‘ I would go see all these bands in a heartbeat’
Scott Kaija, Controller. Controller: On Friday at the Green Room there’s Oh Bijou at 10 p.m. and The Vermicious Knid at midnight — two great new bands that I truly love. And at 12:30 a.m., there’s Black Mountain at Théâtre National. I’ve only heard their record and haven’t had the chance to see them yet. It was one of those rare albums that actually grabbed my attention at first listen. I’m anxious to see how they are live.
On Saturday at 11 p.m. at the Academy Club, there’s Holy F---. Brian [ Borcherdt] is a good friend of mine, but I’ve never actually seen his band perform. Apparently, it’s all improv and anything can happen — a nice change of pace from the usual and a good way to close out the weekend. Matt Mays: I really have to see Illuminati. Also Peter Elkas, The Hylozoists, Shaker and, last but not least, Wintersleep. Emily Haines, Metric: The Islands ( tonight, 8: 15 p. m.) are former Unicorns members opening for Beck at the Bell Centre. And the Lovely Feathers, who are opening for us at Club Soda (9:45pm). K’Naan: I’m looking forward to seeing Beck tonight, because I really enjoyed his last album; Shawn Hewitt (Thursday, 9 p.m., Cabaret), because I like what he does; and Sam Roberts ( Saturday, 12:30 a.m., Cabaret), because he’s always great to see. Wayne Petti, Cuff the Duke: If I could could hang out in Montreal for the whole festival, on Wednesday I would definitely want to see the Hylozoists and the Little Sister Publicity showcase at Balattou, with Woolly Leaves, Chad Ross and André Ethier.
On Thursday, I’d go to Chet, From Fiction and The Old Soul. On Friday, it would be L’il Andy, Ladies and Gentlemen and the Three Gut Showcase at Petit Campus with More Dogs, Gentleman Reg, Jim Guthrie and Big Bear. And on Saturday, I’d go to Anagram and Ted Leo And The Pharmacists.
In a perfect world, I would go see all these bands in a heartbeat. Enjoy the festival!
Showtimes and venues for all of the above bands and more can be found online at www.popmontreal.