Hillside - Ought (Sunday July 27/14)

Their sound lumps them in with the alt bands that were just before my time, that I never really did get into, which maybe why I was surprised that they weren't the age of Pavement. Actually they were much, much younger than that despite the maturity of the music. Their singer gave his sing talk delivery some odd flair through actions and miming without looking like he was putting too much effort into it - not effortlessly per se, but lacking exertion. They sounded much like their stellar recorded debut, which is a huge compliment, opening appropriately enough with Today More Than Any Other Day. There's a high ceiling on this band hence why Pop Montreal must be so excited to present them. The only unfortunate part of the set was that the techs told them they only had 3 minutes left after playing a new Blue Sky song and rather than begin and play beyond that, finishing their intended set list, they admitted 'we don't have any songs less than 5 minutes' putting a damper on the end of the set more than the on again off again rain of the afternoon.

Pat Jordache - Hillside Sunday 2011 Pop Montreal

Pat Jordache had two drummers and two guitarists alongside his own bass playing. The music was decent but nothing too standout; unique in that he has a slightly odd singing voice that he doesn't seem to stray from. Considering there's only one song I know from him and he didn't even play it there was little for me to pick out of the opening Pop Montreal showcase set.