I was thrilled to see Vision Video once again in Montreal, as since their last visit they have quickly become one of my favourite bands. They always deliver an electrifying live performance full of energy, and tonight at Cabaret Foufs was no exception.
The evening began with post-punk band Group B from Montreal. Unfortunately, I did not make it in time to catch them, but they received high praise from Vision Video themselves.
The evening then followed with Panic Priest, a perfect touring partner for Vision Video, carrying the same gothic synth-driven atmosphere. At first, I was a little disappointed that it was a one-man performance, with Jack Armondo handling vocals and guitar while relying on a computer for the instrumentals. Yet as the show progressed, his wild charisma drew me in, and soon I was dancing and swaying to the rhythms of his eighties-inspired new wave sound.
Panic Priest played several songs from his latest album Once Wild, including standout tracks such as “Dance to the Downfall,” with its infectious synth riff paired with his dark, sultry voice, and “Wait for Night,” whose pounding beat got the entire crowd moving.
At one point, Jack downed a shot of tequila on stage, joking that the set would either improve or fall apart from there — but it only improved. He closed with his signature single “Lonely City” from his 2020 album Second Seduction, a perfect post-punk anthem with irresistible guitar lines, followed by a bold cover of the iconic eighties hit “Self Control.” His version injected the track with new intensity, reshaping it into a gothic rock anthem for a new generation. By the end of his set, I had not only enjoyed his performance but discovered a new artist whose catalogue I was eager to explore.
Looking around the venue, it was clear I was not the only one brimming with anticipation for Vision Video. The excitement was palpable as Goth Daddy himself, Dusty, took the stage.
They opened with one of my favourites, “Dead Gods,” and like many in the crowd, I sang along with fervour. Vision Video has always been a deeply political band, and Dusty wasted no time addressing the audience. He spoke passionately about the rise of fascism in the United States and the obscene wealth of the billionaire class while ordinary people struggle daily, before launching into the defiant anthem “Normalize.”
He later shared personal experiences from his time in the military, reflecting on the violence he witnessed and drawing parallels to the suffering in Gaza. He spoke about the power of the military-industrial complex, urging us to remain aware but also to enjoy the night together. With that, they played “Kandahar,” merging the personal with the political in a way only Vision Video can.
One memorable moment came when the band performed what they jokingly called a “magic trick.” Donning balaclavas, Dusty explained that they made protesters disappear from surveillance and facial recognition systems. They then tore into “Balaclava Kiss,” ending with Dusty tossing his balaclava into the audience as a keepsake.
Dusty also opened up about his own struggles with trauma from his years in the military and as a firefighter. He spoke with honesty about mental health, describing the ups and downs of the journey, and encouraged us to never give up. The band then played “Stay,” a powerful track dedicated to this theme.
The mood shifted to pure joy when they launched into their fan-favourite ode to cats. The entire venue danced and sang along, and when the song ended, strangers began sharing cat photos with each other — a heartwarming highlight of the night.
Dusty later addressed the younger goths in the audience, reminiscing about what it was like to be part of the scene in its early days. He spoke about the magic of discovering underground music and wanting to share a forgotten gem. The band then performed a cover of “You Move Me” by The Comsat Angels, a track I had never heard before but one that fit seamlessly into their set. I made a note to seek it out afterwards.
The set continued with fans swaying to Vision Video’s signature dark melodies. They also premiered a new song, “Holdfast,” which I loved and which has me excited for the possibility of a new album.
When it came time for the encore, Dusty confessed that he found the tradition a little silly but acknowledged its place in rock and roll. Urging us to clap and cheer, the band returned to deliver a cover of “Transmission” by Joy Division, to the delight of the crowd.
For the final number, Dusty asked us to unleash our most feral energy and sing at the top of our lungs. The entire room erupted in unison during “In My Side,” a powerful closing moment that left everyone exhilarated.
What a magical night it was. A Vision Video concert is not just a performance but a storytelling experience that blends music, politics, humour, and community into something unforgettable. It is the kind of show that leaves you both smiling and reflecting long after it ends.
Review – Jason Maher
Photos – Ryan Rumpel
