Live music and plays light up Montreal this July: Jazz Fest spirits, heavy rock and theatrical comedy
Jack and Jill Average are discovering complex music beyond pop. Here are four standout Montreal shows to catch this month, from abacus-core and punk benefits to brutal electronica.
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Jazz Fest's lineup has pushed Jack and Jill Average into listening to music far beyond mediocre pop—and that's worth celebrating. Here are four Montreal shows where that more ambitious energy continues this month.
Saturday, July 4, The American Devices play P'tit Ours (5589 Parc, 8 p.m., PWYC). The band has been Montreal's oldest existing fuck wavers, pushing well past the boundaries of mere rock 'n' roll into complexity that's earned them a vacuum of recognition. Support from Spatulas, Greydini and Garden of Love. Show up early—band members and beers will leave you standing room only.
Also Saturday, A Warning From Montreal Festival holds a benefit show at Foufounes (87 Ste-Catherine W., 8 p.m., $20) featuring Warkrusher, Eulogy, Willful Neglect, Traumatic State and more. The festival—now in its 18th edition—curates the best local and international punk, crust and d-beat without corporate sponsorship. Grassroots punk belongs on the list.
Friday, July 10, The Body brings Providence's sheer heaviosity and emotional wrench to Bar le Ritz PDB (179 Jean-Talon W., 7:30 p.m., $31.84). Underground rock with fleeting electronica. Big/Brave takes the middle slot with their signature gloom and despair. Skintone opens. This is the month's big ticket—if you skip it, expect the Osheaga playlist rammed into your ears.
Also July 10, Kataklysm plays Théâtre Fairmount (5240 Parc, 7 p.m.) with Six Feet Under (featuring original Cannibal Corpse vocalist Chris Barnes), Wormhole and NecroticGoreBeast. Quebec remains the capital of death metal—this is why.
