Thursday, September 4th 2003 – Trance of Mine, Pacer, Plight.

review by Psyko

Review: Plight
Interview: Marco, lead singer and guitarist.

Last night, Trance of Mine and Pacer really set us for the mood with heavy rock tunes and great vocals and soon enough, I watched one of my favorite local bands turn into THE top band on my list. 

Plight put up a hell of a performance last night and once again, the setup for my review was at le Petit Café Campus and this place has really grown on me. It’s cozy as always and you can’t help but feel the intimacy in the room. The place was crowded and I don’t think I’ve seen any empty seats! People were piling up behind us at the bar and soon enough, people were piling up on the main floor, head banging to Plight’s Metallica Medley, which had to be, in my opinion, not only the highlight of the night, but the highlight of any show that I’ve been to in the scene. Definitely worth more than the $6 cover charge!

I know, I know, nobody wants to hear my opinion, but I can guarantee you that this opinion is NOT biased. I’d ask every person after Plight’s show, what they thought, and it seems as though they’re trying to catch their breath and trying to look for any words that would give me and idea of their adrenalin rush, and quickly enough, their eyelids start to roll back, their eyes pop out, they start shaking their heads and I almost get blinded by a big thumb up, and I hear, almost lost in their breaths, a soft and faint “wow”! I guess music can really get ya high! I’m sure everyone had an amazing night.

I must admit there was a definite hard rock feel to the event, everything from the creative and symbolic lyrics to the loud and crisp sound of Marco on vocals and guitar, Joseph on guitar, Biagio on bass and Carlo on drums that kept my ears nicely buzzing even until today! These guys, in my truest opinion, are the least conceited, the most stage-mature, the most natural, the most fun and the best candidates for not only playing music but for really putting on a show.

For all you bands who are looking to play some shows with other bands, this is a definite band to consider. They also promoted themselves and their new website through professional and smart glossy business cards, spread all over the bar tables, and well, www.plightgroup.com is definitely a site worth checking out.

I had the opportunity to interview Marco, songwriter, lead singer and guitarist of the band.

Psyko: You guys kicked some big ass at the show. It’s been a while you guys have been playing locally, and I’m sure I speak for some of us when I ask how come you guys still haven’t been signed? You guys clearly have the talent, you have the feel and it looks like you’ve got what it takes, so what’s missing?
Marco: I think it’s just a matter of time. Through playing our ass off and basically working hard at every aspect of the band, we hope to catch enough attention in the rock world to propel us to the next level. We’re always looking to try new things and we never set any limits on ourselves musically. 

Psyko: A couple of people had pointed it out to me, and not that it’s hard to notice it anyway, but that you guys are tight on stage, music-wise and in terms of being on time. What in your opinion is the best way to achieve this? Why does it seem so easy for you?
Marco: We’ve known each other for so damn long. I mean, we know each other’s every move through practicing so often (3-4 times a week), that when we play live, it’s like we don’t have to concentrate on being precise and accurate. We concentrate on giving people a good show and in the end, that’s our goal. We can be as tight as possible and have our music down but if you don’t “lose your mind” up there or do something to get the crowd hyped up, you’re going to lose them. At least as far as rock music is concerned.

Psyko: The Montreal music market seems saturated with new bands that want to make it big, especially in the rock scene. There are problems with lack of originality in the music and song writing, lack of that “something else”. What, in your opinion, makes your band different from any other rock band from Montreal?
Marco: Well, what makes us different starts with our relationship outside of Plight. That’s what holds the band together. Plus, we work great as a band. As far as the song writing goes, I usually write on topics that I have never experienced. I know it sounds a little far fetched but I find it easier to write about things where I can create a feeling than having to re-create something that happened. Don’t get me wrong, we do have songs where we write about things that have happened, for example Year 4, but then there are other songs which do not come from past experiences like the song Walls.

Psyko: Apparently new local bands have the life expectancy of about 6 months, what’s the best advice would you give for local bands when considering starting up?
Marco: Well, if you’re serious about playing music you have to figure out what kind of music career you want to be in. If you want to play original music in the hopes of one day attaining that coveted record deal, you’re going to have to work 10 times harder than people say you have to work. But, in the end, playing music is a pleasure and an honor. Not everyone gets the chance to be creative musically so if you have that chance, make sure to make the best of it. 

Psyko: Any future plans for Plight?
Marco: Yeah, we’re in studio as we speak recording our 6-song demo EP due out in a couple of months. We’re taking a short break from shows to put full focus on our demo. We are very excited about it because we think the songs are a perfect representation of who we are and what we are about at this point and time. Also, we are working with our management to make some out of town shows happen throughout Quebec and Ontario. We are always writing as well so keep your ears open for new shit at our upcoming shows.

Thanks so much Trance of Mine, Pacer and Plight for a kick ass night ;)

Check out their website at www.plightgroup.com

~psyko~

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

Pacer

Plight

Photos by Valigrrl