I’ve had a hard time explaining the chokehold that emo music has begun to have on me recently, but after this show, I think I have an answer. The genre is simply in an amazing place right now. So many young bands with so much promise are breaking out onto the scene with quality music.
When the “Wax Bodega Tour” was announced I knew I had to be there, even though I wasn’t initially familiar with any of the three bands’ music. Wax Bodega, as a record label, has signed modern emo pioneers such as Hot Mulligan, Knuckle Puck, and Free Throw. Naturally, that means that any other band this label promotes is quality, right?
Before I get into the review, I need to shout out Ben Quad, another band that was supposed to be on this bill. Unfortunately, they had to drop out of the tour a couple of days before their Montreal date because of a family emergency. Their presence was still felt at the venue, however, as their music played on the house speakers between each band’s set.
I would recommend checking them out if you’re a fan of a math-rock sound with intense vocals!
saturdays at your place
This three-piece from Kalamazoo, MI kicked off what would become the sweatiest Monday evening I’ve ever lived. Though the room wasn’t full by the time they took the stage, all of their passionate fans showed up early.
The pit came to life when they played “eat me alive”, easily my favourite of their tracks. This song is a melancholic banger that starts off with some shoegazey guitars before exploding into a punk anthem halfway through. I get the same feeling listening to this track as when I listen to some of Basement’s or Title Fight’s bigger hits; so definitely check it out if you recognize those names!
When they closed their set with “tarot cards” I was impressed by how many in the crowd were belting the lyrics. It’s so rare to see such a response to an opening band at any show.
Keep an eye on this band cause they certainly will be headlining their own big tours in the near future!
Carly Cosgrove
Next to take the stage was Philadelphia trio Carly Cosgrove. They were masters of catchy choruses, infectious lead guitar riffs and passionate vocals reminiscent of twinkly Midwest emo bands.
They masterfully kept the energy of the crowd alive after the previous band, and hyped us even more for the headliners.
I would recommend checking out their debut album “See You In Chemistry” for those seeking a modern take on the classic Midwest emo sound. The title track on that album is easily their magnum opus and has riffs that remind me of early American Football.
Arm’s Length
After 3 quality acts, the room was ready for Arm’s Length. The cheering began as soon as their members tried to sneak on stage to set up their equipment. This band has a small but dedicated fan base, many considering their debut album a modern classic.
They fittingly took the stage with the opening track of their album, “Overture”. Which features a vocal line and melody that reappears in the closing track. The moment lead singer Allen Steinberg sang its first line, every fan in the room screamed along with him.
After a dramatic intro, we hit “Object Permanence,” the biggest single on their album. Seconds into this song, the pit was alive. People leaning on the stage were piled on top of each other, belting out the lyrics back to the band. Arm’s Length lyrics speak straight to the heart, which was evident from the pure passion of the audience.
The energy was consistent throughout their entire set, with some fans stage diving and crowd surfing on top of a very friendly mosh pit. My favourite moments were when the vocalist would pass the microphone to the audience, and we would collide to sing the most chant-able parts of their songs.
When the vocals from the opening track returned during their set and album closer, “Dirge,” chills were sent down my spine. The fans knew that this was their last chance to belt out lyrics that they hold so dear. Hearing everyone’s voices join and seeing people arm in arm was so touching. The fact that the entire show ended with the same words it started with was a beautiful full-circle moment.
This young band truly knows how to go straight for the feels.
This was their first time playing a show in Montreal, and the band expressed multiple times how they had no idea how they’d be received in our city and if people would even show up or care about them. Happily, our small but rowdy crowd truly impressed and touched their hearts. We gave them a very warm welcome and hope that Arm’s Length returns soon!
SETLIST:
1. Overture
2. Object Permanence
3. In Loving Memory
4. Formative Age
5. Aries (Moth Song)
6. Up In Smoke
7. Playing Mercy
8. Muscle Memory
9. Safer Skin
10. Everything As I Knew It
11. Tough Love
12. Watercolour
13. Garamond
14. Dirge
Review + photos – Michael Anestopoulos
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