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Aug 12, 2019 FME By Dom Gourlay

Later this month, Under the Radar heads to the French-speaking Canadian province of Quebec for one of the region’s most prestigious musical events. FME takes place from Thursday, August 29 to Sunday, September 1 across numerous venues in the city of Rouyn-Noranda.

This year marks the festival’s 17th edition, and while primarily being a showcase event for Canadian acts, there’s also a healthy number of overseas artists on the bill too, making it a truly international affair. FME also boasts an eclectic bill musically, with every genre covered from hip-hop to post rock and electropop to black metal.

With so many mouth-watering acts to choose from, Under the Radar has picked out the 10 we’re most looking forward to seeing.

...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead

(Saturday, August 31, Petit Theatre Du Vieux Noranda, 0100-0200)

Having spent the past quarter of a century redefining their sound while igniting stages all over the globe with some of the most furious live shows known to man, ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead need little by way of introduction. While their last album IX came out five years ago, a new one is apparently in the works. With such an extensive back catalogue to choose from as well as the aforementioned new material, this looks set to be one of the most explosive hours in FME’s history.

Archons

(Sunday, September 1, Petit Theatre Du Vieux Noranda, 2100-2130)

Local heroes Archons have arguably the most interesting back story of this year’s bill, having formed back in 2006, split seven years later having written the majority of their second album before reforming in 2018. The band’s appearance at FME will only be their second comeback show, but with that long awaited sophomore LP Buried Underneath the Lies finally ready to go, expect a riotous performance from Quebec’s own black metal titans.

Half Moon Run

(Friday, August 30, L’Agora Des Arts, 0000-0145)

(Saturday, August 31, L’Agora Des Arts, 2200-2315)

Also based in Montreal, Half Moon Run have been compared to Arcade Fire and The National among others, and while such lofty comparisons would make lesser artists quiver, the four-piece have taken it in their stride. With two critically acclaimed albums already under their belts and a third scheduled for release later this year, it’s an exciting time right now for Half Moon Run, and indeed those of us that get the opportunity to see them not once-but twice-at FME.

Kid Koala

(Thursday, August, 29 Scene Exterieure Desjardins, 2115-2230)

Internationally renowned DJ, composer, and producer Eric San (aka Kid Koala) has been releasing homemade mixtapes of his musical wares since the mid-‘90s. Since then, he’s gone on to become one of the most respected artists in his field, releasing a number of critically acclaimed records both in his own name and Kid Koala alias, as well as numerous collaborations with artists including Coldcut, Gorillaz, and Emeli Sande. Now based in Montreal, expect nothing short of a royal reception here.

Le Roi Angus

(Thursday, August 29, L’Agora Des Arts, 2000-2100)

This Geneva-based five-piece transcend description when it comes to musical genres. Flirting with everything from post-punk and psychedelic pop to off kilter folk and punk infused reggae, they’re an anomaly but one that’s full of riches upon discovery. Frontman Casimir M. Admonk sings in French while his band weave intricate patterns behind him. Expect the unexpected when they hit FME.

Material Girls

(Friday, August 30, Cabaret De La Derniere Chance, 0100-0200)

Hailing from Atlanta, Material Girls might be named after one of Madonna’s earliest singles, but that’s not where the similarities end. Flirting with sexual identity and cabaret while fusing an array of genres into their melting pot of styles and sounds, this five-piece are as much about performance art as their music. Which just happens to also be great, bringing to mind Sonic Youth, The Cramps, Suicide, and Fat White Family in all its hedonistic glory.

The 5.6.7.8’s

(Friday, August 30, Diable Rond, 0045-0130)

(Saturday, August 31, Diable Rond, 0045-0130)

The 5.6.7.8’s are mainly associated with the 2003 Quentin Tarantino blockbuster Kill Bill thanks to the inclusion of their version of ‘50s rockabilly standard “Woo Hoo” on its soundtrack. However, delve deeper into the recesses of the band’s extensive back catalogue and you’ll find a treasure chest of garage rock classics spanning over 30 years. With just 45 minutes to cram as many songs as possible into, we expect both their sets will be fast and frantic. Which is just how we like it.

The Sadies

(Sunday, September 1, L’Agora Des Arts, 2200-2315)

Toronto four-piece The Sadies have been mainstays in the North American music scene for a quarter of a century, having initially formed way back in 1994. With 10 studio albums to their name alongside a host of collaborative releases including 2003’s The Mayor of the Moon with The Mekons’ Jon Langford, their fusion of surf, garage rock, country and western, and everything else in between should provide the perfect finale to the weekend’s festivities.

The Young Gods

(Thursday, August 29, Petit Theatre Du Vieux Noranda, 0000-0100)

This Swiss trio have earned legendary status over the course of their 35 years making music as one of the pioneering industrial acts having formed in 1984. Cited by none other than Trent Reznor as an influence while collaborating with the likes of Mike Patton and Dalek, their experimental tendencies being a resounding breath of fresh air among a sea of boring trad rock. This year saw the release of their twelfth long player and first for nine years, Data Mirage Tangram, and with live appearances also less frequent these days, we implore you not to pass up on this rare opportunity to see such an iconic band in action.

VICTIME

(Friday, August 30, Cabaret De La Derniere Chance, 0000-0100)

Another locally based act playing FME for the very first time, VICTIME bare all the hallmarks of becoming your new favourite band. Fusing danceable post-punk with elements of shoegaze and noise this trio could bring any party to life in an instant. Don’t believe me? Check out the many plaudits bestowed on last year’s impressive debut LP, La Femme Taupe.

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