By: Sun Noor
Montreal’s eclectic music festival is back for its fifth edition next week and is packed with a lineup consisting of a wide range of both local and touring artists, presenting something to offer for music fans of all genres. This year’s edition will also host plenty of album launches throughout the weekend such as Loic April, Fuudge, Constellation Nightclub and UUBBUURRUU. In fact, a handful of the upcoming shows are also free, which gives you more of an excuse to go out and catch as much shows as you possibly can.
Some of the venues housing the festival include:
- Casa Del Popolo
- Sala Rossa
- Le Ministere
- Le Belmont
- Diving Bell Social Club
- MR250
- O Patro Vys
- Studio Bizz
- Taverne Saint-Sacrement
- Quai des Brumes
- L’escogriffe
- Diese Onze
- Prohibition
- Chez Baptiste
- Barraca
- Aux 33 Tours
- Les Enfants Terribles
- Pub West Shefford
- Verre Bouteille
- Boswell
Here are my top picks for the upcoming weekend:
- Deerhoof at Sala Rossa on January 30th
Deerhoof was undoubtedly one of the first artists that caught my eye during the unveiling of the lineup given that this show is one of the only two tour dates they currently have. Perhaps the band will also perform with new material to be performed. The San-Francisco based quartet will be joined by local acts Thus Owls and Tamayuge for a stacked bill on opening night.
2. Ice Cream at Diving Bell Social Club on February 1st
The Toronto-based experimental pop duo put on such an alluring set last fall when they were in town for Pop Montreal and put on quite the show. The outfit will be back to perform a handful of songs off of their latest LP titled Fed Up, which will definitely be one for the books.
3. NOBRO at Le Ministere on February 1st
The Toronto-based rock quartet are due to play their first show since bing signed to Dine Alone Records last year. With the release of their newest single last week titled “Marianna” off of their upcoming EP “Sick Hustle” due on April 3rd, the outfit are most likely to play some new material.
4. Shadow Show at Studio Buzz on February 1st.
The Detroit-based trio are due to make an appearance in the city to grace us with their lushious sound which combines elements ranging from garage and prog rock to 60’s psychedelic rock. The band are due to release their debut album, Silhouettes via Burger Records on February 14th.
5. Meggie Lenon at Quai des Brumes on January 31st.
The Montreal-based Francophone songstress is due to kick off her second performance of the year. With her latest release, Ton Amour, Ma Bouche last fall, Lennon incorporates many different musical elements but leans heavily towards dream pop and psychedelia.
Click here to view the complete list of shows and purchase tickets for the festival.
For the Record 
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