Young Rival + Dirty Wedding + Silk Screaming – Divan Orange – 05.06.10
Last night was a happening and festive night in Montreal. I’m not only talking about the Habs’ winning game, but the awesome tunes spewing out from St. Lau’s Divan Orange. The night started off with a bang of wild roars from avid Habs fans, which transitioned swiftly into cheers for the first performing band of the night (the show started right after the game ended… I guess nobody can really compete with Habs games these days).
First up on stage was Montreal’s very own Silk Screaming. Divan Orange was packed with fans and hipsters alike, fully rocking to Silk Screaming’s electric tunes. It’s hard to believe that last night was the first live performance with new lead singer and zealous tambourinist Roxanne Lemieux. With an edge and presence on stage reminiscent of a younger Emily Haines, her electric voice and passion really stole the show. Accompanied by the band’s bubbly leader Paul Kasner on guitar, who rattled off some stellar solos (which secretly I will be most definitely strumming to during one of my air guitar outbreak moments when no one is around), Gilbert Roy plucking away on the bass, Huy Nguyen strumming on a second guitar, and Kim Dahan pounding the drums, these guys totally have the dynamic of a real rock band, and truly rocked the house with their outstanding performance. Their set list flowed perfectly, and each tune was unlike any of the others, leaving the crowd wanting more. I have been to my fair share of concerts, and these guys totally nailed it. The energy and hype felt on stage was contagious, and got the already festive crowd pumped for the rest of the night. They are definitely among my top 10 best local bands, and to all you musically inclined people, I would definitely keep an eye out for this up and coming Montreal band.
After a brief pause filled with some fly tunes and friendly chats, the next group up was another one of Montreal’s finest up and comers, Dirty Wedding. The 3 member band was lead by a tipsy lead singer, which was reflected in some of their songs being performed. With tunes with a 70’s feel mixed with that of an amateur garage rock band, the guys played a couple of their fun filled songs and got the crowd bopping along. I couldn’t quite understand the mumbles said between the songs, but hey, I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one who didn’t really mind, and just kept enjoying the show.
Next up on stage was Hamilton, Ontario’s own Young Rival. With performances of new tunes straight off their freshly released self titled debut LP, as well as some of their classics, you could see just how legit these boys are. The song which got the crowd going right from the get go was “Got What You Need”, the first track off the new LP. Their songs are filled with beats beckoning you to get you on your feet, and catchy melodies that you find yourself humming along to while trying to sing-along… in my opinion, awesome all around. Quoted as having a sound of Sex Pistols meets Beach Boys, the trio, lead by frontman Aron D’Alesio, most definitely carried the rock n roll edge mixed with a humble indie-rock groove. Backed up by Noah Fralick on drums and John Smith on bass, the boys’ promotional gig at Divan Orange was a real success. Montreal was one of the few lucky stops made by the group on the East coast before they head on the rest of the tour. In the next few months, Young Rival will hit up Europe, and the West coast of USA and Canada with the Born Ruffians. We wish them the best of luck on tour, and hope to see more of them again soon.
The night ended as sweetly as it started. Feeling quenched from my thirst for live concert digs, I left Divan Orange with a big smile. I thank the 3 bands for reminding me just how awesome it is to experience live music again in the 514. – Sarah Touyz
Young Rival
Dirty Wedding
Silk Screaming
Photography by David Gosselin
