Envol et Macadam // Sept. 6-8, 2012 // Quebec City
Review and Photos by Charlie Martel
Every year in Quebec City Envol et Macadam, a music festival, is held. It is every September that punk-rock music adepts reunite for a 3-day event in downtown Quebec. For now 16 years, bands from over 20 countries have been visiting the city for the festival that constantly grows bigger with time. During this edition, Highlight had the delight to explore the site and watch the shows for you. We had the chance to see a lot of bands from the local scene as well as bigger names such as Augusts Burns Red, LIGHTS, Young Empires, Of Mice and Men, Lagwagon, No Use for a Name and more.
Friday night on the main stage six bands played. Among these performers were Lunic, Young Empires and LIGHTS, who closed the night. The festivities were as well held in other smaller venues close to the site. Formed of a violinist and a lead guitarist, Lunic’s two-member unit warmed up the crowd with their electro sound and dance melodies. The New York based due held the energy high during their whole performance, constantly exchanging a great chemistry and charming their new fans. In addition to their catchy rhythms, the vocals of the lead guitarist are unique and bring the music to another level.
Young Empires then took the stage after Lunic’s performance. The band from Toronto hit the scene with all their energy. Fans of Indie-Rock music in the place were anything but disappointed and even ask for more shouting their vocal chords out. The four-member band shared a good vibe and that is what made their performance come to life. If you have the chance to catch them this fall, they will be on tour with Dragonette. A band to discover!
The long awaited act of the show finally came on stage after Young Empires. It was the moment the crowd went ballistic for non other than LIGHTS. Opening the set with “Banner”, the singer smashed the audience with her charisma. Seeing LIGHTS perform outdoors gave a very different feel to the show as opposed to an indoor performance. LIGHTS played tracks from Siberia, her most recent record, as well a songs from The Listening, her previous album. She even played a cover of “Heart of Glass” by Blondie. From the very first note to the last melody of the encore, the signer pleased her fans always with a wide smile. This was yet another amazing performance from LIGHTS.
It was under the rain on Saturday night when August Burns Red started their set. The fans were screaming “ABR” to express their long awaited anticipation and eagerness for their performance. The members made a strong entrance with their song “Composure.” With the rain pouring down upon them, the energy of the band and the crowd merged for an explosive night. August played songs from most of their records but mainly tracks from ‘Leveler,’ including the title song itself, followed by an impressive drum solo that lasted at least a few full minutes. August Burns Red came back for an encore with ‘Empire’ leaving on a more than satisfied crowd.
Around 9 pm, still under the rain, the time came for No Use for a Name to take the stage. The audience was then even larger than before and also insanely enthusiastic for the band. Since it was the first show since the death of lead signer Tony Sly in August, the ambiance was very sentimental. Québec city was as well very honoured to have such an influent band for the punk-rock scene come for Envol et Macadam. The set started with a kind word for Sly’s memory. Many signers such as Joey Cape of Lagwagon, Jean-Philippe Lamonde and Étienne Dionne of Mute came on stage to sing the band’s hits. After a dozen of songs No Use for a Name slowed things down with 2 acoustic tracks to then come back for a 3-song encore, closing with ‘Feeding the Fire’.
The night ended with many more shows like Of Mice and Men indoor in some other small venues. Overall, the Envol et Macadam stroked success again this year. Fans were pleased with the line-up and the performances of the bands. All we can do is expect even better things for next year!
