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Swans / Baby Dee @ Le National (Pop Montreal)
The cool kids get all the credit. Soundtracks for the Blind, Swans' "final" record from 1994, seemed to create a new sonic universe just in time for the band to implode - over two hours, it employed 15-minute epics (particularly "Helpless Child," a song that may or may not have helped invent vocal post-rock), ambient pieces, and experimental works often driven by distressing bits of found sound. It changed the listening habits of many who heard it, yours truly included, but the band are often thought of as simply 1980s goth industrialists. Yes, their work touched on industrial, but also on metal, folk, art-rock, and the avant-garde (particularly for the era that included second vocalist Jarboe). Now, after a 15-year hiatus, bandleader Michael Gira, who has since labored under the name Angels of Light, has decided to partially reassemble the group and start the Swans mission over. The resulting first recording, My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky, is one of the year's best records, a ferocious, funny and scary masterwork that rivals some of the band's best work.
Opener Baby Dee was a mildly incongruous choice. An avant-blues-folk harpist with an extremely polarizing vocal technique, Dee immediately set out to set the crowd at ease in the face of her deeply eccentric tunes. "No one's ever just stopped me and said, you know, you stink," she implored, "so I want everyone to chant with me: 'your music stinks, and you stink!'" It was a request some of the more restless members of the audience were all too happy to comply with, particularly those with less enlightened views towards her hermaphroditism (thanks, Montreal), but her songs do possess a certain charm. She's a gifted harpist, and her arrangements (a young violinist and cellist joined her onstage) are often ingenious, but I confess a certain indifference towards her particularly affected brand of freak-folk, even as I applaud her winning stage presence and obvious talent.
Despite My Father's generally agreed-upon strength, some greeted the new Swans tour with skepticism - after all, the former incarnation of Swans was known as one of the most intense live acts of all time, blending punishing volume with Gira's emotional intensity for a singular experience. They needn't have worried. My Father's opener, "No Words/No Thoughts," is already a hulking ten-minute behemoth on record, but it grew into something even more cataclysmic onstage. Before the band even appeared, the mics were turned on and allowed to generate subtly shifting feedback for minutes, until finally multi-instrumentalist Thor Harris (also of Angels of Light and Shearwater) took to the bells to knock out a complex, cyclic melody by his lonesome for at least another five minutes, creating a deep sense of hypnosis. Finally, the other five member joined him, launching into the song's huge stop-start groove. Gira was in fine form, bellowing out with his usual foreboding tone like a man possessed and undaunted by the sheer wall of noise mounting behind him. The song's third section, a bass-driven, mosh-worthy breakdown, signaled a complete assault, with Gira's guitar combining with Christoph Hans' steel strings to demolish the eardums of anyone who dared come too close. (Fearing exactly this outcome, I opted for the balcony before their set even began.)
After that gargantuan, 20-25 minute endeavor, they could very well have left the stage and satisfied just about everyone, but their work wasn't done. They continued to hammer out a good chunk of My Father, as well as throwing in a surprising set of oldies, altogether ditching their late-'80s-early-'90s material - essentially, nothing from the Jarboe era. As that's the period with which I am most familiar, that might have been a disappointment, but Gira and co. were so on-point it hardly mattered. From new tunes like "Eden Prison," "Jim" and especially the self-loathing anthem "My Birth," to oldies like Cop's "Your Property" to Children of God's "Sex, God, Sex," they proved Gira's claim that this was a restatement of purpose rather than just a reunion. Swans are not dead; long live Swans.
Liars / Women / Black Feelings @ Le National (Pop Montreal)
Five albums, numerous splits and EPs, and as many sonic configurations on, Brooklyn avant-garage group Liars now count as veterans. Not only have their LPs kept pace in terms of quality - 2009's Sisterworld might be their most consistent yet - they've also managed to diversify and expand their sound in unexpected ways that have never felt forced. Consistency, of course, is perhaps the least appreciated quality an indie rock band can possess, as evidenced by the mediocre turnout for their triple-bill show for Pop Montreal. They've been around long enough that they now approach institutional levels of familiarity.
