From grindcore to pop and from upbeat to feverishly melancholic, here are 10 bands located in Montreal right now that need your ears thrust upon their content. They've all been linked to Bandcamp because that's the easiest way you can directly support these artists. Listen, enjoy and then $upport them.
1. CELL PRESS
Let's blast open this list with grindcore soon-to-be heavyweights Cell Press. They are unrelenting in their calloused aggression. They serve up the heavy riffage with rage dialled into 11. Cell Press commands attention with their raw intensity and unapologetic approach to their craft. It's ferocity at its sonic best. If you think you like heavy music, Cell Press will teach you a thing or two about what that actually means.
Find them on Bandcamp HERE
2. SORRY GIRLS
This duo consisting of Heather Foster Kirkpatrick and Dylan Konrad Obront scoop out some sweet lush pop tunes and delicately place them on your waffle cone of musical love. They deserve a way better analogy than that but at the same time, eating ice cream while listing to Sorry Girls is the perfect pairing. They really know how to get you dancing in the most chill fashion and yet come off as not being too mainstream to lose their cool.
Find them on Bandcamp HERE
3. CHANDA AND THE PASSENGERS
This soul revival funk troupe is the next big thing coming out of Montreal. Come for the impossibly smooth vocals of Chanda and stay for the bombastic "passengers" backing band who know exactly when to turn it up or cool it down. Their music is impossibly catchy and the right amount of funky. If you loved Sharon Jones and the Dapp Kings you will love these sweet sweet sounds.
Find them on Bandcamp HERE
4. ULTRAFOX
UltraFox is a dynamic electro-jazz band that ignites the stage with their infectious grooves and electrifying energy. Their fusion of funk and jazz creates a sonic experience that makes audiences get up and dance and according to their Bandcamp page, that's their one true goal. It's near impossible not to when you catch them live, with a tight rhythm section, blazing horns and catchy hooks UltraFox guarantees a non-stop dance party every time!
Find them on Bandcamp HERE
5. SWEETHEART GRIP
Sweetheart Grip is a husband and wife duo featuring Sean Arsenian (The Great Sabatini, Cell Press) and April Furlotte in a substantial departure from Arsenian's usual forays. Together, the two mix up to combine a perfect drink of melancholic folk music and haunting acoustic singer/songwriter style tracks all of which are garnished with lyrical content that offers painful, deep-seated truths about the human condition. Sometimes, if you look hard enough you can find a bit of tongue-in-cheek wit, and wry and acerbic humour.
Find them on Bandcamp HERE
6. MOUNTAIN DUST
Mountain Dust has a massive sound. It's what everyone who listened to hard rock in the 70's wished music sounded like.
They've been able to seamlessly blend elements of heavy rock, blues, and psychedelic vibes into a mesmerizing sonic journey that evokes a sense of raw power and nostalgia.
The band showcases soulful vocals and dynamic guitar solos but it's really the band's choice to lean into the organ that propels them into the next level of rockdom and separates them from other up-and-coming rock outfits.
Find them on Bandcamp HERE
7. THE GRUNIONS
The Grunions are an explosive surf rock band that channels the spirit of the 1960s beach culture and delivers it with a modern edge. Their surf-inspired melodies, reverb-drenched guitars, rumbling saxophones and infectious rhythms create a sonic experience that captures the essence of riding the waves and soaking up the sun. With their high-energy performances and undeniable stage presence, The Grunions transport audiences to a beachside paradise filled with irresistible grooves and unforgettable melodies. Their new album "Shadow Breaker" is already garnering great reviews. It drops August 30th so set your calendars.
Find them on Bandcamp HERE
8. BEAUREGARD
Beauregard is a punk band that proudly embraces the genre "dad-punk," delivering energetic and rebellious music that resonates with punk-loving fathers who loved that special pop-punk in their youth.
Their sound captures the essence of that melodic punk rock scene, channelling the raw energy and anthemic melodies reminiscent of bands that have graced the stages of the Vans Warped Tour.
With their infectious hooks, harmonizing vocals, and high-octane performances, Beauregard ignites a nostalgic spark that harkens back to the golden era of punk while carving out their own distinct presence in the punk rock landscape.
Find them on Bandcamp HERE
9. CANTICLE
Canticle is a captivating one-man band created by filmmaker Adam Reider (Woodland Grey) that delves into the realms of post-rock, experimental, and drone genres, offering a unique musical experience. Canticle's music possesses a mesmerizing slow burn, captivating listeners with its atmospheric and introspective qualities. Through the incorporation of audio clips from film and television, Canticle adds an additional layer of depth, creating a haunting and melancholic ambiance that resonates with those who appreciate music that explores the darker and more contemplative aspects of the human experience. This is a project to watch in the coming years for sure.
Find him on Bandcamp HERE
10. CHRISTIAN
Get ready to groove to the soulful and whimsical tunes of Christian, a talented multi-instrumentalist who's stepping into the limelight as a singer-songwriter. With experience in renowned contemporary and gospel choirs as well as bands across Canada, Christian's musical journey is culminating in a delightful mix of catchy pop hooks, showtunes and funky instrumentals, displaying his unique style and undeniable talent.
Find him on Bandcamp HERE