Happy were the reunion between the next generation and its future fans, between the organization of the Francouvertes and the golden age of the Lion d’Or filled with curious people! Monday evening officially began the 26th edition of the showcase competition, after two years disrupted by a virus which forced the broadcast of the events on the web. The competitors of these first two preliminary evenings did not hide their relief to reconnect with the applause, offering performances of professional caliber. Let’s dive with them.
Monday
To Vidjay Rangaya the honor of breaking the ice! The singer-songwriter isn’t exactly a rookie, having offered a debut EP four years ago and then a second full-length album titled a billion years in October 2021. The five musicians accompanying him set the bar high in terms of execution: the hours of work in the rehearsal studio seemed so masterful the interpretations, the sophisticated work of the rhythm section in particular, which enhanced the value of Rangaya’s compositions. On the other hand, it is impossible not to hear in this repertoire and in the voice of the singer a certain complicity with the work of Louis-Jean Cormier: the same kind of linear melody placed on a hovering groove.
The contrast could not be greater with the rock quartet FAÇADES, led by author, composer, singer and guitarist Vincent Brière, the revelation of this project which started its performance on the hats of wheels with a very filthy garage rock song. The group was even expected to be so smashing from start to finish, but the majority of their songs turned out to be more mellow and pop. It’s the energy of the group, she, who claimed to be punk, the orchestra playing with more pleasure than mastery of its instruments… On stage, the dashing Brière monopolizes all our attention, his right and smiling voice forgetting the good-natured side of his colleagues.
NINAN ended this first evening with a warm and convincing country pop-rock. Leaving Schefferville to impress the Montreal gallery, the Innu orchestra formed just a few years ago has already released a first album last summer (Innu Auass) directed by none other than Réjean Bouchard, illustrious guitarist-accompanist of Richard Séguin, Pierre Flynn and Florent Vollant, to name a few. He was also on stage with the group, which relies on the strength of two singers and a singer to give strength to its repertoire. NINAN offered the best performance of the evening, recognized as such by the dozens of judges gathered at the Lion d’Or.
Tuesday
Lots of encouragement for Agathe Dupéré, a Saguenéenne, bassist who has been seen in recent years in various musical projects (the respective orchestras of Safia Nolin and Émilie Proulx, among others) and who presented her own repertoire under the name of wading scene. Direct consequence of the pandemic: in the absence of a tour, some accompanying musicians have found the time, and the courage, to commit themselves, them and them too. Accompanied by a drummer and a guitarist, paddling pool began its performance by firing a blank cartridge, a confused song that ended in a rock burst announcing a much better sequel. His song, grunge and plaintive, recalls however that of the Pixies when it finds its rhythm and a pop chorus.
Any other atmosphere on the side of Hôte, a project led by singer-songwriter Marc-André Dupaul, accompanied by four musicians (drums, bass, guitars / synths, keyboards). With him, the groove weighs as much as the words or the melodies, the orchestra demonstrating in its catchy way how the pop song can make you want to close your eyes and dance a little. A project that has taken advantage of the months of confinement to mature well in the studio since the release of this first mini-album, Moon in Aquariusin the fall of 2020: this live version of Crazy gave the orchestra the opportunity to spread its wings, skillfully building an intoxicating crescendo of electronic rock groove.
Finally, Zach Boileau made a strong impression, even if his proposal placed him in last place (preliminary) on the list. More folk than rock or country as his first EP suggested thanks for nothing released last September, Boileau displayed a quiet and benevolent assurance on stage, drawing comparisons with a Vincent Vallières: this kind of melodic and cajoling pop song, delivered with a smile in his voice.