Direct Line, The Weeds, Broken Pictures @ Club Soda, Thursday December 11 2003


review by Lex

An intense orgasm of rhythm and melody is what you can call their performance on December 11th at Club Soda. Direct Line scooped the packed up crowd that night into their sphere of raw energy. Their set started with a bang as the powerful guitar sound of Frederic Joyal blasted through the house sound system. There's no need for warm-up time as singer Eric Hamelin attacks right away the front stage and begins to orchestrate the audience's energy like a maestro. One rocking tune after another, they definitively displayed a unique sound, mixing hard rock, funk, and reggae with just the right touch of experimental provided by their turntable guru DJ LP Spina. Into the night, they gave the crowd a chance to catch their breath a bit with a soothing acoustic piece. If you think this will lead on to a slow down of the set, then think again. One of the most memorable pieces I have ever witnessed at a live show was their empowering neo-rhythm "tam tam" piece. Eric joins his musicians as he picks up the djembe and that’s when the crowd lost all control. With that kind of energy I'm sure the party could have went on all night. Like all good things, it came to an end but surely leaving the spectators panting for more. Direct Line will be performing at the MMS 2 year anniversary party on January 24th and Music In Paradise 2004, a huge concert series in Orlando, Florida in March & April. They will be playing along acts like Blink 182, Deftones, and Sugar Ray. We wish them all the best for 2004 and will definitively keep an eye on them.

Visit their site for more www.directlineband.com  

The Weeds also gave out an entertaining set that night. One of their strengths is the fact that EVERYONE in this band sings. Nothing better to compliment an already amazing and powerful singer than having your bassist, guitarist, and drummer give you a lovely velvet carpet of backup harmonies to surf on.

If your band would like a review, please email reviews@montrealmusicscene.com 

Eric Hamelin - Direct Line

G-Jay Côté - Direct Line

Frederic Joyal - Direct Line

The Weeds