M for Montréal
Yesterday we went to M for Montréal. A showcase of Montreal based bands for European labels, concertpromotors en A & R managers. So basically we got to see the best export-ready bands in town.
The concerts took place in the Mile End Cultural Centre. Since they have 2 venues, you could see one band in the Main Hall and then go to the Green Room to catch the other band that started to play.
I'l give u the line up and my personal view:
DJ Killa Jewel
She filled up the silence in between bands. She knew how to scratch all right, but not how to mix beats. And sorry lassie, no one gets away with Sweet child of mine and Knockin' on heaven's door by Guns 'n Roses following each other.
The Lovely Feathers
At their best they sounded like Maxïmo Park, but usually the rhythm section (bass and drums) couldn't keep a straight 4/4. A hint of Arctic Monkeys and a singer/guitarplayer that looked like E. from Eels on speed. Back to the rehearsal room I say.
Taima
Folk/country with an Inuit singer. Usually sung in Inuit (remarkably how it resembles Icelandic and Finnish). Guess it could do well on folk festivals. But apart from the gorgeous lead singer, not worth another look.
The Besnard Lakes
Man, they were tight! Excellent harmonic vocals, sweeping melancholic melodies and great songwriting skills. Live they sounded like The Album Leaf meets Under Byen.
The Mission District
These teenagers looked like The Hives and played something well ... I dunno ... Franz Ferndinandish. But their recorded material sounds way more poppy and mainstream rock. (T. says Orson.) Their music might not be original, but their gig sure was energetic! And the bassplayer looked he timemachined himself straight out of an 80ies punk band.
Galaxie 500
Rock'n roll in French. Energy and a wall of sound meets the likes of Rocket From The Crypt with some Led Zep twists. Live pretty ok (but that might have been the whiskey that was as cheap as the beer:-)
Patrick Watson Band
Keep your eye (and ear out) for this band. With the right label, distribution and promotion, this could be the next big thing. A couple of gigs ago they were joined by Gary Lucas (THE guitarplayer and co-writer of Jeff Buckley's Grace album). And Patrick Watson's talent sure matches up with the late Jeff Buckley. Magic pianofingerwork, a good sense of humour backed up by intelligent killer songs with a nice dose of chaos and psychedelica. Their last song was completely acoustic, no mics and a packed venue with an audience so quiet coz afraid to miss anything of the song. RESPECT! Like our newly met very drunk friend Léonie (Irena you got a twinsis in Montreal) said: "C'était quelque chose d'historique!"
Champion & G-Strings
I bought the album "Chill'm all" last year when I was in Montreal. Besides the nice pun in the title, I think I never was able to listen to the full album. 4 guitars, 1 bass and electronic beats. The hip crowd from Mile End seemed to like that cookie, but I just ate the cream on top. We left after 5 minutes.
The concerts took place in the Mile End Cultural Centre. Since they have 2 venues, you could see one band in the Main Hall and then go to the Green Room to catch the other band that started to play.
I'l give u the line up and my personal view:
DJ Killa Jewel
She filled up the silence in between bands. She knew how to scratch all right, but not how to mix beats. And sorry lassie, no one gets away with Sweet child of mine and Knockin' on heaven's door by Guns 'n Roses following each other.
The Lovely Feathers
At their best they sounded like Maxïmo Park, but usually the rhythm section (bass and drums) couldn't keep a straight 4/4. A hint of Arctic Monkeys and a singer/guitarplayer that looked like E. from Eels on speed. Back to the rehearsal room I say.
Taima
Folk/country with an Inuit singer. Usually sung in Inuit (remarkably how it resembles Icelandic and Finnish). Guess it could do well on folk festivals. But apart from the gorgeous lead singer, not worth another look.
The Besnard Lakes
Man, they were tight! Excellent harmonic vocals, sweeping melancholic melodies and great songwriting skills. Live they sounded like The Album Leaf meets Under Byen.
The Mission District
These teenagers looked like The Hives and played something well ... I dunno ... Franz Ferndinandish. But their recorded material sounds way more poppy and mainstream rock. (T. says Orson.) Their music might not be original, but their gig sure was energetic! And the bassplayer looked he timemachined himself straight out of an 80ies punk band.
Galaxie 500
Rock'n roll in French. Energy and a wall of sound meets the likes of Rocket From The Crypt with some Led Zep twists. Live pretty ok (but that might have been the whiskey that was as cheap as the beer:-)
Patrick Watson Band
Keep your eye (and ear out) for this band. With the right label, distribution and promotion, this could be the next big thing. A couple of gigs ago they were joined by Gary Lucas (THE guitarplayer and co-writer of Jeff Buckley's Grace album). And Patrick Watson's talent sure matches up with the late Jeff Buckley. Magic pianofingerwork, a good sense of humour backed up by intelligent killer songs with a nice dose of chaos and psychedelica. Their last song was completely acoustic, no mics and a packed venue with an audience so quiet coz afraid to miss anything of the song. RESPECT! Like our newly met very drunk friend Léonie (Irena you got a twinsis in Montreal) said: "C'était quelque chose d'historique!"
Champion & G-Strings
I bought the album "Chill'm all" last year when I was in Montreal. Besides the nice pun in the title, I think I never was able to listen to the full album. 4 guitars, 1 bass and electronic beats. The hip crowd from Mile End seemed to like that cookie, but I just ate the cream on top. We left after 5 minutes.
posted by E. Stilker at 5:49 PM
3 Comments:
I have a alcoholic Canadian twin?! Great! I guess I always knew that she existed out there....hehehe
The festival sounds nice...always pro newcomers, especially the 80s punk looking kids - sooo sweet :)
You should give Champion another shot ;-) Although the album is undoubtedly long-winded at times, their live performances kick remarkable ass. You'll find they play quite often at the 'Metropolis', located on Ste-Catherines. Accomanied by a gospel choir, a jazz trio and a symphony orchestra, they played the "Grand Spectacle" (the biggest annual outdoor free show) at the Jazz Fest in 2005 to a crowd of well over 100 000. Furthermore, they won an award last week for the best live show of the year. Yes. I'm a die-hard fan, and quite happy about it ;-)
On a much lighter note, I loved reading your blog... welcome to the city!
-Rob
Hi Rob,
Feedback from a local on my blog. Seems I'm really integrating myself. LOL
Fair is fair, I didn't see much of Champion's gig and their CD only spinned once in the car. Guess when I bought the CD is was expecting something else, something more jazzy, more latin, more bossa or even more techno. But if your into jazz/dance crossover stuff, I invite you to check out some of Belgium's finest in the genre: Briskey (http://www.briskey.be/), Buscemi (http://www.buscemi.be) and Sven Van Hees (http://www.svenvanhees.com/).
Or we could discuss music in depth over a couple pints of lager :-)
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