The Stoned Poet

 March 23rd, there's a show at Barfly on St-Laurent at the height of the Schwartz Deli a popular franchise that attracts tourists and meat lovers every day. On that famous night, Bad Objection fronted by Ricardo Ranaldi, was long awaited because every other member had left the band and so everyone was left wondering who would be filling in the shoes of such a trailblazing legacy. On that night, bands such as World Of Blue and Gitni were also to scheduled to be playing, two bands I'd personally never seen.  Now it's quite particular since I came to the venue to also celebrate my birthday that was the next day  on the 24th so I kind of arrived late and missed World of Blue and almost missed Gitni. But I did get to catch Gitni for their last two songs and what I caught was four boys who enslaved the crowd to their catchy grooves and by the time I came in, everyone wanted more from the band. They'd entwined every mind to their very will and now every one was doing what the ...

  Last Friday, March 15th, I can still remember the temperature, t'was fresh; hints of Gromphenia are caught by nose, and I cannot stop this overwhelming feeling of excitement that now runs through my veins. I'm as ecstatic as the homeless man across the corner of my apartement when he finally has enough money to get himself a knack of his favorite smack, I'm shaking from the inside. I fizzle as I hold up my board and let it go and the trucks whack agains't the pavement. I'm gone full throttle, heading towards Piranha Bar, where a show is about to be feasted on by the many restless fans that come to see their favorite act. Tonight, the choice is yours, acts from all genres are coming to spills their guts upon a stage for us. First there's Stoned City , a rock act winking at metal, it's there first show ever, then there's  Ruby Slipper  an alternative band I've never seen, coming up with a couple years of experience on stage, thirdly there's  Ever...

  Saturday  9th, Brasserie Beaubien was the host for Cleanse, Evergreen, and Guest Room Status. A show where influences came from all over the place, seemingly from radio punk rock to grunge to some good old Emo\Simple Plan type of Rock.  ON a fucking rainy night, were Terror and Hubrus seemed to reign over MOntreal, I darted off for an hour walk towards brasserie beaubien, where Evergreen would give one hell of a set. At my arrival, I was drenched but luckily I'd discovered my coat was rainproof and so I'd avoided freezing like hell. Arrived there, I met the buddies, and I peak around, trying to guess who's in cleanse and Guest room status. As i talk with Matteo singer and legendary guitarist for Evergreen, I learn that the money they are raising for this show will go to their friend conor, who's got cancer and is currently following treatments with a certain degree of positivism. I thought to myself wow, these guys are already not making much, mostly even spending mor...

On February 17th, a show went on at Piranha Bar. This is how great of a night it was,witnessing  such bands conquer the souls and bodies of countless teens hungry for rythm and action. It all started back at eight fifteen. I saw the flyer announcing Lucy's Delirium, Ski Club a band from Boston and Rufus Cesspool playing at Piranha Bar. I though I'd heard a couple names already especially Lucy's Delirium. But musically I had no recollection of having heard anything from any band. So here I am, tired and drained from the night before, putting on my jacket as I ready myself to assault Canada's cold nights. As I walk out, I realize the air is stiff, the streets are shivering with empitness, everyone seems to prefer the warmth inside restaurants, bar or at home with their kins watching their favorite TV shows. On my behalf, a friend might come tonight but things are unsure. As I gait my way down Crescent Street, I realize what a lumpy allure streets can have when all they...

  Steeple, Evergreen, Roboter, at Barfly, 16th February 2024 A cover played on steple, a bassist who informs the crowd about an issue, and a band that covered weezer. Yet for Steeple, altough their acclaimed Nirvana cover wasn't at it's best, they still manage to doll you up and tickle your body to get you moving. Evergreen, got to play one of their hardest show ever, was it due to the frontman Matteo's new guitar? Possibly but the venue named The Barfly helped out I believe with it's small size, people could radiate across others their energy and happiness. I also believe that their new song was the gasoline we needed to simply let loose. Finally Roboter were well, the Weezer all reved up you never taught you would needed to hear. The show was set for eight o'clock on the flyers but only started at nine o'clock at Barfly. Had the time to realize how small the venue was, with half of the walls covered with Canadians banners dating from their glory days. After a ...

Steeple, Scarlet Wives and Blackmagic at La Marche À Côté From left to right : Blackmagic and Steeple    As I walked silently reminiscing my problems, I happened to stop to light myself a cigarette and I percieved in the distance a friend of mine going to tonights show. I screamed hectically and we then joked around and we threaded down to La Marche À Côté. Arriving, I meet the guys from Bad Objection, Evergreens and then proceeded to wish good luck to Blackmagic's trio. Tonight, the bill is promising, Steeple, a young band who can stand their ground, Scarlet Wives, relentless punks who never miss the opportunity to set the night on fire and finally Blackmagic, a band who know just how good they are and aren't afraid to show it. A couple of drinks and cigarettes in, there's a hecticness that settles among the walls of the venue. Rumours are, the sound of the only microphone plugged in does not work well. The show is suppose to start at 10 and now 10:15 is past and beers an...

  Face Lock, a wink to Nirvana yet far away from the Nirvana Face Lock, the new Single from Joyless Bodies. The Band itself. A moment of grief for Kurt, a feeling of deja-vu was clearly laid down here. I had my Nirvana magazine opened right at the edge of the table as I started the song. The magazine was opened on a intereview with Courtney as she was talking about a song Kurt recorded for her not long before dying and she was explaining how painful it was for her as she'd listen back to it, even to this day (dating back from 2015, I believe.)   Well Face Lock has this same effect for a drunken lad, die-hard grunge rock fan reminiscing the songs of Alice in Chains, Nirvana and many more bands of this era. Yet, I can't say I was blown over. We are far away from the quoted, 'Rage Agains't The Machine influence or nod to System Of A Down'. Quite frankly, it smelled déjà-vu. The verses are mumbled almost inaudible as if the singer was ashamed or afraid of his lyrics, th...