[Click here for Day 1, Part 1]
[Click here for Day 2, Part 1]
First thing: props to the organizers of M for Montreal. So far, things have gone smoother than just about any event I’ve ever attended. Everything for the hotel facilities to the schmoozing sessions to the cocktail parties to the meals have gone like clockwork.
Especially cool were last night’s showcase event. Two stages were set up in adjoining studios in the same building. As we were watching one band, the other was setting up next door. One they were done, we walked (indoors!) to the next studio. And just so we were clear on who we were seeing, the act’s name was prominently displayed on an easel on the stage.
Final Flash (Montreal) – A psych-y folk rock band who have already managed to tour China. Think a tougher Dead Cab for Cutie. Like Radiohead, they have a knack of making all their songs sound like they’re in a minor key even when they’re not. My favourite song of the night was “When the Day Turns Black.”
The Luyas (Montreal) - They billed themselves as an “indie/breakcore/melodramatic popular song” band. The reality is much more complex. Not only does the line-up include a violinist and a barefoot French horn player, they somehow manage to be quiet and cacophonous at the same time. I thought both their indie CD and a 7-inch single. Something will definitely make the ExploreMusic radio show in the future. “Tiny Head” is remains a favourite.
Miracle Fortress - I got this one wrong completely. I was under the impression that it was a four-piece outfit. Instead, it’s just one guy working with loops and samples and a table lamp (don’t ask) to create the kind of experimental electro we used to hear from guys like Bill Nelson and post-Japan David Sylvian. The set began awkwardly with some mindless and overly-long guitar squonking, but once the loops were triggered the singing began, the crowd was won over.
Rural Alberta Advantage (Toronto): Nice story about them in the Globe and Mail today. Apparently on Stephen Harper’s roadtrip mixtape. Another band on the bill with no bass player (The Luyas and Miracle Fortress being the others.) The crowd seemed to dig them, but for whatever reason, this kind of shy Canadiana doesn’t do anything for me. Apparently I didn’t get that gene. Or maybe I left it behind when I moved from the Prairies.
You Say Party! We Say Die! (Vancouver): Visitors this week to the ExploreMusic offices, they’ve also managed to attract the attention of the NME this week. Even though they drove in from Windsor just to play this 25 minute set, they were ready to go. Lots of energy. If the B52s were to form today, they might sound like YSP!WSD!
Think About Life (Montreal): They describe themselves as “disco house/thrash/pop.” If N.E.R.D or Gnarls Barkley ever needed an opening act, they’d be a good choice. They translate much better on stage than they do on record. Solid party band.