22nd Edition of FME Day 3

Hidden Beats

We Are Story Tellers

FME 2024 Day 3: A Tapestry of Emotions and Sounds

FME 2024 Day 3 was a vibrant showcase of musical diversity, with each artist bringing their own unique flavor to the festival. From the heartwarming tunes of Quebecois folk to the searing intensity of political powerviolence, the night was a celebration of the many faces of music.

Sara Dufour: Quebec’s Folk & Roll Jewel

Hailing from Dolbeau-Mistassini, Quebec, Sara Dufour is a rising star in the Quebecois music scene, known for her infectious blend of folk and rock ‘n’ roll. Her performance at Place de la Citoyenneté was a true celebration of Quebec’s rich musical heritage. With her signature mic of storytelling and high-energy music, Dufour had the entire park dancing and singing along, from young families to seasoned fans.

Her set was filled with songs that showcased her deep connection to Quebec culture, punctuated by a rousing cover of Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” that had the crowd roaring. Dufour’s warm presence on stage and her heartfelt interaction with the audience, including the announcement of her upcoming 30-date tour, made her performance a highlight of the day. After the show, she spent time with fans, signing autographs and taking photos, embodying the genuine hospitality that is so central to her music and persona.

LaF: The Pulse of Youthful Energy

LaF, Montreal-based hip-hop collective, brought a fresh and dynamic energy to the Sirius Stage, resonating deeply with the festival’s younger audience. Known for their clever lyrics and infectious beats, LaF has quickly made a name for themselves in Quebec’s vibrant music scene. Their performance at FME was a showcase of their talent, as they delivered a set that was both energetic and introspective, touching on themes of identity and social issues.

The crowd, mostly young fans dressed to impress, was fully engaged, with drinks in hand and heads nodding to the beat. LaF’s ability to connect with their audience, both through their music and their stage presence, made their performance a memorable one, despite its brevity.

Radiology: A Sonic Experimentation in Post-Punk Noise

Radiology, a two-piece post-punk noise band from Rouyn-Noranda, took the stage at the GQ with an electrifying performance that left the audience in awe. Comprised of a guitarist and a drummer, Radiology is known for its intense, instrumental soundscapes that push the boundaries of conventional music. The guitarist, whose expressive playing style often feels like a conversation with the audience, captivated the crowd with their ability to convey deep emotions through complex riffs and distorted tones—all this on a righty guitar flipped upside-down to allow for left-handedness. The drummer, with their precise and powerful playing, provided a rock-solid foundation that allowed the guitarist to explore the outer limits of sound. The lack of vocals only heightened the impact of their performance, as the duo created a sonic landscape that was both chaotic and beautifully cohesive.

Radiology’s set was a masterclass in musical experimentation, with the guitarist frequently interacting with the audience and photographers, striking dramatic poses and using their instrument as a vehicle for pure expression. The performance ended with fans flocking to the merch table, eager to take home a piece of the band’s unique energy.

Jetsam: The Conscience of the Festival

Jetsam, a politically charged powerviolence trio, delivered one of the most emotionally intense performances of the night. The band, known for their raw sound and uncompromising message, used their platform to address issues often overlooked in mainstream discourse. The vocalist, a passionate advocate for social justice, spoke out on topics such as sex worker rights, ongoing genocides in Palestine, Sudan, and Congo, rape culture, and the pervasive misogyny in society. Their performance was as much a call to physical action as it was a musical experience, with the bassist and vocalist creating a powerful sonic tapestry that resonated deeply with the audience as they echoed one-another’s screams into and away from the mics. The absence of a guitarist allowed the band to focus on the raw power of their rhythm section, with the vocalist often moving through the crowd, engaging directly with the audience and creating an atmosphere of shared intensity.

Jetsam’s performance was a stark reminder of the power of music as a tool for social change, leaving the audience both moved and reflective. The moments of silence between their explosive soundscapes allowed the weight of their message to settle in, making their set one of the most impactful of the festival.

BIRDS IN ROW: A Melancholic Ode to DIY Solidarity

Closing out the night was BIRDS IN ROW, a DIY post-hardcore trio from Laval, France, known for their emotionally charged music and commitment to the DIY ethos. With a sound that blends melancholic melodies with intense, driving rhythms, BIRDS IN ROW has carved out a unique space in the alternative music scene. Their set at FME was a perfect encapsulation of their sound, with the band delivering a mix of older tracks and songs from their latest album, all characterized by a seamless blend of aggression and melody. The trio’s tight-knit chemistry was evident throughout the performance, with each member contributing to the band’s cohesive and powerful sound. The comparison to Gojira, while apt in terms of their shared French heritage and intense sound, belies the unique emotional depth that BIRDS IN ROW bring to their music.

Their set was a celebration of solidarity within the music scene, with the band expressing their gratitude for the opportunities they’ve had and emphasizing the importance of community. The audience was fully engaged, swaying to the rhythmic waves of sound and connecting deeply with the band’s message of unity and resistance. BIRDS IN ROW’s performance was a fitting end to the night filled with passion and purpose, leaving the crowd with a sense of hope and determination.

A Night to Remember

FME 2024 Day 3 was a journey through the many facets of music, each artist offering something unique and profound. From the warmth of Sara Dufour’s folk to the intense introspection of Jetsam, the festival continues to prove why it’s a beacon for emerging talent and passionate performances.

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