If you’re from Montreal and claim to like rock music, and you’re not a fan of Les Deuxluxes, then we can’t be friends. I’m not sure when my obsession began, but when I received my invitation to their album launch (November 28th) at La Sala Rossa, I couldn’t wait. Their EP Pleasure Doin’ Business was released on November 8, and it features my new favourite song, Always On The Run, which also happens to feature another fantastic Montreal band: Les Shirleys, who happened to be the special guest for the evening.
For those who haven’t heard, Les Deuxluxes are a dynamic duo from Montreal who have been making music together for over 10 years—so basically, since they were kids. Sounding like the love child of The White Stripes and The Bangles, with a whole lot of other delicious flavours mixed in, vocalist/guitarist Anna Frances Meyer and singer/multi-instrumentalist Étienne Barry have a chemistry that goes deeper than the music. Blending an array of genres—folk, rock, country, and blues—with their own unique style, they have captured that indescribable rock ’n’ roll essence that makes them one of the most unique and exciting Canadian bands right now.
The last time I saw musicians play that hard and dress up so wild was probably Greta Van Fleet. In her large yellow cavalier hat, with its long feather, yellow sequinned bodysuit, white feather wings on her shoulders, and big white Elton John-style glasses, Anna made quite an entrance. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, she was holding up a handmade broom, which she told us she made in elementary school at Upper Canada Village. Raising it above her head, she called out, “Where are my witches at?” And that’s when I knew that I was at the right place.
Anna had a broken foot, so she had to perform while seated, but her energy was still super high. Étienne was also decked out in a cavalier hat, but in red, with a yellow fringed sequinned jacket and bright green shirt. There was a special shout-out to the stylist, who was there, as well as a shout-out to all the gorgeous women in attendance. Anna humorously commented that when you have lesbians performing, you always attract “les plus belles femmes de Montréal.” She wasn’t wrong.
They opened with the first track on their new EP, Comin’ In Hot, which set the tone for a fantastic night. The vibe was very warm and fuzzy, as everyone seemed to know each other. It was more like a private party than an actual concert. I didn’t know anyone, but I did end up meeting a kind older gentleman who offered to watch my camera bag.
They played some tracks from Lighter Fluid with incredible guitar work—Anna giving off Wanda Jackson attitude on her Gibson Flying V, and Étienne on double duty on guitar and drums. One of my favourite moments was Anna’s psychedelic flute solo on For I Myself. I couldn’t believe how great they sounded live. They were only two people making all that beautiful music.
They were joined by Jo Laf on drums for a few songs, and then Les Shirleys appeared, and that’s when things really got cooking. They performed Always On The Run, which sounded even better live. There were now three guitarists, a bassist, and a drummer on stage. The contrast of their soft yet powerful harmonies with the groovy twang of the guitars created a rich sound that reminded me of those timeless rock classics from the ’60s. Which makes me wonder why people still want to only listen to the oldies when they can help support local talent and new artists. I mean, I love the Rolling Stones, but I think Mick Jagger has made enough money, don’t you?
Anyhow, if you get the chance to check out Les Deuxluxes live or buy their albums, you will not be disappointed. And the older gentleman that I had met earlier strongly agreed with me. Of course, he would—he turned out to be Anna’s dad. Before I left the venue, I turned to him and said, “You must be really proud of your daughter. She’s very talented and quite a personality.”
He smiled and nodded, stating, “She’s been doing this since she was a kid, and it’s all she’s ever wanted to do.” To which I replied, “Well, I’m glad she did.”
Annette Aghazarian
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