So I've already espoused the ways the quality of this festival beat the fuck down the quality of that other festival, and that will be the last I utter of such things. So let's run down the itinerary of what I saw and when:
CHESSMACHINE: CoH vs. Chartier was to be a higlight for me, and it certaintly did not disappoint. This record/conceptual art piece hadme in the front row hanging on every "move" and ever nonverbal. It was so nice to see such a serious music show a lighter side of itself this time around, much in contrast to the starkness of serious laptoppers. And for once the ultra quiet Chartier played loud as fuck. I was right in front of the cabinets, so I got a nice back massage courtesy of the sub bass that was all over the place.
SKOLTZ_KOLGEN: Didn't get to stay long for this because a) was extremely exhausted and b) wanted to be rested for the next day but c) the Thinkbox crew ended up working/fine tuning our performance in our hotel room anyways and I slept right through that (nice one). But the music and visuals were crisp and well choreographed, I couldn't tell if any of the pieces were from their release on Line or if it was strictly from their latest, but either way the moments I caught were delicious.
THINKBOX: We did okay. You're going to be able to be the judge of that soon enough. I'll post when MUTEK gets the archives up and a runnin.
RASTER-NOTON: Holy smokes. I got to drink alot, but I was major impressed by these guys. Normally high frequency tiny clicks and boops turned into clinical, pristine borderline electro workouts. Frank Bretschneider's latest on 12k is also very much worth seeking out. Meeting Bretschneider and Chartier definitely sated the fan boy in me. I have been long time devotees of both artists works and it was a true joy to see they are so nice and approachable in person.
PLASTIKMAN: He didn't sing any of the low voice parts on any of his new songs, and that made me sad. However, I feel that I am qualified enough to debunk a few rumors surrounding this mythical performance:
1. Hawtin was not carted onto the stage in a block of frozen carbonite, ala Han Solo in Return of the Jedi.
2. He did not jump out of a clown car with his entire M_nus entourage. I know this because were on the same train from Windsor to Montreal, along with a train conductor that looked like Mr. Belvedere. Josh Glazer was also on board, and was spotted snorting crushed sweet tarts..but that's a rumor I simply can not confirm at this time.
3. There were also rumors Hawtin and longtime label manager Clark Q. Warner were to fly magically around the venue in a chariot steered by a winged unicorn, dispensing M_nus promos on the legions of unsuspecting Plastikheads. Again, I can safely say this did not happen....much to the disappointment of seven year old Katlyn Lombardeux, who travelled with her mommy and daddy all the way from Windsor to see the fabled winged creature.
All in all I'd have to say it was an enjoyable performance and I got my money's worth. Montreal is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and I highly urge everyone to visit at least once in their lives. I'm told Glazer will now be spending his summers there, living out every single Bukowski fantasy he's ever had.
FINAL SCORE CARD:
MOVEMENT: C/C-
VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE: A-
PIZZA PAPALIS: A
MUTEK: A
CHESSMACHINE: A-
THINKBOX: B+
RASTER NOTON NIGHT: A-
FIDEL GLAZER: A
VIA 1 RAILWAYS: B
MR BELVEDERE THE TRAIN CONDUCTOR: A
MONTREAL: A
Okay folks, out for the weekend. If you're in Detroit...be sure to stop on in and see me and the Common Factor @ Agave tonight!!
