right?
The Multiple Cat
Fast forward a year and we're at the Casa del Popolo. Same crowd, same friends. I heard M promise he wouldn't start a fight. This time The Multiple Cat is a three men band. We have some drums. Many think their live shows aren't as good as their recorded albums, not as many layers in sound. It is indeed different but not in a bad way. The melodies are so good and catchy you dance along to the music no matter what. The fact is, I like things simple and straightforward in life (I'm rambling here).
Got to hear their latest songs. In general more upbeat than the previous ones. But then again is that possible? The drummer was funny. No shoulder movement (doesn't take anything from his drumming capabilities though). Patrick Stolley, the lead singer, had some problems with the higher range notes. Even coughed at some point and said "son of a". I would've added "gun". No need in staying polite.
They have great song titles. "Magic That Work's" followed immediately by "Magic That Doesn't Work" is a good example. The melodies are also very good. It sounds so innocent.
Anyhow. You can take a listen on their bandcamp. Or here.
The next morning, on the way to a café in order to write this post, cross path with them. We're on Rachel street. A block away from L'Anecdote. You never know.
Show: Nots + Joanna Gruesome + more
Venue: Sala Rossa, Montreal
Date: Tuesday, October 27th, 2015
Enjoy last minute decisions. Had not planned on attending that evening. A friend I had meant to go with fell asleep at home (has a kid, completely reasonable) and am saving money to pay bills (bills are unreasonable).
Changed my mind.
At the Sala Rossa on Saint-Laurent boulevard. Cup of joe in me, alert for Joanna Gruesome and Nots. Or almost.
Joanna Gruesome at the Sala Rossa.
JG is awesome despite having technical issues throughout the set. Very good performers, six on stage. Better live than recorded. Then again, haven't found anything recorded recently with the new band member (or band members, am all mixed up)*. The guitar player on the left with the mix-matched socks and "Personal Best" t-shirt was the most loquacious when it came time to divert us from their technical problems. Mentioned a) the beauty of watching a band play live many times in a row and b) touring is much more fun when you're drinking. A beautiful singing voice. Soothing when everything else is loud (loud in a good way). A killer contrast. Kate Stonestreet in the middle (Alanna McArdle replacement) is the one that lets out screams with a heart, only we couldn't hear much. Sound on mic not loud enough. "Two of us aren't from Wales. We're sorry about that." she told us as the set started. The bass player to her left always had his back to us. Still good though, seems he was dancing to the beat. The whole bunch was having fun you know? It makes quite a difference. Was a blast to listen. All that noise (in a good way) and soothing voices.
Nots. Sound check was scary. There was something about lead singer Natalie Hoffmann's screams that made me not want to be the sound check guy. A good set. No long breaks between songs. Just long enough for Hoffmann to take a sip of beer. Alexandra Eastburn on the synths is an added bonus to the music only she looked under some type of influence. How the hell should I know though. It's been 20 years since I've taken any drugs. The self-destructive thing I do nowadays is attend concerts without ear plugs. Anyhow, if you want a good experience at a Nots concert, you stand in the middle and stare at Hoffmann. She'll stare right back you with a dare.
Natalie Hoffmann. Photo Joshua Miller.
* Trying to find their names on the web, they all have Gruesome as a last name. Confusing me all the more.
Show: Protomartyr + Growwing Pains + Fred Thomas
Venue: Bar le Ritz PDB, Montreal
Date: Monday, October 12th, 2015
Attended alone as I sometimes do but rarely felt so lonely. An odd Thanksgiving day. Spent it with friends and family, watched the Blue Jays hit home runs. But also waited for a guy I had a few dates with to bring me back my guitar. Whatever we had, it ended abruptly.
Arrived on time (or early one would say). Only a few present. The usual Monday evening at the Ritz. Everything was set up. The crowd was all that was needed. Time will give us that.
The first set, Fred Thomas. Originally from Michigan, just moved to Montreal. Was his first show in this new town. Only him and his guitar.
Fred Thomas
Could've been awful since he wasn't singing much. Half talking, half chanting. Also, no band to back him up. Turns out it wasn't awful at all. Turns out I loved it. Turns out the lyrics were great.
Kind of depressing. Lots of despair. Said, as he presented a song, "I'll keep it kind of short, not so sweet". Could've been the whole set. He gave us a visual on our society not often done in music. Quite refreshing. Am probably not allowed to post lyrics on this page. But he's got a Tumblr site with all the lyrics. You should take a look.
