We Are Wolves In Montreal

June 29, 2008
We Are Wolves triumphant return home after a recent stay in Europe was both a testament to and a humble reminder of the always mysterious Jazz Fest bump. The prevailing theory is that by holding a concert under the umbrella of the Montreal International Jazz Festival name, one can book a larger venue and charge more for tickets. Montreal electro-punk trio We Are Wolves tested the tensile strength of this myth, since they've performed numerous local shows since the release of last year's Total Magique — typically in the smaller Le National venue and for less than the $25 Jazz Fest price. Thankfully, dedicated We Are Wolves fans still filled about two-thirds of the 2,350 capacity venue and the group rose to the occasion by giving a longer, more varied set.

Before We Are Wolves took the stage, Toronto-based electronic duo Woodhands gave a revelatory performance. The contrast of the buzzing old analogue synth equipment and lightning-quick drumming made for an aggressive, beat-driven and memorable set.

We Are Wolves are known primarily for sporting huge, flat skulls over their heads attached via belts, while performing and tend to amaze newcomers with their unique aesthetics as much as their loud, scream-filled brand of synth-led punk music. It was therefore surprising to see the band give a mostly straight-laced performance during the first half of the show. The trio wore conservative suits and ties and quickly blew through their most popular tracks from Total Magique, playing them as any normal band would. Singer/bassist Alexander Ortiz, keyboardist Vincent Levesque and drummer Antonin Marquis still packed the chaotic charm and adherence to the catchy beats that made the group better than mere noise rock, but a few of their common traits seemed to be dulled. The spacious, quiet venue didn't help matters, either.

After a brief intermission the trio brought out their trademark skulls and a mysterious bald theremin player. Only then did they truly capture the raucous blend of cacophonous screaming and easily danceable music that make Total Magique and their live show so unique. Levesque thanked the crowd with a roboticized vocoder, Ortiz screamed incomprehensibly through layers of reverb, We Are Wolves proved they can hold a crowd's attention for more than 45 minutes. The trio are at their best when they're fully synchronized. When all three are shouting, drummer Marquis (who stands the entire time while playing) is banging ferociously like a marching band leader gone mad and when the auxiliary reverb and distortion sounds start to take over. The slightly-longer-than-usual set allowed We Are Wolves to achieve more of these great harmonized moments.

If We Are Wolves' recent local performances are any indication, the band likely won many new fans in Europe. They may go back to performing in smaller venues after this Jazz Fest blip, but they proved they're more than just a gimmick. Musically and visually, they represent one of the best live products Montreal has to offer.