M for Montreal plans to carry on its mission of promoting Montreal’s best and most exportable bands around the world under its “M on the road” banner. Next stop: the CMJ Music Marathon, where “M” will host a showcase on Wednesday, October 21st at the famous Arlene’s Grocery club, in New York. The Lower East Side should get ready to connect musically with Beast, Duchess Says, Malajube, Silly Kissers, Think About Life and We Are Wolves.
M for Montreal @ CMJ 2009 Wednesday, October 21st, 5:00PM Arlene’s Grocery (95 Stanton Street, NYC) 21+
5:00PM | Opening Cocktail with Free Poutine In order to perfectly export Montreal culture, M for Montreal and New York restaurant T Poutine (next to Arlene’s Grocery) will offer a poutine (the Quebec meal par excellence!) to the first 75 fans to arrive at the opening cocktail presented by the Quebec Government Office in New York. Opened last July and founded by Montrealer Thierry Pepin, T Poutine is the first New York restaurant to exclusively offer the famous mix of French fries, gravy and cheese curds. As they say so well: “Don’t Be Shy… Pimp Your Fries!”
Performing during the opening cocktail: Parlovr Hailed as the best new artist by several Montreal critics, Parlovr has already converted crowds out of province with their rock sound that exudes grunge (that’s right, grunge) and dancing synths. Energetic rhythms, a snotty attitude and catchy melodies are what this band is all about. Also, the drummer is a proud, fiery-bearded redhead, i.e. cool incarnate.
7:00PM | Silly Kissers It was written in the stars that the sweet side of the 80s would one day meet the dishevelled indie rock look, and Silly Kissers are probably one of the best-kept secrets in town. Their performances are messy, fucked up and always crazy enough to make you leap out of your chair. Pull your hair out and join the club.
8:00PM | Beast With an album now distributed by Verve Records, Beast is going to the US with a solid background and a lot of experience. Given that all of their fans in Quebec have nothing but great things to say about their stunning performances, Betty Bonifassi’s voice and presence and Jean-Phi Goncalves’ irrepressible beats will soon create a monster.
9:00PM | Think About Life Discovered by the public as openers for Art Brut and Wolf Parade at a time when they played indie pop, the trio Think About Life – which includes Graham Van Pelt from Miracle Fortress – is back and using a lot of sampling. This came as a surprise to us, but the result is amazing on CD (available October 13th in United States) and their energy on stage is absolutely crazy.
10:00PM | We Are Wolves Very well known to New York scenesters, We Are Wolves will present the songs off their new album, Invisible Violence, available this week in Canada and only in February 2010 south of the border. Even if the sound is more post-punk (when it’s not literally new wave), the band hasn’t lost any of its drive. Don’t worry; you’ll still get to dance with Wolves.
11:00PM | Malajube Darlings of the Montreal indie scene, Malajube, who need no introduction, invite you to follow them into their Labyrinthes. With an amazing twist of pop conventions that melts into so many influences, the band’s unique sound, created by ethereal guitars and crystal-clear keyboards, will once again cause you to melt, as has already happened to many New Yorkers. Get ready, ‘cause you’re next.
12:00AM | Duchess Says It can never be said enough: Duchess Says are total freaks on stage. No one can deny it. Motivated by Moog rock and influenced by kraut and no-wave, the band, led by singer A Claude, sparks things up wherever they go. Your idea of a great show will no longer be the same after you see this band. Trust us!
The night will continue with an after party, featuring kick-ass DJ sets by Mikey Heppner (singer and guitarist of Priestess), Why Alex, Why? and We Are Wolves.
Showcase Access The CMJ Music Marathon badge will give you free access to the M for Montreal showcase. The registration form can be found at www.cmj.com/marathon2009/register.php.
