Music

Pop Montreal 2011: Wednesday Best Bets

by Anne T. Donahue

Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday we were all sleep deprived for NXNE, and now we’re wearing many more layers and drinking just as much coffee to try and cram as much music and mayhem into a four-day time span as humanly possible. To prevent you from having a stress meltdown (because we’ve all been there), we’re going to round up our top picks each day to make sure you’re heading to shows you can brag to your friends about. So to kick things off, get this ball rolling and inspire many more cliches, here’s our official picks for opening day.

ARCADE FIRE
Ever hear of these guys? A bunch of other people have which probably explains why their show is sold-out and being scalped all over the internet. If you’re willing to pay some serious cash, it’ll probably be worth it… but don’t kick yourself when the big FREE SHOW you forgot about rears its beautiful head tomorrow.

Metropolis, 59 St. Catherine East, 9:30 p.m.

RICH AUCOIN
I’ve never met a person who doesn’t love confetti and balloons and parachutes, so unless you’re afraid of joy and laughter, you’ll want to kick start your evening with an interactive, sweat-inducing, arm-flailing dance party in preparation for the release of Rich Aucoin’s long-awaited EP (Public Preparation) and full-length (Over the Top!), both due out November 1st. Listed under the festival’s “Opening Jam,” it’s safe to assume that the Halifax talent will set the bar high for any show claiming to be interactive. Or any show claiming to be anything, ever.

Mission Santa Cruz :: Salle STM, 60 Rachel West, 11 p.m.

JAPANDROIDS
If it feels like a long time since you’ve laid eyes on the Vancouver two-piece, it’s because it has been. Though luckily, (relative) absence makes the heart grow fonder, and after playing hundreds of shows between 2009-2010, Japandroids are resuming their strict live regimen, proving that a band’s power is by no means dictated by the number of its members. Now in the midst of yet another extensive North American tour, expect this show to add to your thirst for a follow-up album. Especially since the band’s been open about using the tour to unveil new songs to Post Nothing’s successor.

Divan Orange :: Salle CISM, 4234 boulevard Saint-Laurent, 11:30 p.m.

HOODED FANG
Between two albums, a Polaris longlist nod, and endless praise from blogs, critics and contemporaries, Toronto’s Hooded Fang have one-upped the existing indie rock standard, helping obliterate the seemingly lifelong cliches associated with Can-rock and/or roll. Supporting their recently released sophomore record, Tosta Mista, expect your night to consist of a proverbial hug as the band’s sense of community embraces you and unfolds your arms from the “but I’m kind of tired” position.

Les 3 Minots, 3812 Boulevard Saint Laurent, 12 a.m.

D-SISIVE
But maybe you’re in the market for hip-hop, and if you are, behold: D-sisive. With several Juno nominations under his belt, and a legacy bathed in honesty and earnestness, the Toronto native proves that acclaim isn’t fleeting (if it’s well-deserved), and that despite hiatuses and uphill battles, it’s possible to come out an artist triumphant. Just don’t blame us when you lose yourself in his wit, prose, or  Twitter feed.

HOHM Private Club, 4445 Saint-Laurent, blvd, 12:40 a.m.