Les Georges Leningrad / AIDS Wolf

While their hometown scene currently attracts a parade of fawning critics, Les Georges Leningrad and AIDS Wolf showed the concrete talent that lies beneath the wave of Montréal hype. With their drummer facing the back wall instead of the audience, AIDS Wolf played engaging, noise-infused hardcore. The group's frantic tempos, robust yowling and discordant guitar chords reverberated throughout the club, leaving audience members to yell "Yay Montréal!" after the band finished their blazing set. For Les Georges Leningrad's performance, the stage was decorated with painted images of trees and animals, creating a forest scene backdrop. The wild atmosphere was enhanced by the band's costumes and inspired stage show. Vocalist Poney P. danced up a storm, wearing a polka dot dress and black wig that gave her a hyperactive Betty Rubble look. The entertaining cartoon sentiment continued with the rest of the group. Bare-chested drummer Bobo Boutin and keyboardist/guitarist Mingo L'Indien wore large masks and short animal-print skirts. Boutin routinely leapt to his feet, kissed his biceps and shouted incomprehensibly between songs. Along with the antics, the group's pulsating electronic sounds and propulsive beats were stirring. Concentrating on their strong second disc, Sur les traces de Black Eskimo, Les Georges Leningrad's upbeat synth rock impressively managed to get people dancing on a gloomy weeknight. With the volume turned way up, "Sponsorships" and "Supa Doopa" were wonderfully spastic. By night's end, the band firmly established its ability to craft a highly compelling performance.