I have never seen more of a mixed bag than I did at Le Fairmount for The Linda Lindas. The last time they were in town, it was at the Rialto during Pop Montreal (October 2022), and it was a completely different scene. There were still a lot of kids under the age of 14, but this time I noticed a lot more LGBTQ and punk fans.
Maybe it was because the opener was Pinkshift. Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, the punk/pop band kicked off the show with some seriously hard-core energy—a lot more than I expected. Lead vocalist Ashrita encouraged the crowd to jump up and down and run around in circles, creating a makeshift mosh pit. I’ve been to Le Fairmount many times, but I’ve never felt the ground shake as it did that night. I noticed a lot of worried faces on the parents of young children and on the older fans. I sat at the bar in the back and befriended a cute older gay couple who were having a blast.
Pinkshift are a fun band to see live because they really bring it. Each member is extremely intense and committed, not just to the music, but to important causes—using their platform to advocate for racial diversity, gender inclusivity, and Palestine. If you’re a fan of punk/grunge/emo with a little more kick, check out their latest single, “Evil Eye.”
You know that part in The Wizard of Oz when suddenly everything turns from black-and-white into technicolour? That’s what it feels like when The Linda Lindas get onto a stage. I think it’s because they exude this powerful energy while maintaining their youthful innocence—the physical embodiment of Riot Grrrl.
Montreal was their second-to-last stop on this tour (Toronto would be their final show), and I could see how much the band has grown. Maybe it’s because I’m a mom and also the youngest member is only 14 (drummer Mila), but I felt really proud that they are not only still at it but perfecting their stage presence and their musicianship. And they’re doing this all while growing up in front of our very eyes. As if growing up isn’t hard enough. Maybe singing about it helps.
I loved how they each took turns on vocals and shared the spotlight. I was happy to see that they still look like they enjoy playing with each other, and I hope they do it for a long time.
They did all my favourites towards the end. “Oh” is such a banger, and Bela’s vocals delivered the perfect attitude. Eloise unleashed some serious rage on “Racist, Sexist Boy.” I wondered if she would have any voice left for the next show.
Green Day’s “When I Come Around” was a great surprise cover. “All In My Head” is one of my favourites, and Lucia sang it with just the right amount of angst and sweetness—giving me hope that The Linda Lindas will be around for a long time.
They closed the show with “Rebel Girl,” because that’s the whole point. Pinkshift joined them on stage, and it felt like a celebration. People—young and old, straight and LGBTQ, non-binary and everyone else in between—cried out “rebel girl.” The Linda Lindas performed it as though they wrote the damn song. When they sing, I hear the revolution. The words “We rebuild what you destroy” boldly printed on T-shirts worn by kids younger than them.
Review (and last 2 photos) – Annette Aghazarian
Photos – Andres Amaya