Having seen formidable art-rockers Black Feelings at last year's edition of the festival, I arrived in time to witness Calgarians Women, whose sterling second album Public Strain dropped a couple weeks prior. Possibly the most unassuming band currently running, Women crank out 90-second-to-six-minute tunes that worm their way into your headspace the sixth or seventh time you hear them, with the exception of "Black Rice" (from their 2008 self-titled debut), a song so catchy and cleverly constructed it makes an instant impression. Public Strain ditches some of the more outré leanings (found sound, noise collage) of the debut in favor of straight-up four-piece indie rock, albeit with a sense of mathy construction and serious melodic invention. Their live show reconstructs their carefully constructed songs more or less verbatim, with a well-oiled precision that belies years of concentration as a touring unit. They're almost frighteningly proficient, with each head-nod-defying time signature and droning song transition executed perfectly. At this point, they're less a band than a machine.
Favoring spontaneity and ragged climax, Liars are an entirely different beast. Between their LPs, they've gone from being arty dance-punkers (They Threw Us All In a Trench and Stuck a Monument on Top) to no-wave concept artists (the fiercely debated They Were Wrong So We Drowned, one of the most daring sophomore LPs of all time) to spacey atmospherists (Drum's Not Dead) to early 70s NYC revivalists (Liars) to a heady, confident blend of all of the above (Sisterworld). What's surprising is that their hour-long set managed to touch on every corner of their output without missing a beat - the five-piece effortlesly moved from more abrasive recent material ("Scissor," "Plaster Casts of Everything" and especially the unhinged "Scarecrows on a Killer Slant") to some of their most intensely atmospheric Drum's Not Dead material and even dipping into their early, accessible stuff ("Loose Nuts on the Velodrome"). While their heavier material suffered a little from their dueling guitarists' identical tones, theirs was an appealingly egalitarian set, even finding time for Drowned's riotous opener "Broken Witch," the song that first announced to fans and critics alike that they weren't going to be sticking to the playbook. Hopefully, music fans will reward their tireless strive towards reinvention and experimentation, rather than just assuming they'll be around forever.
Atari Teenage Riot @ Foufounes Electrique (Pop Montreal)
Let me set the scene: it is Saturday, the fourth night of POP Montreal. The past three nights have been populated with at least one highly-entertaining show each. I roll out of bed at the civilized hour of 2:30 in the afternoon. Atari Teenage Riot is playing Foufounes Electrique at 10 p.m., one of the more hyped shows of the festival. With a passing knowledge of their music and reputation, I expect to be subjected to an intense experience.
Now, I understand that 'intense' can be an entirely subjective term. The show, however, most certainly delvered on my preconceptions by anyone's standards; if not on all levels, at least on several. The band played for almost ninety minutes straight, delivering their trademark buzz-saw guitar samples and drum and bass beats. Members Alec Empire, Nic Endo, and CX KiDTRONIk took turns assailing the audience with distorted howls, screams, and rapping. It was loud as hell, as Endo prompted the sound tech to 'TURN UP THE FUCKING MUSIC' not even all the way through the first number. The lights were set up to include the audience in the performance, never putting a spot on any of the people on-stage. It was basically all strobe lights coming from all angles with little reprieve, matching the relentlessness of the music.
The were only two breaks in the set: first when Alec Empire stopped to inform the crowd that the German government has censored one of their records (not that we could understand him, as his mic was still running through a distortion processor), and before the encore. Needless to say, it was a lot of Atari Teenage Riot to take in one sitting, but the crowd appreciated the effort.
Some other notes: fellow CJLOers Mobs Goodness of Hooked On Sonics, Brian Hastie of Countdown to Armageddon, and Andrew W from Grade A Explosives were all in attendance as well. They noticed, among other things, the band really needed to remind themselves and the audience that their name is 'Atari Teenage Riot' and the year is 2010, that sweaty, shirtless guys aren't too careful where they rub their sweaty torsos, that for some reason almost everyone in the audience had to tie their shoes at some point, and that when white people with dreads gather it tends to get exponentially sillier (in an endearing and totally non-condescending way, of course). Also, Alec Empire should really make an effort to keep that shirt on (especially if he's going crowd surfing).
Atari Teenage Riot did not disappoint. I went for the spectacle and I got one. If a band's live performance helps appreciation of their records, it can most certainly be considered a success. So go get your hands a copy of Delete Yourself and a ticket for next time the Riot comes through town. You'll see me there with my shirt off rubbing on people while tying my shoes. START THE RIOT 2010!!!1!!one.
Same News, Better Levels
CJLO News October 8th 2010
News read and produced by Drew Pascoe.
