Concert Reviews

Devendra Banhart Brings the Groove to Theatre Beanfield

Venezuelan-American indie icon Devendra Banhart stopped by Montreal’s Theatre Beanfield on October 7th with his Flying Wig tour, showcasing his newfound dark and synth-filled sound. 


Two Eyes on Lil Yachty

In the ever-evolving music landscape, Lil Yachty has carved a unique mark for himself through his genre-bending, distinctly charismatic, and memorable sound. His boundless creativity translates not only through his music but through every aspect of his performance. Yachty’s vision was brought to life through engaging visuals, corresponding lighting, and breathtaking harmonies at MTELUS on September 27th in Montreal. 

Lil Yachty's new album Let’s Start Here is a radical departure from his previous musical style, introducing a psychedelic rock sound that has received critical acclaim. MTELUS welcomed Lil Yachty on his The Field Trip tour, creating a basically perfect concert.


Tiny Fest 2023 Day 2: A Captivating Showcase of Underground Music

Worst Dad Ever, a booking company that hosts DIY festivals and shows, presented Tiny Fest 2023 in collaboration with Casa Del Popolo in Montreal on October 6th and 7th. Despite the name, this year’s Tiny Fest #3 celebrated local singers, musicians, and bands of all genres, introducing Montrealers to new underground music. 


Tiny Fest 2023 Day 1: Diverse and Intimate Shows in the Heart of the Plateau

Tiny Fest 2023 kicked off Friday, October 6th across the Plateau venues Casa del Popolo, La Sala Rossa, and La Sotterenea. This year marked the third iteration of the micro-festival produced by Montreal booking agency Worst Dad Ever, sponsored by CJLO 1690 AM and Norla Hats. Despite the rainy weather and the first crisp evening air of fall, Montrealers packed into the three venues beside Boulevard Saint Joseph to watch short sets from beloved local artists plus more bands from across Canada and the United States. 


Bahamadia and Shabazz Palaces: Two Giants of the Jazz Rap Scene Grace POP Montreal 2023

There are very few things that can make hip hop lovers stop dead in their tracks and this year POP Montreal was definitely held responsible for a skipped heartbeat or two. Whether fans got the news from the posters plastered around the city or from having their thumbs come to a sudden halt from the usual continuous scrolling, the word was out. Two giants from the jazz rap scene, Bahamadia and Shabazz Palaces were playing together for POP. 


Wu-Tang Clan and Nas Bring a New York State of Mind to Montreal

The Wu-Tang Clan and Nas brought a fresh slice of New York City rap to Laval this Monday night, playing to a packed Place Bell crowd.

While the artists have been touring under their New York State of Mind bill since 2022, this year’s run of shows falls during the celebration of hip hop’s 50th anniversary. As the story goes, the genre itself was spawned at a party in the Bronx in the summer of 1973 - giving the tour’s New York State of Mind moniker extra stopping power.


Cannibal Corpse Bring Mayhem to l’Olympia

Cannibal Corpse, Mayhem, Gorguts, and Blood Incantation steamrolled through Montreal this past Thursday, playing to a sold-out crowd at l’Olympia theatre.


Piknic Electronik's Opening Weekend Knocks on Summer’s Door

Last Sunday everyone’s favourite summertime festival, Piknic Électronik, kicked off its 20th season with a solid line-up of some of the biggest names in the Electronic music scene; internationally and locally. Taking place from May 21 to October 1 every Sunday on Montreal’s Île Sainte-Helene, festival goers can catch numerous DJ/Producers perform on two stages. This year's line-up includes legends such as New Yorkers Louie Vega and Kerri Chandler, Montreal’s own and Piknic fan favourite Misstress Barbara, and Fred Everything.


Cats, Clutch, and Beer Torture

My first experience with opening act, Amigo the Devil, was a standard affair. Their output originally came in as a mere muffled kick drum echoing around the depths of the MTELUS– a steady beat rocking the gaping porcelain mouths upstairs. Joining this heartbeat were the anguished hurls of an occupant in the next stall, whose devilish retching combined with the muffled beat in a way that would make the best black metal bands jealous. Amigo the Devil weren’t that bad.


A Rotting Christening of the new Studio TD

Greek black metal legends Rotting Christ stormed through Montreal on March 7th, playing the newly refurbished Studio TD (formerly L’Astral) in the Quartier des Spectacles. Dubbed the “Under Our Black Cult” tour, the band were supported by three other ghoulish groups - Gaerea, UADA, and Carach Angren.


CTRL ALT: FKJ Displays His Genre-Bending Abilities at MTELUS

CTRL ALT delves into the dynamic world of alternative music; from sultry R&B to soft rock, to the unique experimentalists, to those whose tracks you just can't put in a box, and to those who make major waves in waters once still. This column chronicles concert and album reviews, artist interviews, live jazz spots in the city, Montreal's DJ scene, music news, and more. Look out for the parallel radio show CTRL ALT, airing soon! 


Canadian Speed Prevails at TraXide

Ottawa speed freaks Occult Burial headlined another successful celebration of the Canadian underground metal scene this past Friday night.


Bodies Collide as Cannibal Corpse Tears Open the MTELUS

When Cannibal Corpse roll through town, you know it’s going to be a good day. And Nov. 5 was no exception as their headlining North American tour rolled through Montreal.


Fletcher Rocks Montreal at MTelus

LGBTQ+ icon, Fletcher (Cari Elise Fletcher), took the stage October 29 in downtown Montreal. The venue was packed wall to wall.


'90s Nostalgia Hits the Bell Centre in 3 Waves

Do you like cyberpunk themes while you’re out late at night? Cause that’s what Meg Myers is all about. She opened up with a granular synth to cue the band to come on and played a set that hyped up the crowd for the ensuing acts of the night. Poppy then delivered on the heaviness, listening to their studio songs is nothing like hearing them on stage, they were tight, and they were polarizing.


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