Last night I was treated to a great show at Montreal’s Metropolis. The venue was California’s own Silversun Pickups. Outside the Metropolis on it was a chili oct evening but inside the crowd was warm and they were ready to rock and they made the Silversun Pickups know it.

Opening the evening were the bands “An Horse” and “Cage the Elephant”. An Horse was great, a more indie flavored version of the White Stripes with a softer feel and wonderful vocal harmonies. Cage the Elephant brought out 70’s Brit rock to the Metropolis mixed in with a bit of rap. You might know them from their hit single  “Aint No Rest for the Wicked” which has flooded indie radio stations all over the country.

After an hour and a half of opening bands, the Silversun Pickups took the stage. And what a show they put on! Brian Aubert’s distinctive voice and guitar sound has single handedly put their sound on the indie map and original enough to make the Silversun pickups stick out from other bands in the indie scene. Nikki Monninger, as delicate and shy as she seems to be, accompanied the venue with her thumping baselines that seem to have drive the rhythm of the quartets music. Chris Guanlao is always a treat to watch as he attacks those drums with no remorse, hair flying all over the place, playing his heart out keeping the band in check. Last but definitely not least, Joe Lester, who’s smooth and silky keyboard samples adds that je ne sais quoi to all of the of the Silversun Pickups songs.

The concert itself was memorable, they did not disappoint the crowd and they played all of their hits while coming back to perform a 3 song encore, ending off the venue with “Common Reactor”. Which I thought was an appropriate ending as the band left the stage while Brian’s guitar was left on stage to the sound of an endless feedback that sent shivers down your spine. The over all pace of the show was excellent, their set list and song selections worked very well one after the other to keep the crowd pumping and thumping for more. This was their second time back in Montreal and by the looks of things the next time they return they may have to set themselves up at a larger venue. And if they do they will sell out again and I will be there to cheer them on.

Reviewed written by artist/musician Raymon Fong:
http://www.ournationsempire.com
http://www.raymonfong.com

Angela Boismenu, photo by Valerie Pyke

On a chili September night where audiences long to warm themselves on the dance floors listening to the latest in techno and anything with the so called “auto-tune”… I had the utmost pleasure of attending Riley Rocks spearheaded by the loving parents of the late Riley McCallum,Valerie Pyke and Sean McCallum. In an intimate setting in the back of Clyde’s Bar, in Pointe Claire, was to be the venue of the Riley Rocks fundraiser for the Montreal Children’s Hospital, headlining were the talents of Alex Shield, Take the Boys and Live Twice.

A little on Riley McCallum…Riley was born with SCID (severe combined immune defiency), chronic lung disease and achondoplasia. Even though he showed strength and courage through treatment he could not battle the debilitating sickness and disease that took his life 17 months later. We will miss you Riley…

The venue started a little late but hey…it’s a rock show… unless your name is RUSH no other band will ever start on time… so I can forgive them :~). The beginning of the evening started with Alex Shield. At first glace she seems like any other upcoming singer songwriter, sexy, quiet, timid and shy. Although on stage her shyness disappeared and she sang for us an array of impressive pop songs all of which she wrote herself along with a couple of oldies covers… The talent is definitely there, and if she continues on this road she may very well be a household name in Canadian pop music.

Alex Shield might of got the crowd warm with her silky voice and presence, but Take the Boys definitely came out to give the crowd a powerful performance with an amalgamation of Reggae/Ska/Rock. I know I was going to see something special when guitarist and vocalist, Angela Boismenu walked on stage holding her hollow body guitar, a tattoo filled shoulder and dreads. From the start of the first song to the last, her smooth powerful vocals said it all, she had spunk, charisma and charm on stage, doing a couple of kung fu kicks while reminding everyone after every song to purchase something at the merch table… ahh you gotta love promotion ;~). Being the old man as I am, while listening to their music, there was a twitch in my leg that just wanted to make me get up and dance. Their rhythm and beat brought back a nostalgia of youth which wanted to get my body moving. Take the Boys music was soulfully fun, expressive and in combination with a beautiful voice, great ska riffs, rolling bass melodies and drum beats weather you like ska/reggae or not, you will want to tap your feet, clap your hands or get up and dance. Keep up the great work.

