Botfly
The first band for this night’s incredible lineup was Botfly, a post-hardcore band all the way from Halifax. They had a strong start—really confident and heavy—and their set sounded great in the Cabaret Fouf space.
The crowd seemed to enjoy their set, sending out cheers and claps between songs. It was too early for the venue to be filled yet, but there were still a good number of people in attendance to see them. Botfly’s emotional energy properly set the mood for the night.
Sean McInnis, Botfly’s bassist, really got my attention. He hopped around the stage, dancing along to the groove of his bass playing, paying visits to Dewayne Shanks, the drummer, who was giving his all. The two were incredibly synchronized, which is arguably the most important part of any show, hardcore or not.
As the set progressed, their sound got heavier. It felt really progressive in structure, which I adore in a good setlist. I like to be told a story, and Botfly clearly has a lot to say through their music. Each member is talented in their instruments, and with Keegan Goodspeed’s voice acting like the cherry on top, their sound goes a long way. They’re very ’90s, but they manage to add fresh elements that beautifully tie it all together.
I think they did a great job performing, and I’m quite pleased I got the chance to catch their set. They earned my follow on Spotify, and I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for their upcoming releases.
Single Mothers
After a cigarette and jotting down some notes about Botfly’s set, my anticipation for Single Mothers’ performance kept growing. I’ve seen them perform before, but that didn’t change my excitement. I was amped and ready.
Once the crowd was done cheering as each member took their positions, they dove right into their set with Christian Girls, the first track off their self-titled EP from 2012. It was a perfect start—fast and heavy—and sure enough, the mosh pit that instantly started up at the front of the crowd proved me right.
In my humble opinion, I think Andrew Thompson’s microphone could’ve been louder. Despite the lack of volume, Thompson did a great job getting his morbid lyrics across to the crowd with his monologue-ish style of singing. After playing the first three songs from their EP, Single Mothers’ setlist jumped into their debut album, Negative Qualities, released ten years ago in 2014.
This tour is a big dedication to that album, celebrating Negative Qualities by performing every song in the set. The crowd clearly had a fantastic time thrashing to these beloved tracks, but it was a tad apparent that Thompson seemed pretty tired of performing music written in his darkest times.
During a break between songs, Thompson announced he’d been sober for eight years. “I’m not telling you this so you’ll cheer,” he said. “I’m saying this because if you feel like you need to make a change in your life but it feels impossible, I’m proof that it is possible if you work really hard.”
He talked about the album’s ten-year anniversary, and whether it’s been a good or bad decade depends on which band member you ask. He also jokingly (but maybe not so jokingly) said it might be Single Mothers’ last show in Montreal. I saw a good number of people in the crowd look at one another quizzically after that statement.
I wouldn’t blame them. It truly seems exhausting to perform songs written during such a dark mindset. Thompson himself said sarcastically that he “loves” performing songs he wrote during the thick of his alcoholism.
His words and frustration encouraged me to enjoy the set even more. I got to hear some of my favourite songs from their oldest album, such as Womb, Feel Shame, Ketamine, and finally, Money, which ended the set. I’m grateful for the effort it took to perform the entire album, and I wish them luck for the rest of the tour. They did an excellent job and left the audience pumped for the rest of the night.
Birds in Row
After two incredible performances by two Canadian bands, it was time for Birds in Row, an extremely talented hardcore punk band from France. They kicked off with Water Wings, the opening track from their 2022 album Gris Klein. It’s a great song to start both an album and a setlist with, beginning eerily before quickly exploding into intense emotion.
Birds in Row’s energy was thunderous and intoxicating. Each member gave their all, proving all the kind words that Botfly and Single Mothers had said about them true. As each member jumped and thrashed along to the intense songs, the crowd followed, letting each note lead their movement.
There is so much passion in their work. Seeing them live made that abundantly clear. Their sound is invigorating and cathartic, quick to move one emotionally. Their setlist flowed perfectly, each song blending into the next with ease, as if it were one big 50-minute track.
They played more songs from Gris Klein, like Cathedrals and Grisaille, and sprinkled in older tracks like 15-38, Last Last Chance, and I Don’t Dance, which all fit seamlessly into the set.
The lead vocalist took a moment to greet the crowd and remind us that the last time Birds in Row played Montreal was five or six years ago. They were grateful to perform here again, which earned heartfelt cheers from the audience.
He also shared his thoughts on France’s current government, the rise of fascism, and how hard it is to live around. He expressed gratitude for being able to continue making music and pride in his neighbours for protesting against the government.
He urged the crowd to look after one another. He wasn’t sure what the government was like in Canada but advised us to stick together in our beliefs and protest. If anyone felt like shit that night, he said, they should reach out and not go home alone. It was a genuine moment between artist and audience, one that I’m sure will stick with everyone as it has with me.
After playing an incredible set, Birds in Row left the stage, but the crowd erupted with continuous cheering, begging them to come back.
Eventually, they complied. The lead vocalist admitted they usually don’t perform encores, but since they’re rarely in Montreal, they made an exception. And God, am I glad they did. They ended the night with You, Me & The Violence, an intense track that led the crowd to release every last bit of energy.
Pretty much immediately after the set came to its true end, most of the crowd made a beeline for the merch table. I regret skipping the line and leaving, but I’ll be ordering a T-shirt online for sure. After that thrilling performance, I’d gladly wear Birds in Row’s name on my chest.
Review – Jamie Siddall
Photos – Steve Gerrard
