Geneviève Racette @ Nomad
Gorgeous singer-songwriter who writes beautifully descriptive lyrics. Chill out vibe with a heartfelt message. 4 stars
Eadsé @ Nomad
Doomster singer-songwriter from Montreal is a bit twee. With a folk base, she has an almost medieval sound, but sadly went off-key in parts. Not my favourite. 2 star
Sunday Club @ Nomad
Signed to influential label Paper Bag, these Indie darlings brought their signature bubbly pop-rock, all fizzy guitars and catchy choruses to the stage. Nikki St. Pierre and Courtney Carmichael make up the duo, and they hail from Manitoba! This is pure feel-good escape. 4 stars
Pache @ Ausgang Plaza
Pache brought their raw, glitchy techno edge, dropping these pounding, distorted sets. Think heavy bass drops mixed with some industrial noise-super immersive, their energy was electric. Really, really good 4.5 stars
Fine Food Market – Théâtre Plaza
Pure indie pop bliss: jangly guitars weaving through hazy, sun-soaked melodies. Frontwoman Sophie Perras’ voice was sublime. Ones to watch! 4.5 stars
Mothland Records Showcase @ La Sala Rossa
One of the most influential labels in Montreal, with a killer roster, this showcase was incredible from start to finish! First up, Brainwasher, the psych-rock outfit from the Flaming Lips’ extended crew. The duo are Matthew Duckworth Kirksey (vocals, drums, keyboards, sampler) and Tommy McKenzie (guitar, bass, keyboards, sampler). They had raw energy and are another credible addition to the Mothland stable.
Boutique Feelings-super dreamy post-punk vibes, hazy guitars and soaring, echoey vocals from lead singer Karim. They were tight, drawing from their new album ‘Shwaya’. Then Mulch hit the stage-raw, noisy sludge rock with a Montreal edge. Heavy riffs built into chaotic walls of sound, the drummer pounding like thunder. The energy was feral as was lead Rose – who is a star! Yoo Doo Right followed, channelling that classic krautrock pulse mixed with psych jams. Hypnotic bass lines and swirling keys- they stretched one tune into a fifteen-minute trance that had everyone locked in. Annie-Claude Deschenes brought the heat next, fierce, no-wave punk with Duchess Says flair. Her voice cuts like glass over jagged guitars; short, sharp set. The whole night was a blast and had total Mothland spirit. 5 stars
Redzed
Ministère – Hailing from the Czech Republic this alternative rap metal artist screams like he’s Darth Vader. His sound is diverse and kept me awake at the end of a very long night! 4 stars
DAY FOUR
Les Louanges @ a house somewhere in Montreal!
French vocals works brilliantly in this tight set from this talented songwriter signed to Bon Sound. He is performing songs from his unreleased third album. Really interesting. 4.5 stars
Matt Holubowski @ another house somewhere in Montreal!
Stunning voice from this super talented artist. This is the first gig he has played in 6 months as he has been writing his new record in his home in the woods! The songs are timeless and tuneful – a joy and privilege to hear these first, with a select few. This is a very special artist. 5 stars
MEGGIE LENNOM @ LA SONTERRANA
Quirky and cutesey vocalist MEGGIE is yet another artist signed to the mega cool label Mothland. Her laidback vibe is smooth and very gratifying. Her songs catchy and heartfelt. One to watch 4.5 stars
NNAO @ LA SONTERRANA
The final Mothland artist of the festival for me, and what an act! NNAO is Naomie de Lorimier, an alt-pop singer-songwriter from Montreal. Her experimental unique music combines dreamy vocals, pedals for sound loops, and electronic elements. What a joy to hear and see a harp player, too, in her band, this takes her music to another realm. Stunning. 5 stars
DEAD TOOTH @ Toscadura
Incredible New York alt-rock band never fails to impress with their raw energy and insanely melodic cool. Sublime guitar riffs and star frontman. 5 stars