The final band to play was Live Twice. Reminiscent of old Billy Joel mixed with the Killers with a rougher edge, heavier guitars and an unbelievable drummer. Multi talented Mat Perkins opened his set with pounding piano chords and a great presence. I’ll have to admit their sound was definitely different than most processed music you’ll hear nowadays. And for the better… It’s nice to see classic rock influence in our young musicians today. Their guitarist Jay Benny did his part by not overpowering the band with his guitar solos… just right at the right time… Drummer Sam Rose stole his part with an amazing drum solo that electrified the room… Everyone had to stop and watch as he hit those snares and toms with unbelievable control and speed. Live Twice definitely put on a great performance to close out the night’s event, these guys definitely need to be headlining somewhere and soon.

I’ve said enough about the bands… the only thing I have left to say is that you shouldn’t take my word for it, you should go and check them out ;~). Overall the highlight of the evening was the gracious charity of these musicians. They donated their time, music and merchandise (all proceeds from the merch go to the Montreal Children’s Hospital) for a great cause. For the event we have to thank none other than Valerie Pyke who’s given her heart and sole to the Montreal Music Scene, Sean McCallum and of course Riley… without you none of this would be possible.

We should take the time to reflect on what is and isn’t important in this world; how we take for granted what life has to offer and how short it can be. Music has always been an outlet for an artist to express and drag their audience into their world, their lives, their homes. Valerie knows that, Sean knows that and the fore mentioned musicians know that. I really hope Riley rocks on for years to come and perhaps next year everyone who will drop what their doing, spend a couple of hours for a good cause and support Riley McCallum and our local musicians.
Thanks everybody!

Peace, love and music,
Raymon Fong

Reviewed written by artist/musician Raymon Fong:
http://www.ournationsempire.com
http://www.raymonfong.com

Riley Rocks:
http://www.rileymccallum.com/
http://rileybum.blogspot.com/
email: rileyrocks2009@gmail.com

The Bands:
http://www.alexshield.com
http://www.taketheboys.com
http://www.live-twice.com

Pete Möss; up and coming Montreal band featured countless times on MMS. Photo by Michel Thériault.

I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and thank you for coming back to the CAS, we hope to continue to deliver you with more reviews and inside thought about the arts in Canada. We kick off the new year with an organization i had been affiliated with many eons ago, the MMS (Montreal Music Scene).

One of the most unique things about Montreal vs other cities is its array of cultures, languages and without a doubt their absolute hunger for music. The character and diversity in all its flavour has created a special birth ground for many artist in all disciplines but music has always held true. Is it any wonder why Bon Jovi, Supertramp, Roger Waters, Rush have always make a stop here? No, because there is no wonder; Montreal loves music and they love their greats. This being said the MMS has lead the way for the past 7 years to bring us the latest up to date information on all upcoming concerts and local acts in and around the city.

Founded in 2002 they’ve been delivering myself and countless others insight on concert reviews and events happening in and around the city. Lead by their fearless leader Valerie Pyke, who by the way, does a lot if not most of the photography at the major concerts. Having the pleasure of meeting her, she’s a spunky 80’s rocker chick that has a passion for the industry and if anyone knows anything about music it would be her. On the other end of the spectrum you have Jennifer Lariviere, vice president of the MMS, what she brings to the table is her invaluable writing skills to bring us in depth news on the music scene, seen through the eyes of someone in the trenches. Needless to say these gal pals are on the right track, building a fan base from nothing to over 10 000 members and 85 000 hits a month! They also attend and judge rock battles between the best and the worst bands in and around the area. If you don’t want a snobby editorial insight on the events, the reviewers from MMS tell it to you straight and raw.

The site from what i’ve seen hasn’t been updated in years, but the saying goes if it ain’t broke don’t fix it… Although something fresh would be nice once in awhile . In the site aside from reviews are forums where members can join bands or look for musicians, buy/sell equipment, give advice on direction and the industry and many more. When you have 10 000 members at your finger tips you’ll find what you are looking for.

The music in Montreal goes beyond the likes of a “Simple Plan”, the MMS is out there to bring the best of the locals to your front door so you can be the judge of what Montreal Music is all about. And my friends, by visiting the site every so often I can tell you the variety of talent in Montreal is enormous and I’m grateful that the MMS is there to capture every moment.

http://www.montrealmusicscene.com

Written by,
CAS Admin

I truly believe  artists have the power to suggest change through their performances, messages and mediums. In the harshest of times, in all walks of life people turn to art as a reminder and savior of cultures; and the beauty we are able to share as humans. What better gift can we give as a society than to be the voice for people who cannot speak, to enlighten and entertain people while they are at their worst moments. We are artists and we have that power to change.

