Les Breastfeeders Done Milking Matins

07/25/08 5:05pm

by Erik Leijon (CHARTattack)

MONTREAL — In the two years since Montreal rockers Les Breastfeeders released Les Matins De Grands Soirs (for anglos, that translates to "the mornings of big evenings"), the francophone garage revivalists have surprised even themselves by extensively touring the U.S. and Europe, bringing their unique mix of traditional rock 'n' roll, D.I.Y. punk and all-around bombast to enthusiastic crowds who couldn't even understand the lyrics.

"The first time we played in the U.S. after our first record [2004's Dejeuner Sur L'Herbe], once we finished the show it was clear it made no difference what language we sang in," says guitarist Sunny Duval, whose group recently had their own television special on PBS' Wisconsin affiliate. "Everyone reacts the same to rock 'n' roll, and they get the energy once we step on stage because we're always into it."

Les Breastfeeders are winding down a Quebec tour that saw them play their final Montreal show in support of Les Matins. They're already working on demos for their follow-up album and plan on doing some more after a brief respite.

"The Montreal show was a family reunion," says Duval. "The club was packed and we were completely soaked.

"We had to split the set in two because our drummer [Patrick Sayers] almost collapsed. It was great."

It's not too surprising that Les Breastfeeders have found supporters outside of Quebec, since in their home province they've gained a reputation among anglophone and francophone music fans for being one of the most wild, unpredictable and raucous live bands around. Duval says a typical Breastfeeders crowd is a mix of young and old, including many long-time rock 'n' roll and rockabilly stalwarts.

"We definitely like rock from the '50s, '60s and '70s" says Duval. "But I wouldn't call us purists."

Even within the band there's a unique contrast between lead vocalist/guitarist Luc Brien and guitarist/vocalist Suzie McLelove — the fashionable '60s-loving mods — and Duval, drummer Patrick Sayers and bassist Joe, who provide a more punk aesthetic.

Then there's tambourinist/songwriter Johnny Maldoror, who doesn't really fit into any identifiable category. Maldoror typically performs with an exposed chest and wears makeup befitting a Halloween costume, and brings mayhem to an already wild live group. Like a hellbent Gene Frenkle (Will Ferrell's cowbell player character from the infamous Saturday Night Live "more cowbell" skit), Maldoror will roll around the stage, jump into the crowd and often injure himself.

"Earlier this year in Quebec City," Duval recalls, "he broke a bottle on stage and a piece of glass cut my elbow. There was blood everywhere. I got really mad and had to kick him a few times, and now he knows not to break bottles. He's usually the one getting hurt."

Duval says Les Breastfeeders hope to release a new record next year, and it's unlikely they'll stray too far from their winning formula.

"It's going to be a Breastfeeders album, but I don't know how it might turn out. I don't think we're going to go too far from our sound, because it's who we are. I don't think you can expect any saxophones, though."

Viens avec Les Breastfeeders on tour:

July 25 Trois-Pistoles, QC @ EchoFete
Aug. 4 Iles De La Madeleine, QC @ Les Pas Perdus
Aug. 7 Iles De La Madeleine, QC @ Les Pas Perdus
Aug. 28 Quebec City, QC @ Bassin Louise
Aug. 29 Peribonka, QC @ L'Auberge Ile Du Repos
Aug. 30 Dolbeau, QC @ Vox Populi
Sept. 6 Iles-Aux-Coudres, QC @ Crapet Soleil