EastScene

I was fortunate enough to attend a few Pop Montreal shows on Saturday, October 4. I took my camera and first headed towards Urban Outfitters on Saint-Denis for their free show. I was late by 2 hours and was afraid I had missed the whole thing. However, upon arrival, I noticed through the windows that the show was still going on and was therefore relieved. After a quick salutation to the staff, I headed towards the mini-stage, if you will. The band that I caught was Random Recipe, a local act in which the two members were once Urban Outfitters employees, just like yours truly. At first, I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I was told that they were a unique duo, taking elements of different musical genres and mixing it together to create, well, a Random Recipe. However, one listen to their songs “No No No” and “Lack Of Sleep” was enough to win me over. I mean, come on. You’ve got a sick beatboxer spitting rhymes over a nice folk-like rhythm that’s being played by a talented guitarist/singer, who also happens to compliment said rhymes with most likely one of the most angelic voices I’ve heard in a while? You’ve pretty much got a recipe for success, if you ask me (yes, i like puns- deal with it!).

The next show on the list was Delta Spirit, a band hailing from San Diego, California. They were the first opening act for Dr. Dog’s headlining show at Petit Campus. Again, I wasn’t sure what to expect, seeing as I was only accompanying some friends who were big fans. As soon as they started playing though, I was astonished to hear how clear and united they were as a band, thus creating a live sound that was clean and free from any musical impurities. But prior to this, I already had a feeling they were a force to be reckoned with as soon as I saw the lead singer whip out a Jazzmaster in his hands before the set. I’ve said it many times before, and will say it again: any musician that uses a Jazzmaster is definitely one worth hearing. And again, I was not mistaken. Furthermore, this thought was further emphasized when their keyboardist took what seems to be a trash can lid and started creating a sound that accompanied the band’s rhythm. A force to be reckoned with? Oh yes.

After Delta Spirit’s set, I headed over to Cabaret down the street to catch The Virgins‘ set. The New York City based band opened up for The Black Kids. They really set the mood for what’s to come, with their new wave and soul sound, along dance-inducing guitar riffs and infectious bass lines. Furthermore, the lead singer, upon taking the stage, instantly connected with the audience and made them feel welcome and wanted. From “Murder” to “One Week Of” to their last song, their infamous single that was featured on Gossip Girl, “Rich Girls”, they had the crowd dancing.

Up next was The Black Kids, an indie pop/electronica group hailing from Jacksonville, Florida. The humble quintet really knew how to get a party started not only through their music, but also through the visual display of the stage, which featured vertical neon lights. But what really caught my eye was the fact that the band, which consists of 2 girls and 3 boys, were amazing at multi-tasking. They were busy with their own respective instruments; yet, the majority of them provided backup vocals to the songs, while at the same time, being able to dance on stage. The place was packed and the crowd was delirious. It’s amazing how I got out of the venue in one piece!

I unfortunately did not get to watch all of the Black Kids’ set, seeing as I had to make my way back to Petit Campus to catch the last bit of Vancouver’s very own Mother Mother. I only had the chance to catch them play their hit song “O My Heart”, but it was enough to make me realize how great they sounded live. And the audience no doubt agrees with me, especially the guy to my left, who was dancing deliriously with flailing arms that almost struck me umpteen times. But he had fun, so that’s all that matters.

Overall, my day at Pop Montreal was a complete success. The festival showcases some of the greatest indie acts in this day and age, and I feel privileged to have taken part of it this year. ’Til next year, Pop Montreal! We’ll be waiting.