Reviews
Cheap Time + Mannequin Men – Il Motore – 13.11.11
Last Sunday’s show at the Il Motore had quite the dynamic effect, despite the lack of attendees. It was one of those days, where the city’s streets were peculiarly empty; with the exception of the occasional senior that greeted me while on my way to the venue. That may explain why the venue was lacking it’s usual fullness. Either way, it didn’t matter, because it made for a sweet little intimate show, which hardly ever happens when lo-fi, garage-punk-rock genres are involved, be it indie-infused or not. 
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Mother Mother – Cabaret Mile-End – 12.11.11
I’m not going to lie, last Saturday night’s crowd at the Cabaret du Mile-End turned out to be a pretty crazy bunch of individuals, sardine-packed into a sold-out venue. Both bands having performed in at least one Osheaga festival here in Montreal, were very impressed with the feedback they got from their experience. They were definitely not left disappointed by the turnout for November 12th’s show either.
Review: Los Campesinos! – Hello Sadness
Winter and summer, tea and coffee, a hug and a kick in the pants. Some of the juxtapositions to try to explain Los Campesinos’ transition from 2007′s Hold On Now Youngsters, to this year’s release Hello Sadness. Since the first outing there have been enough line-up changes to rival The Fall and due to these they’ve gone from sickly twee-pop to… Depressing twee-pop? Hello Sadness, written in the wake of Gareth’s recent breakup with Slow Club‘s Rebecca Taylor; and to be honest, who wouldn’t be depressed with that! The whole album is setup by this, as well as some death and morality to go with it. A cocktail Ben Gibbard would be happy to drink, I’m sure. Read more…
Coeur de Pirate – Théâtre Rialto – 08.11.11
There was much excitement in the air as the biggest crowd gathered inside the Rialto Theater for Coeur de Pirate’s album launch. The french-speaking songstress received significant media attention and widespread critical acclaim for her first self-titled album, which sold more than 600 000 copies worldwide. It was now time to see if Béatrice Martin would be able to do it again, as she embraced the start of her new journey with a sold-out, album-release concert.
Photos: Adam & The Amethysts
Adam & The Amethysts recently held an album release party at La Sala Rossa in support of their latest; Flickering Flashlight. Having never seen openers Elfin Saddle, I was immediately blown off my feet by their breathtaking music. Along with Adam & The Amethysts’ impeccable set, it made for one of the best shows I have seen in a while. Read more…
Photos: Sainthood Reps
Casa del Popolo hosted a rather heavier show than normal on Thursday night, featuring Montreal local bands Death House and Samsara, along with Long Island’s Sainthood Reps. We got in on all the action and snapped a few photos for you. Check them out! Read more…
Caroline Keating & The Hoof and The Heel – Casa Del Popolo – 08.11.11
Last night at Casa Del Popolo, Passovah presented two solid Montreal-based acts: Caroline Keating and The Hoof & The Heel. Although I’d been feeling somewhat under the weather, I would not have missed that show for the world. It became very apparent that I was not the only one who had eagerly awaited the chance to see these performances. The Casa Del Popolo venue went from full, to packed very quickly. Smiling faces listened, sang, and danced along together with Caroline Keating and The Hoof & The Heel ’til the very end of the night.
Wooden Shjips – La Sala Rossa – 08.11.11
Last night was a frenzy of pedal-heavy guitars and progressive tunes with hints of 70′s rock that came together to make a perfect blend. San Francisco’s Wooden Shjips were joined by Birds of Avalon and local favorites The High Dials at La Sala Rossa.
The Sea and Cake – La Sala Rossa – 07.11.2011
I knew something was different about this show as soon as I entered the familiar Sala Rossa venue – it wasn’t the usual young crowd that I was used to. However, I immediately realized that these guys have been playing together for nearly a decade! The Sea and Cake were back in Montreal and ready to rock like it was the ’90s.