Next set was Growwing Pains. They reminded me of the Black Lips (but doesn't everything remind me of The Black Lips?). Really though, I can't say for sure because all I was doing was staring at the drummer Jake Kmiecik. Somewhat talented you know?
Thinking back, I could've been dancing to their music. Only, the day was starting to get to me.
The crowd was enjoying the live act. Someone continuously screamed "yeah!", wish he had more vocabulary.
Was dead asleep standing up as Protomartyrstepped on stage. Love those guys. Second time at a live show of theirs. Lead singer Joe Casey looks much older than he really is with his suit and posture. One hand in the pocket, the other on the mic.
Protomartyr
The lyrics are backed up with exclamations in his voice. Much more essential than any notes used. I wouldn't even care if he were pitchy. Great musicians with him. Gives it a heavy sound with a modern touch. Loved it.
Will try to drink some coffee next time they stop by though. Also will keep myself from ending any type of relationship on the same day.
Show: MRCY Fest – Alabama Shakes · Local Natives · July Talk · Safia Nolin
Venue: Espace Montmorency, Laval
Date: Saturday, September 26th, 2015
Will just share my favorite moments of the day. Will not mention that Misterwives were extremely overexcited of playing around noon. That Claude Bégin looked bored on stage playing with his buds from Alaclair Ensemble, that guy is weird. That I felt bad for DJ Lary Kidd filling in for Angel Haze. That there weren't enough food trucks at the event. Won't be mean.
First up. Safia Nolin. Absolutely love her. She's the opposite of over the top. Even with the melodies. Am I wrong when I say I hear half notes? Beautiful voice, beautiful lyrics, beautiful everything in its minimalism. I love that part in "Valse à l'envers"when she sings "ne me touches pas"*, the notes used fit perfectly the lyrics. You understand what she's saying, what's the meaning behind them.
I've met her a few times, she's humble. I believe her songs are a reflection of who she is. Joseph Marchand, her musical partner, accompanied her perfectly on stage. Some extra high notes added on his guitar to the sometimes low ones of Safia Nolin.
Safia Nolin & Joseph Marchand
The set ended with the crowd singing him happy birthday (the day before). Also ended with a girl among us on the floor imitating her in a mocking tone. It's all good if you don't like Safia Nolin's music. But if you are to make fun of her songs or simply her, you better be smarter than that.
Next. July Talk. I've heard them before on the radio and didn't think much of it to tell you the truth. But holly molly is it a whole other thing live. This band from Toronto uses perfectly well the duality between the two voices. One is hoarse (Peter Dreimanis) and the other one is sweet (Leah Fay). Recorded, I couldn't feel that duality. I feel it live though. They are great performers.
July Talk
A few songs were played from their upcoming album. Peter Dreimanis asked us crowd to be sincere and let them know if we didn't approve of them. Well, not being completely knowledgable of their music, relying only on this afternoon set, I much prefer the old songs. The new ones have more rock in them, less sweetness. Not that I don't like rock&roll. But in this case, I like opposing forces.
Leah Fay moved around alot. She also spat (or drooled) on a speaker, walked away for a second then back to wipe it with her dress. Stole hats from the crowd. Crawled on the stage. Whatnot.
There have been periods in my life when I have ceased listening to music. For reason's I will not explain here, the last years of the 2000's were non-musical years. This is why I knew only Local Natives by name. Don't even recognize the cover art of their first album (which was apparently a hit) released in 2009, Gorilla Manor. I hear them for the first time this Saturday. It's quite enjoyable to tell you the truth. They are good musicians. I kinda had an eye for the drummer Matt Frazier simply because he was drumming without really drumming. In other words, didn't look like an effort to him, he could've been cooking eggs. Also, love it that there's no lead singer. Keyboardist Kelcey Ayer has a singular voice even if pitchy at times.
Local Natives
Local Natives' Taylor Rice
They mentioned this concert being special. Playing in Montreal where they have recorded before and considering this set as being the last one before recording the next album.
I loved it. Own Gorilla Manor now.
Alabama Shakes. Last but definitely not least. Here's another band where songs are good recorded but great live. You just feel the music when Brittany Howard sings in front of you.