~CAS Admin~

This is my commentary about one group who has been since March of 2003, that voice of change. The group I am referring to is the AAW also known as Artists Against War. They are an organization of artist in ALL mediums and talents who take time through their art to inform the ignorant, to help the helpless and to create a better world for us in which to live in. They create music, documentaries, films, performances, fund raisers and anything imaginable to combat the imbalance of corrupt war mongering governments. And boy did the AAW have their hands busy for the last 8 years under the tyranny of Bush. For every evil there is a good and the AAW has been there to fit that role. Located in Toronto they have proved over and over again through their campaigns of awareness that they are for real and they care. They have been sending out the message that we as a free society should be just that…free. Speaking of free they are also a voice to Canadian artists whom are fighting to keep the arts in Canada alive. If the Harper government isn’t going to care about us, who will?

The AAW organization is definitely one of good guys and with fund raisers, films and performances every month or so; they continually contribute to the peace of our great nation. We at the Canadian Art Scene have the up most respect for the AAW, they’ve done so much for peace and love the best we at the CAS can do is to help spread their message.

To find out more about the AAW, become a member or updates to their latest peace gathering events this is their official website: http://www.artistsagainstwar.ca

For realtime up to date events they also have a Facebook group: Artists Against War

Written by,
CAS Admin

Photo by Lawrence Fung

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra rolled into town this month and not a moment too soon. They came just in time for the Christmas holidays. This was the first time I ever attended this show and with all the hype it had it’s moments. Technically these guys were great. An impressive approx. 30 piece band rocking and riffing away on Christmas carols and famous classical scores in a heavy metal style.

The first half of the show was solely dedicated to the Christmas theme along with narration with set the tone for most of the entire show. The second half the orchestra rocked out to classical symphonies that would of made their original composers proud. The show itself was impressive, the use of LED backgrounds, lasers zapping all over the place, lights, a floating platform, fog machines and pyro was absolutely stunning. I’ve never seen so much attention grabbing visuals that could take your mind off of the show or keep your mind in the show depending how you look at it .

Now let me get straight to the point, I attended the show with a friend of mine who’s an avid heavy metal lover and well even though the TSO performance was absolutely, technically perfect… We both had to agree that there is something about mixing heavy metal guitars with classical melodies together, somethings just shouldn’t be mixed together. Overall no matter how you put it into the mix, mixing the two added a slight layer of cheese throughout the evening. And before everyone is up at arms, let me say it again “I NEVER SAID THESE GUYS WE’RE BAD, ON THE CONTRARY THESE GUYS WERE TECHNICALLY AMAZING, BUT MIXING HEAVY GUITARS WITH CLASSICAL MUSIC IS A LITTLE CHEESY.” It is what it is and I’m pretty sure the sold out crown at the Bell Center would disagree. Personally it was like listening to Yngwie Malmsteen all night, Yngwie is a technically perfect guitarist. Listening to him for two hours straight and I just want to pull the hair out of my roots… I think you guys get my drift. Now Megadeath… these guys did it right . As mentioned earlier the show itself was honestly an incredible array of lights and lasers flickering all over the place. With this said the show should of came with a warning sign and I’m absolutely serious… or maybe there was one and I missed it amongst the flashing lights. There was so much flickering, and flashing of lasers and lights anyone sensitive to this would of definitely of had a problem.

Overall these guys definitely put on an impressive show, was it my cup of tea? Not really, maybe this is something that i have to get use to… For me heavy metal guitars go great with I dunno… heavy metal music. But the TSO will definitely cater to an audience who want  to listen to Christmas carols and classical hits repackaged and presented in a totally different manner. These guys perform their show every year close to the holiday season, spreading the message holiday joy; as they should and I have no doubt that they will be spreading it once again to sold out crowds where ever they decide to play.

To end this review, at least I can agree with the TSO on one thing; may everyone have a great Christmas and holiday season with joy and two cups of eggnog filled with rum. Best wishes to all of you and along with the TSO, I hope to see you guys in the New Year .

