L’Escogriffe is jam-packed and warming up quickly for tonight’s sold-out show by one of 2023’s most exciting bands, Model/Actriz. The New York-based group released a stunning debut album, Dogsbody, back in February, and the anticipation for this, their third appearance in Montreal no less, could not be much higher.
Despite the rising temperature, vocalist Cole Haden spent most of Model/Actriz’s hour-long performance weaving through the crowd, dancing with the throng, shouting in their faces, and cuddling up and singing intimacies in their ears rather than shooing away stage-bound admirers longing for a hug. He did start by setting one ground rule though: Absolutely no drinks on the stage! Seems liquids easily damage their equipment, and they’ve learned from past mistakes.
Dressed in an Insane Clown Posse shirt and knitted bunny ears hat, Haden doesn’t look like the frontperson of a band that can unleash clattering noise like Model/Actriz. But the loud/quiet/loud assault of his band, coupled with its thrilling live performance, makes them so provocative in a rock ‘n’ roll milieu that seems to have lost its edge somewhat in recent years.
This is a band that defies easy categorization. Their music is a blend of punk, noise rock, and experimental sounds, creating a unique and captivating sound that is all their own. Tonight’s performance is full of energy and intensity, with Haden’s frenetic vocals and the band’s driving rhythms combining to create a musical onslaught that rarely lets up.
Kicking things off with “Donkey Show,” they then went right into “Mosquito.” Haden repeatedly jumped down from the stage and made his way through the crowd all the way to the back of L’Esco. The rest of the band – guitarist Jack Wetmore, bassist Aaron Shapiro (whose parents are in attendance) and drummer Ruben Radlauer – were all completely in sync and didn’t seem phased that their singer was lost in the crowd.
Highlights included a blistering run through Crossing Guard and a climactic Pure Mode.
Model/Actriz is a band that is genuinely pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music. There’s an alchemy between the band’s precision and Haden’s charismatic (on and off) stage presence. Despite some of the darker themes in the music, the performance had the vibe of a party or celebration. Tonight was one of the most invigorating shows I’ve witnessed in years, and felt like the beginning of something significant. Big thanks to Good Shows for bringing them to Montreal.
If Model/Actriz play anywhere nearby, you’d be a fool to miss them!
Support came from Brutus VIII
Review & photos – Steve Gerrard
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