Brittany Howard from Alabama Shakes
The night before was at a monthly bar event called Mess Around. The best place to go dancing in Montreal (Divan Orange) in my not so humble (at times) opinion. Mess Around is Nick Osicka and Ben Shulman playing 45rpm's of early Soul/R&B. Don't know most of the songs they play but you guess where the songs lead. You can anticipate your next dance move solely around the beat. If someone asks what type of music is Alabama Shakes, you'll say some Soul some R&B right? But there's a difference. The beat changes. Am almost never aware when a song begins or ends. You have to be alert if you want to dance well.
They played "Heartbreaker", my favorite song of theirs. Thought I knew from beginning to end. Turns out I don't. Check it out.
I'd just like to add I have complete and utterly respect for the Alabama Shakes.
That was that for MRCY. Thank you for the candy in VIP lounge.
xoxo China
Show: Timber Timbre
Venue: Le National
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2015
Been thinking lately of the healing value of music. I'd even say medicinal. There are many ways to deal with problems. For me jogging is not it. Drawing, writing and music is it. Had I not had access to any of the three growing up I'd be heavily medicated. Going to concerts can be a small gamble. But it's so worth it. Sometimes you end up witnessing something magical. You leave the venue transformed. Last night at Le National, the sparks were among us.
First of all, Taylor Kirk, Simon Trottier, Mathieu Charbonneau, Bucky Wheaton and the saxophonist (if someone knows his name please let me know) are extremely talented. They transformed songs engraved in our memories. Had any other musicians done that it could have been a let down. This time we welcomed with open arms the change. (Except maybe for the tempo on "Magic Arrow")
Second of all, no photographs allowed. Was with friend V who thought that request was completely nonsense. She took a few pics until a fan reminded her of of the no pictures policy. Surprisingly enough, V listened. She ceased taking photographs. We left the venue afterwards thankful of that. We miss the surrounding beauty when glued to our phones.
Third, the lights. The first time I saw Timber Timbre perform, the stage was pitch black. Didn't understand why. This time the stage had some lighting but not enough for us to see clearly the musicians. We felt the music, we weren't watching the musicians play.
And of course, let's not forget that Taylor Kirk has no pitch problems.
Anything else is unexplainable. We left the venue in awe and a bit healed.*
Write to you soon.
xx China
* It was almost perfect. I say almost 'cause my mood was disturbed by what I overheard as we were leaving. Behind me were members of a Montreal band I like (and reviewed before on this blog). They mentioned having sold to a fan their last vinyl three or four times its price. And then they laughed. I didn't really think it was funny. Unless I'm writing for rreverb, I pay to attend concerts. Maybe it will change in the future but now that is how things are. I tell you, will no longer pay to attend one of their performances.
My niece Sandrine joined me that evening. Brought her camera, took a few pictures. I love her and am so happy she'll be joining me once in a while with camera. A little hiccup yesterday though. Her fully charged battery ran out after the first set. It happens.
Birds of Paradise. photo Sandrine Cadieux
Birds of Paradise. photo Sandrine Cadieux
Birds of Paradise. photo Sandrine Cadieux
Birds of Paradise. Took a look at a clip of theirs beforehand ("Ghost of a Lover"). Not my type of music, didn't expect to enjoy the performance. Turns out it's the first time I really listen to Roy Vucino's voice that evening. Quite beautiful. A lot of character.
Crosss
Second set, Crosss. They're good but I've said this before, the music is odd. I like it a little bit more every time I see them. Still, it's going to take a while.
Milk Lines
Third set, Milk Lines. Love them. King Khan & BBQ Show posted their music on Facebook, been a fan ever since. Emily Clarke, who's voice is perfect for that sound, was not as pitchy as she can be sometimes. And I believe Jeff Clark sang on a few more songs than he usually does. Good! They're releasing an album soon. Y était temps.
Last up, Ponctuation. First heard of them in an AV Club article. They were playing M pour Montréal. They are good performers. Only, last night the crowd wasn't doing much. Just listening. I kinda got bored. Drank my last beer at the bar. Sorry guys.
Ponctuation
As I was heading home on Rachel street, ran into a very drunk girl trying to walk on the sidewalk. She was barefoot, holding the shoes by the laces. Kept dropping them also. I figured she needed someone to walk with. A tourist from Sweden, her Airbnb wasn't too far. The ten block conversation was on how awful men were. The day before, a guy approached her and told her something despicable. It got to her, enraged her. She wouldn't tell me what it was. Mysteries.
Sometimes I hate men. But really, I love them. Sometimes I write nonsense. Don't go taking me seriously. All of you are much better musicians than I ever will be.