Written by,
CAS Admin

I’m definitely not one who attends tribute bands but The Australian Pink Floyd blew me away…again. I’ve seen them before doing the “Dark Side of the Moon” but this time they were coming to town to recreate Roger Waters masterpiece, “The Wall”. At first i was hoping for the actual recreation and reenactments of the original concert with cardboard or Styrofoam bricks that would eventually cover the who band followed by its eventual collapse. Instead they performed the whole album accompanied with up to date 3D visuals from the original animations and designs by Gerald Scarfe. The performance was anywhere close to perfect. If you were to close your eyes and listen you would believe Roger Waters was actually there. Everything from the sound and tone of the guitars to the lights made the mood of the event almost perfect. I would say perfect but that would mean actually having Pink Floyd perform the show.

The highlight of the night for myself was the projection of images of Richard Wright (1943-2008) during the performance of “Great Gig in the Sky”. It was an absolutely touching and fitting tribute to one of the founders of this incredible band.

After a perfect performance of “The Wall” with an hr left in the show the Aussie Pink Floyd did what they do best… They did an encore of songs from the “Dark Side of the Moon”.  A fitting end to a great evening and performance.

It is absolutely wonderful that these guys are keeping the sound and the image of Pink Floyd alive for a new generation of listeners. For me with the passing of Richard Wright I will never get the chance to see all the original members of Pink Floyd live and now I will never will, one regret I’ll unfortunately take to my grave… Although to leave this review on a high note, anyone wanting the closest experience to Floyd in a smaller venue will not be disappointed and i definitely recommend all fans old and new to take in this show, I know you will love every moment of it.

Thank you Sid and Rick and we all “Wish You Were Here”.

Written by,
CAS Admin

Photo from Time Out Chicago

Montreal’s STARS took center stage late last month at Montreal’s Metropolis and i was lucky enough to catch the performance. Not knowing who they were a friend of mine sent me their myspace page and with an open mind i decided to listen… What can I say these guys were impressive to say the least. That being said i made a last minute decision to dish out the $27 and  attend the the venue. Stuck at the side of the stage in a standing only area of the floor the crowd was amazing. Ths STARS music touched all age groups from late teens to mid 40’s from what i could see and there was hardly any room left in the hall…

I was never one to be a huge fan of over melodramatic tech-no pop beat music, but i have to say the STARS was an exception. They reminded me of the old New Order with more passion which I had loved so much. The contrast between Chris and Amy’s voices were beautiful and the melodies they strung together great. They threw roses to the crowd throughout the night and the crowd could not get enough. The fans knew all the lyrics and sang along when necessary. With beat and type of music i thought the crowd would be dancing more but never the less you can tell the crowd enjoyed every moment.

Needless to say it is really inspiring to see a Montreal band living their dream touring the world doing what they love best. In conclusion all I have to say is if you don’t know the STARS give them a chance, I did and now I’m hooked.

Written by,
CAS Admin

Photo by Jason DeCrow/Associated Press

A few days ago I had the absolute pleasure of watching a Canadian icon perform on stage at Montreal’s Bell Center. No, no… I’m not talking about Bryan Adams, Celine Dion or The Bare Naked Ladies for that matter. I am talking about an artist a step above everyone else, the icon I’m referring to is without a doubt, Neil Young.

As the lights went down after opening act Wilco, Neil stepped out on stage… never dressing up for the moment, always seeming to dress down. Wearing what seemed to be an old paint splattered sports jacket and his hair brushed back he came out and gave what only a legendary performer can give. An absolute legendary preformance from the heart. It’s not about glits and glamour with Young. He’s RAW. His music is RAW, his playing is RAW and no one else can pull off a “RAWER” performance than himself.

Am I a fan of Neil, you bet…Do I love his music, you’re damn right I do,  am i blowing smoke up his a**? Absolutely not… What sets Neil apart from every other artist is his drive to change the world with his music and for that alone; EVERYONE should admire. He’s not here to sing pop songs, he’s here to sing messages of peace, love and prosperity. He’s telling you a story of the innocence lost in all of us. He’s sending us a message of hope. If only most people can tell the difference between beautifully written poetry and poorly stringed lyrics that make no sense; perhaps this world would be a better place. It’s been his life’s work to create change through music and even though many of us listen to Neil, unfortunately not enough of us are willing to follow his message. Well for us music and peace lovers, let’s help Neil out by spreading his message of hope so he doesn’t have to do it alone.

Thank You Neil for a wonderful performance and we all hope to see you back in town real soon!
By the way “Keep on Rock’in in the Free World”.

Written by,
CAS Admin

http://www.neilyoung.com/