Pas Chic Chic
It’s time to french it up, people. Here’s a first glimpse at what Montreal’s french independent music scene has to offer.
Pas Chic Chic
The band came together in 2005, reuniting members from various mythical Montreal bands such as Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Fly Pan Am. Their 2008 debut album Au Contraire was nominated for the Polaris Music Prize (won by Caribou) but unfortunately did not make the short list. Pas Chic Chic’s music combines shoegaze and French pop; let’s say Serge Gainsbourg meets Blonde Redhead in a sketchy corner of Montreal. It’s poppy enough to make you dance and has enough depth to make you want to listen to the album three times a day. (MySpace)
Pas chic chic will play a show at El Mocambo in Toronto for Canadian Music Week on March 12th along with fellow Montrealers Radio Radio, Duchess Says, We Are Wolves and Malajube.
Karkwa
If you like Malajube you will fall in love with Karkwa. If Malajube annoys the crap out of you with their non-sense lyrics and pre-teen vocals, you will fall even more for Karkwa. It’s a win-win situation, really. They have three albums out, their second album, Les tremblements s’immobilisent launched them into the Quebec music scene and made them local favorites. Their heart-wrenching alternative rock and brilliant song writing are complimented by great melodies, which make this band nearly perfect. Rarely do male fronted bands move me like Karkwa have. They evoke that warm feeling you get when you fall in love or cuddle a puppy. But don’t be mistaken, they are a rock band. (Come on, click the link. I strongly recommend “La Facade”. You can also go here to stream their albums for free!)
Misteur Valaire
Simply put, Misteur Valaire are a beloved super group of musical geniuses. Their music isn’t something you describe, it’s something you experience. It’s a mix of electronic, jazz, rock and an acid trip. They’ve made their albums available as free downloads on their website. They played M for Montreal and are renowned, legendary even, for their explosive live performances. (MySpace) And free music! What’s better than free music?
Alright, so while you anxiously (not really) await part 2 of this series of frenched up blogs, go listen to these and tell me what you think: Le roi poisson, Lac estion and El Motor. May your ears be pleased!
Zut Alors,
Christine
