Live review: White Reaper at Sala Rossa, November 24, 2015

From L to R: Tony Esposito, Nick Wilkerson, Sam Wilkerson, Ryan Hater Photographer Credit: Michael Powel

Louisville’s White Reaper released one of the best albums of the year, the hyperactive (and cheekily-titled) White Reaper Does It Again, a Ramones-indebted burst of bratty pop-punk with a ladling of eerie synth for good measure.

After dropping off (or getting booted from) their scheduled tour with Alvvays last month, the band finally returned to Montreal last night, opening up for California’s together PANGEA. The show marked the young band’s first Montreal stop since the release of their debut LP this past July, and they wasted no time trying to inject some energy into the sleepy weekday crowd.

“Get the fuck up, specifically right there,” demanded vocalist / guitarist Tony Esposito before the band began, pointing out some gaps in front of the stage. With the young crowd eagerly following his directions, the band kicked into an energetic set of infectious punk rock that barely passed the 20-minute mark.

While much of White Reaper’s music is submerged in echo on record, particularly Esposito’s vocals, their live set-up is as basic as it comes, making for a much more direct experience. The entire band is a whirlwind on-stage, with their keyboard player Ryan Hater easily earning MVP status by headbanging continuously and playing air guitar between hammering out his synth leads – a true Andrew WK Jr. in the making.

White Reaper may not be doing anything new, but their brash take on hooky classic punk is refreshing, and the chaotic, house-party vibe of their live show was completely infectious. Here’s hoping the band manage to squeak out another few records as good as their debut before the dreaded college years arrive.