Stories submitted by Samah Fadil, Mike Moore, and Jacqueline Di Bartolomeo
Johnny Suck's Concert Diary - The Haiku Edition
Bet you didn't see this one coming... After a four year absence, the most popular feature in the history of the CJLO magazine is back! ...In Haiku form?!? Let me explain: I'm lazy and I hate writing. The rotting carcasses of unfinished editions of Johnny Suck's Concert Diary litter my hard drive. No matter how much I wanted to share my concert-going experiences, I just couldn't complete a full-length feature. Then recently, someone (possibly me) made a joke about writing a review of Hatebreed's recent show in Haiku. I'm of the opinion that the best jokes are the ones that are followed through to their bitter, unfunny end. And since 17-syllable reviews are so quick and easy to write, why not do a whole bunch of them and call it a feature! So without further ado, I present to you Johnny Suck's Concert Diary - The Haiku Edition...
Black Bomb A, Katacombes, Sept 2nd
expected nothing
band was tight, catchy, and fun
pleasantly surprised
Downtrodden & Buffalo Theory MTL, Katacombes, Sept 3rd
Montreal doomers
Montreal stoner rockers
best bands in the city**
Fear & Loathing 9, Foufounes Electriques, Sept 5th
so much awesomeness
too much to say in three lines
trust me, go next year
Hatebreed, Club Soda, Sept 9th
went to see Hatebreed
not able to review the show
wasn't on guestlist
Holy Divide, Barfly, Sept 25th
Dutch Oven is dead
make way for Holy Divide
loud motherfuckers
Municipal Waste, Club Soda, Sept 30th
was too excited
got municipally wasted
don't remember shit
Atari Teenage Riot, Foufounes Electriques, Oct 2nd
Ten years of nothing
went only for my teenage self
One hour of awesome
Tee Pee Records Showcase, Katacombes, Oct 2nd
Naam ended early
new Priestess stuff is the suck
was home by midnight
**Among the top ten in the city, at least... E-mail TDTS.CJLO@gmail.com with a list of the 8 other bands who you think I think round out the top ten bands in the city. The first person to get 6 of the 8 right wins a kick-ass*** prize!
Stand Up For Mental Health Interview with Karl Knox
Click here to listen to the interview.
WHAT: Stand Up For Mental Health Day at Concordia University Thursday Oct. 7
DETAILS: ARE YOU CRAZY ABOUT COMEDY?
Fresh from Sold Out Shows at the Montreal Fringe Festival and the Vancouver Comedy Fest ….
Stand Up For Mental Health Brings the Laughter to Concordia University Thursday Oct.7. Featuring the Fabulous David Granirer and the Comics of SMH Montreal!
Don’t Miss SMH Day at Concordia at The Hall Building Auditorium (H-110) Henry F. Hall Building, 1455 Blvd. de Maisonneuve West
One Show: 2:30 – 5pm Free for Students, Faculty, Staff and the Community
FOR MORE INFO: Go to
www.standupformentalhealth.com
News: Monday, October 4, 2010
A man accused of making death threats on Facebook will attend a bail hearing on Monday. David Abitbol was arrested early Saturday morning at his home in the north end of Montreal. The 28 year old suspect used the alias “David Darkiller” on the social network. His profile featured pictures of automatic weapons and the quote "Death is the only solution."
Police stormed his house in a nighttime raid less than 24 hours after former classmates and teachers reported receiving threats. Just before making the arrest, officers warned neighbours to stay indoors and downstairs. Sergeant Richard Gagne of the Surete du Quebec said "we couldn't take any chances." Police knew Abitbol had a number of weapons in his possession because of the federal gun registry. Police seized five guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
Abitbol's father says police are mistaken about his son, who lives with him in his waterfront home. He says his son has a passion for video games and that he was only joking with his remarks. Abitbol’s Facebook friends commented on one his postings this June. One friend called him ‘sick’, while another suggested he seek psychiatric help. Sgt. Gagne says they take cyber-threats very seriously.
Written by: Emily Brass
The Department of Foreign Affairs is asking Canadians in Europe to be especially careful in public places. The warning comes after the United States government advised Americans of a possible terrorist attack in Europe. Few details about the looming attack are known, but European officials are convinced an attack is likely to happen. British Home Secretary Theresa May confirmed that the U.K.’s attack threat level is “severe.” The U.S. State Department’s next move would be a formal travel warning advising Americans to steer clear of all European destinations. Britain, France and Germany seem to be most at risk.
