credit: Didier Pigeon-Perreault
Presented by Mothland & Fair Enough & M for Montreal
Population II at Swan Dive
Population II is a band dedicated to its disengagement, constantly working on refining their imposing, yet unpretentious sound. A trio consisting of singer/drummer Pierre-Luc Gratton, guitarist/keyboardist Tristan Lacombe and bassist Sébastien Provençal, Population II are masters at both improvised madness and sophisticated composition, delivering heavy psychedelic rock infused with feverish funk rhythms, a hint of jazz philosophy, a burst of energy reminiscent of punk's early days, and a love of minor scales that harkens back to the roots of heavy metal. The band's uniqueness is reinforced by Pierre-Luc's unique voice and his introspective, nostalgic and offbeat lyrics.
Their sources of inspiration are diverse and not limited to music: the Detroit garage rock and psychedelic funk scenes of the late 60s, the Canterbury scene of the same period, the German experimental rock of the 70s and Miles Davis’ eclectic era collide, bound together by the swampy decor of Pointe-Calumet and, above all, by the deep friendship and undeniable chemistry emerging from its three members. The band has always kept their distance from the Montreal music scene, preferring to develop their idiosyncratic
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