Also Cool's FME 20th Anniversary Top Picks: Round Two
OMBIIGIZI by Rima Sater
You thought we were done with FME top picks? Think again! The abundance of incredible artists playing the the festival this year made it impossible to fit all of our faves into one article. Honestly, two articles isn’t even enough but we’re doing our best to not overwhelm you.
To help you get into it (and maybe make that last-minute impulse festival pass purchase), we’ve also assembled an accompanying playlist to listen along as you discover our top picks.
OMBIIGIZI
Together as OMBIIGIZI (om-BEE-ga-ZAY), Zoon (Daniel Monkman) and Status/Non-Status (Adam Sturgeon), steer Indigenous Futurism with their hard-hitting, yet vivid, unification of shoegaze, dream pop and post-rock. On their debut release Sewn Back Together, the pair establish a nurturing back-and-forth in sound and spirit, sharing stories of heritage, kinship and seeking truth through reviving and engaging Anishinaabe traditions in their creative process. Throughout Sewn Back Together, both melodic vocals and assertive spoken word lather in flanging drones and delicate, acoustic reveries. In Anishinaabemowin, ombiigiizi means “s/he is noisy,” and we couldn’t be more enthralled by the dynamism of distortion and murmurs these two have brought to the table thus far.
OMBIIGIZI plays Diable Rond - 165 Avenue Carter on Sunday, September 4th at 6PM.
OMBIIGIZI
CDSM by Ben Rouse
CDSM
Does anyone remember Pop Rocks candy? CDSM (Celebrity Death Slot Machine) embodies the same kind of fizzy spike: with convulsing, darkwave undertones flirting with disco indulgences. Based in Atlanta, the collective jolts with a circus-like frenzy that is irresistibly sinister. The group’s most-recent EP, Hell Stairs, spirals into a feverish affair between angry-robot instrumentals, sneering saxophone and bombastic rhythms. For fans of skull-crushing acts like Viagra Boys and Black Midi, queue-up and spin out with CDSM.
CDSM plays the basement of Petit Théatre du Vieux Noranda - 112 7e Rue Saturday September 3rd at 11:59pm.
CDSM
Pelada by Liza Kin
Pelada
Montreal synth-punk fixture Pelada have gone viral in the nightlife canon after breaking out in their hometown’s warehouse afterhours scene in the 2010s. Composed of Chris Vargas and producer Tobias Rochman, the duo has garnered attention in diverse circles for their energetic and urgent arrangements dissecting power and injustice through pulsating, acidic agitation. Since their Soundcloud beginnings, Pelada have added notches to their raver belts since performing at the infamous Berghain, the iconic LGBTQiA2+ Zoom dance party Club Quarantine, and most recently, Primavera Sound.
Pelada plays the basement of Petit Théatre du Vieux Noranda - 112 7e Rue Saturday September 3rd at 11:59pm.
Pelada
Magi Merlin by FENG
Magi Merlin
Is it any surprise that we’re excited to see Mag Merlin? We’ve been obsessed with her music and creative expansion as an artist since we first interviewed her in 2020. Her most recent album Gone Girl has brought her international stages, nonstop shows, and well-deserved recognition. We’re looking forward to reconnecting with this rising star and self-described “cheeky nihilist.”
Magi Merlin plays Scène Fonderie Horne - Guinguette Chez Edmund, Chemin de la Grande Place Friday September 2nd at 8pm.
Magi Merlin
NO WAVES
Barely old enough to get into the club, but punk enough to fill an entire skate park with moshing Montrealers, NO WAVES will play the closing party of FME. Known for their rowdy and respectful local shows, the group has been working hard to make a name for themselves these past few summers. With a sound that draws on 2014 surf rock and punk genres, NO WAVES is sure to shake Rouyn-Noranda to the core.
NO WAVES plays the basement of the Petit Théatre du Vieux Noranda - 112 7e Rue on Sunday September 4th at 11:59pm.
NO WAVES
Gloin by Nikki Dicunto
Gloin
Gloin is a four-piece noise rock group from Toronto, known for their cathartic live sets and eclectic songwriting. Their latest single “Shoot to Kill,” sets the tone for their upcoming debut album We Found This (to be released via Mothland on October 21st). It’s a discotheque-friendly post-punkish scorcher about breaking the monotonous working life cycle, drawing on influence from Sonic Youth, Pixies, and Battles.
GLOIN plays at Cabaret de la Dernière Chance - 146 8e Rue on Friday September 2nd at 11:59pm.
FME
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