Last month, Pakistani officials said 10 people from Germany and Britain were plotting attacks from a tribal region in Pakistan. Osama bin Laden is believed to be behind the plot. Officials are upping security around the Eiffel Tower and Buckingham Palace.
Written by: Chris Hanna
An Indian Official affiliated with the Common Wealth Games in Delhi has contracted Dengue Fever. Hospital officials confirmed hours before the opening ceremony that the man had the virus and was in stable condition. A Doctor of the GB Pant hospital says the man is eating and sleeping well and might be released this evening.
Nearly four thousand cases of the mosquito- borne disease have been reported in New Delhi this year. So far, seven people have died. Dengue Fever has become an issue in the Indian capital because of the extended monsoon season. The increased the amount of stagnant water around the city has helped mosquito populations thrive.
The government launched an effort to wipe out the mosquitoes that transmit the disease after Athletes had expressed concerns about attending the games. The Common Wealth games in New Delhi begin Monday.
Written by: Sarah Fengary
Murder By Death @ Petit Campus (Pop Montreal)
As vagabond post-punk/indie-frotting act Murder By Death made their way to Montreal on a cold Wednesday night at Petit Campus, the mood amongst the throngs of assembled concert-goers was rather jubilant. The show in question fell under the Pop Montreal banner, and the festival's first night was filled with excitement and wonder. Everyone had donned their favourite plaid shirt and newsboy hat, ready to be wowed by the travelling troubadors, Indiana natives who told of stories of whiskey and zombies.
As the members of the touring version of the outfit took to the stage, the venue was quickly transformed from some cold space into an inviting room, the barrier in-between band and audience melted away as a quick succession of songs had the crowd falling under the band's sway.
Launching into opening number 'Sometimes The Line Walks You', those in the know began singing their hearts out, while newcomers with Pop passes dangling from their necks stood back and assessed the band. I hung back to the side, watching the door and noting that not one person decided to take off within the first three songs of the set. Looks like MBD were doing something right to win over the tough crowd of this city's indie rock set.
Singer Adam Turla was in a jubilant mood, bantering along with the rest of the band in-between songs and making quick remarks about the themes or origins of a number of songs. The set consisted of a healthy mix of tracks off of their recently-released Good Morning, Magpie album as well as cuts from their back catalogue, touching upon Red Of Tooth And Claw and in particular In Bocca Al Lupo. New tracks like "As Long As There Is Whiskey In The World" and "You Don't Miss Twice (When You're Shavin' With A Knife)" fit nicely alongside older cuts like "The Organ Grinder" and "Brother".
The band's style of post-punk flirtations with a myriad number of other genres, such as gipsy music as well as country and straight-up punk in order to tell weird tales that captivate as well as entertain. Every song is a new tale, and every new tale is just as good as the last.
At about the halfway point in the show, singer Turla took center stage to sing a solo version of the band's cover of Sonny Bono's "Bang Bang" (from the "Sometimes The Line Walks You" single from 2006's In Bocca al Lupo album) the room was still, save for a collection of slightly ajar mouths softly expelling syllables along with Turla. Those unsure/unfamiliar with the band were quickly won over, and the new converts could be seen smiling during the rest of the band's 70-minute set.
The two-song encore felt like a tremendous climax to an enjoyable evening. Ending things off with In Bocca Al Lupo's "Boy Decide" and Red Of Tooth And Claw's "Spring Break 1899", which crescendoed into a good ol'-fashioned foot stomper before the band made their exit.
Terry & Dean Turn Down The Suck!!!
Tune into Turn Down The Suck this Wednesday (9-11pm) for the biggest interview in the history of the show! Terry Cahill & Dean Murdoch!! You may recognize them as the voices behind the show's intro, or as the coiners of the phase 'turn down the suck', or maybe just as the stars of Fubar & Fubar 2. Either way, interviewing the pair was one of the few goals (and by 'few' we mean 'one') Johnny Suck set for himself when Turn Down The Suck began.
Anyway, tune in to hear the answer to all of the questions that have been waiting 5 years to be asked, like 'Hi, how's it going?", "Sorry, what?", and "Want to do a station ID?"
Turn Down The Suck w/ Terry and Dean, Wednesday Oct 6th, 9pm, only on CJLO....
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