Cutting edge indie music might not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Griffintown, but in the midst of this forgotten industrial neighborhood exists a hidden oasis of artistic creativity, Friendship Cove.
Founded by musician Graham Van Pelt (Miracle Fortress, Think About Life) and artist Jack Dylan, the Friendship Cove has been host to some of the most interesting music in the city, having put on dozens of shows for bands and artists ranging from experimental synth-noise to whimsical folk pop. Since the demise of its similar art/music collective predecessor, The Electric Tractor, which was also started by Van Pelt and Dylan, Friendship Cove has filled the void and come to be one of the most beloved venues in the city. Situated in a modest sized loft, which is also used as a jam space, recording studio, art gallery, and permanent residence, it provides an intimate and aesthetically unique experience for the musicians and the concertgoers. Since it began having shows in October 2005 it has been host to such bands as, Sunset Rubdown, Athletic Automaton, and The Great Lake Swimmers, but more importantly has given many local independent bands and musicians a place to perform.
On Friday, October 26, in celebration of their 2nd anniversary FC will be putting on what could be one of their best shows to date, as Brooklyn lo-fi dance punk duo Japanther, will be joined by local indie synth funkers Telefauna, and Secrets of Mana, to show what friendship is all about.
Japanther is comprised of Ian Vanek and Matt Reilly who sing through telephone receivers and play drums and bass respectively as well as whatever other assortment of cheap Casios and lo-fi tape samplers they choose to bring with them. They’re coming off the release off their latest album Skuffled Up My Huffy, which keeps in tact their past ethos of raw stripped down punk grooves but fortunately due to a slight improvement in production value (it’s not hard to improve on nothing) on this album, gives a better sense of what the band are actually capable of sounding like at their best without being lost in a sea of murky reverb.
“Indie art funk” might be one of the annoying sounding genre descriptions ever (just behind Latino jazz/metal fusion) but that is what Montreal band Telefauna do, and they do it well. They have been performing together since 2004 when they made their debut at Pop Montreal, and have just released a double single entitled Under the Underground Water/Bamboo Shoot.
Kicking off the party will be Secrets of Mana, a new band featuring Kyle Fostner and Brendan Reed from the unfortunately defunct Les Angles Morts. So make sure to get to the show early, because if they’re even half as good as Angles Morts they should not be missed.
Friendship Cove is located at 215A Murray Street.
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