Montreal live show picks for February, 2019

As we enter the coldest month of the year, what used to be a dead zone for live shows is now jam-packed with acts hitting the road. Highlights from the next few weeks include a pair of sold-out MTelus night for LP, Peter Murphy and David J. performing classic Bauhaus material, the return of Vince Staples, and much more. Check out all of our February live show picks below. Stay tuned for coverage from a number of these shows, and be on the lookout for some surprise giveaways.

Thursday, February 1 – Metz at La Sala Rossa
Toronto-based Metz will level Sala Rossa with the kind of grinding, melodic noise-rock that wouldn’t be out of place on an early 90’s Amp Rep compilation for this one-off show as part of The Taverne Tour. Go Mongo open.
10:00 pm, sold out. For more info on The Taverne Tour head here.

Friday, February 2 – Big Business at L’Esco
Ahead of their upcoming new album later this year, pulverizing Seattle rockers Big Business (now back as a duo) will unleash their furious rock mayhem at a sure to be packed L’esco as part of The Taverne Tour. Crabe open.
10:00 pm, $15. Advance tickets are available here.

Friday, February 2 – John Maus at Le National
Prolific, experimental synth performer John Maus is particularly hard-to categorize, which likely only endears him more to fans of his moody and intense work. Maus is touring in support of last year’s Addendum LP, and from all accounts from this tour, the show should be an emotional and boundary-pushing night.
8:00 pm, $22.50 / $27.00. Tickets are here. 

Friday, February 2 – Pale Lips at Turbo Haus
Montreal’s Pale Lips celebrate the sound of classic 70’s punk on their killer sophomore LP After Dark, which they’ll officially launch at this hometown gig. Criminal Kids and New Vogue open.
9:00 pm, $10 / $12. Advance tickets are available here.

Saturday, February 3 – Unearth and Darkest Hour at Foufounes Electriques
If you miss the glory days of early 00’s metalcore, strap on a Victory Records windbreaker and head down to Foufs for the solid double-header of Unearth and Darkest Hour, two of the long-running and most consistent bands in the genre. The Agony Scene, Confined to Oblivion, and The History Of Flying Objects open.
6:30 pm, $22.50 / $25.00. Tickets are available here.

Friday, February 8 – King Buffalo at L’Esco
King Buffalo’s wide sound encompasses elements of psych-rock, metal, blues, and stoner rock, resulting in a potent mix that manages to flit between genres at the drop of a dime. They also put on a killer live show, as anyone who caught their jam-packed bill with Elder last year can attest to. Locals Mountain Dust and The Naked High round out the night.
8:30 pm, $15 / $18. Tickets are available here. 

Friday, February 8 – KALLITECHNIS at Le Ministere
With her lush, low-key R&B sound and powerhouse vocals, Montreal’s KALLITECHNIS is on the precipice of mainstream recognition. Catch this intimate hometown show and hold onto those bragging rights when she’s packing in much larger venues in the coming months. Fellow all-caps admirers
IAMNOTMYHISTORY open.
8:00 pm, $13 / $15. Tickets are available here.

Monday, February 11 and Thursday, February 14 – LP at MTelus
Following her Osheaga appearance, LP (AKA. Laura Pergolizzi) returns to belt it out for a pair of sold-out shows at MTelus, including one on Valentine’s Day for those of you who enjoy expressing affection in public places. Lauren Ruth Ward opens. Our recap from LP’s last headlining Montreal show is here.
8:00 pm, sold out.

Friday, February 15 – Kurt Vile & The Violators at MTelus
Seemingly a man out of time, Kurt Vile is keeping the flame of classic rock alive, with a consistent catalogue of guitar-heavy rock albums under his belt that could easily slot into the playlist of any forward-thinking 70’s rock radio station. Vile returns to town in support of his latest LP, 2018’s Bottle It In. Canada’s own rock n’ roll saviours The Sadies open, making for one great bill.
8:00 pm, $30. Tickets are available here.

Friday, February 15 – Anemone at La Sala Rossa
Montreal psych-pop act Anemone launch their upcoming Beat My Distance LP at this hometown show, and if their single “Memory Lane” is any indication, this should be the sort of woozy, sun-drenched record that just make you forget how unbelievably cold it is right now.
9:00, $13 / $15. Tickets are available here.

February 16 – Peter Murphy at MTelus
This is as close to a Bauhaus reunion as we’re ever likely to get, with frontman Peter Murphy and bassist David J. celebrating the 40th anniversary of the legendary UK post-punk band by performing the debut Bauhaus LP, In The Flat Field, in full. Maybe just stay out of the first few rows.
8:00 pm, $40 / $47. Tickets are available here. 

Tuesday, February 19 – The Arkells at MTelus
One of Canada’s biggest alt-rock bands, The Arkells return to town in support of 2018’s Rally City LP. Americana indie-rockers Lord Huron open, which should make for an interesting contrast to The Arkell’s intense live show. We last caught The Arkells at 2017’s Osheaga — check out our photo recap here.
7:30 pm, $41. Tickets are available here.

Saturday, February 23 – Bhad Bhabie at Corona Theatre
Give the “Cash me outside” teenage originator this — she’s been able to extend her 2-minutes of fame much longer than anyone would have predicted when your timeline first began filling up with that infamous Dr. Phil appearance, and she can actually spit. This will probably be filled with the worst people imaginable, but checking into this event is sure to drive all your friends crazy, which is worth the price of admission.
8:00 pm, $39 or $116 meet and greet option?. Tickets are here.

Wednesday, February 27 – Bad Bad Hats and The Beths at Casa del Popolo
Minneapolis’ Bad Bad Hats and New Zealand’s The Beths team up for a double dose of anthemic, 90’s-indebted alt-rock at this co-headliner at the intimate Casa Del Popolo. Fans of Alvvays and That Dog take note!
9:00 pm, $15 / $18. Tickets are available here.

Thursday, February 28 – Vince Staples at MTelus
All-around great internet personality and fiery rapper Vince Staples returns to town in support of his recent FM! EP, one of the strongest hip hop releases of last year. This marks his largest headlining Montreal show to date, after co-headlining the same venue with Tyler, the Creator last year. Buddy opens.
8:30 pm, $38. Tickets are available here.

Thursday, February 28 – James Blake at Olympia
Following his Osheaga set a couple of years back, the soulful electronic R&B star returns in support of the recent Assume Form LP, a much more expansive sounding album that brightens up his often chilly earlier work, including on single “Mile High,” featuring Travis Scott and Metro Boomin.
7:30 pm, $48.50. Tickets are available here.