Pawa Up First + aKido

As I’m standing waiting for the bouncer of the Cabaret Juste pour rire to find my name on the guest list (with the typical, what kind of name is that, implying that my name looks retarded, which I know). A situation between said bouncer and one of the night’s performers occurred which I couldn’t help but burst out laughing at:

Performer: Hey I just want to add a name on the guest list.

Bouncer: Who the f**k are you?

P: I’m the guitarist from Pawa up First.

B: What the hell did you say.

P: I’m part of the show.

B: What?

P: I’m the show.

B: ....ohhh shit! Go ahead.

The bouncer’s reaction to the guitarist was hilarious, and I told myself that I had to include that little gem in this review.

Walking into the Cabaret had me thinking about how badly designed and constructed this place really is. The entrance to the place and stairs are totally screwed, which gives you the impression that Quebecers can’t do anything right. When I walk into a building now I always think about how I could make the building better if I had a sledge hammer. I don’t know if that makes me a genius or just aggressive.

The place was packed with the typical University of Montreal hippy/French skater crowd by the time Akido got on stage. I felt out of place with a tie on after heading to the show after work. The crowd was still, movements were infrequent, and clapping was weak to say the least. A show that is completely instrumental with no singing will apparently sedate a crowd of hundreds. I have to admit, the whole time I was watching I was thinking about how much better the show could be if there was an MC spitting lyrics over the band. Akido was certainly good, but there is nothing special and original with this band. It’s just a simple instrumental group with a synthesiser. Akido is a band created by Kim Gaboury who is solely responsible for the musical direction of the band. The occasional voice of his girlfriend is there to sing her oohhh and uhmms. Akido got some fame with a song called “Dancing With Chains,” which is a good song with an Asian punk video clip that is pretty cool. However, their set was just too long, and left the crowd dazed and confused.

Pawa Up First then got on stage and kicked a really good show. They were on point and flawless with their sound just like on their albums. The members of Pawa are all talented and they make up a really good band that once again creates perfect hip-hop/jazz based beats that an MC could flow over if they had one. That’s all I could think about. Does that mean my perception is bias because I’m immersed in Hip-Hop or does that make me a genius? I don’t know. To tell you the truth, I don’t think the world knows. If you don’t know Pawa Up First, check them out because they’re one of Montreal’s greatest local bands (second to CJLO’s own Super/heater of course.)