Commentary: A little raunch 'n' roll from Montreal

By Derek Paiva
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Quebec retro rock band Les Sexareenos performs this weekend at Pink Cadillac. The group's latest CD is "14 Frenzied Shakers." Les Sexareenos 6:30-10 p.m. today; 6:30-10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Saturday For all ages except for 10:30 p.m. Saturday show, which is for those 18 and older Pink Cadillac $6 for 6:30 p.m. shows today and Saturday; $5 for 10:30 p.m. show Saturday 255-7040 Also: Local bands opening today: Welfare, Maggotmouth, the Hellbound Hounds; 6:30 p.m. Saturday: Plural, Bronson, Kite Festival; 10:30 p.m. Saturday: Upstanding Youth, Extra Stout

Les Sexareenos, that is, which is coming to Honolulu for a gig at Pink Cadillac.

An extremely cheeky quartet of modern day retro rock 'n' rollers from Canada's semi-frigid (and we do mean "cold" in this instance, kids) Quebec province, Les Sexareenos (or at least a couple of their members) were a half a world away from — and apparently quite happy not to be checking — answering machines in their 34° F hometown.

But at least we have their music. More precisely, a copy of the band's newest CD, "14 Frenzied Shakers." Before we listen, though, a bit of press-release-garnered history might be in order.

Les Sexareenos formed in April 1999 out of the remnants of a few dismembered metro-Montreal bands. The band released the seven-track EP "Finger Party!" soon after taking their "dance-y, party-styled rock 'n' roll of the highest order" with elements of "frat, garage, soul, R&B and punk" to Montreal nightclubs. It helped that each member was a decent singer, too.

Les Sexareenos' first album "Live! In Bed" was released last year, followed by "14 Frenzied Shakers" three months ago.

"Les Sexareenos have been evolving like the greats," the group press release says, "because they're versed in the same influences that made bands like the Rolling Stones, the Sonics and even Jerry Lee Lewis so classic — they have no choice but to draw on ..." oh, never mind. Let's listen to the CD.

"Ruby D." opens the album solidly with thrashing '50s style "Eddie Cochran gone punk" electric guitar work and similarly frenetic organ backing. It's short, it's raucous and darn if my Nikes aren't instantly tapping in time beneath my iMac.

"Oh Mom (Teach Me How To Uncle Willy)," three similarly catchy, beat-heavy tracks later, fires off with a funky bass line before erupting into a wigged out fistfight of organ, guitar and screaming vocals. Early Kinks, I think. Or maybe The Troggs.

"Don't Need You No More," next up, is at least more up front in offering the world its umpteenth Ray and Dave Davies punk copy. No complaints here.

By the time the '60s go-go rage of "Do The Rat Dog" and "Ring Dang Doo" blast from my headphones, I find myself thinking, "Gee, you know, my mom might really enjoy a copy of this CD."

Don't laugh. She's pretty hip, my mom.