Remember that scene in Pulp Fiction with Uma Thurman and John Travolta tearing up the dance floor? The dim lighting? The groove? Replace that diner with Petit Campus on Prince Arthur, and Chuck Berry with Reggae-Rock band Trip The Off, and you’ll be front row at one helluvah show.
Usually when a band takes the stage, the girls in the audience are the first ones to hit the dance floor. But when Trip The Off started playing last Thursday night, it was the guys who were up and grooving from the first song. The vibe was upbeat, the music infectious and the crowd was enjoying every minute.
The night opened with The One Night Band, a ska outfit that thoroughly warmed up the crowd and nailed their set. Sexy saxophones and a sultry female lead seemed to slither under the skin and snag everyone’s full attention. The music, influenced by blues, jazz and swing, punk and reggae, seamlessly bridged the gaps between the genres and styles.
Springing from the vibe of their openers, Trip The Off took it to the next level and played their hearts out. With roots grounded in the reggae influence of his father, Trip The Off frontman Kristin Daniel has created a sexy sound edged with punk rock and flair. Fans of The Clash, Sublime, and Bob Marley would be wise to do a little name dropping with these guys. Thursday’s show was a refreshing change from the over-produced mainstream bands we’re saturated with, and future performances will be welcomed.
One special aspect of the night was the presence of Daniel’s father on stage. Terry Gillespie is not a constant in the band, but he plays with them on occasion and is a welcome addition to the mix. Lending 30 years of experience and the charm of an older generation, his presence added to to the whole experience.
With a small venue like Petit Campus, the experience of a live band is incredibly intimate. But when that band gets you off your chair, out in front and dancing your heart out, it makes for a night to remember. Trip The Off has no trouble transporting its audience to a place they seem reluctant to leave.
With so much of the music scene today centered around the emo/screamo/hardcore sound, when someone breaks that mold, people take notice. Montreal is known for its unique brand of music, and bands like Trip The Off are the reason why.
