Dance mythology

A live performance by Hercules & Love Affair, featuring a full band complete with brass section, synths and both live and sequenced percussion, is one of the most satisfying disco experiences on the planet. Though mastermind Andy Butler frequents Montreal to DJ parties and the like, a visit by his full band is a rare treat, having happened only one other time. That show, at les Saints in October, 2008, was an eye-opener. I was understandably skeptical, as live projects derived from studio production are often lacklustre. Not so in this case. The slick, funky, imaginative way in which the band interpreted Butler’s production elevated the experience and made the audience believe in the anachronistic disco myth. It was suddenly a non-existent alternate 1979 when the camp flourish of big-band disco and the heady alienation of electronic music were one, rather than being pitted in cultural contrast. The closest analogy might be a gay man’s Funkadelic, or a live cabaret incarnation of Giorgio Moroder. The point here is that you absolutely must get your ass to le Belmont this Tuesday night, for it will be shaken so gloriously and vigorously.

Another thing to keep in mind this week is the appearance of South American street-beat bombshells, masters of all Latin robot funk from cumbia to kuduro, Chancha via Circuito, El Remolon, Tremor and El G. These four folks are ambassadors for Buenos Aires label Zizek, some of whose DJs have visited the city before thanks to the people behind Masala. Expect mellow, hypnotic beats layered with cheap synths and Latin grooves, as well as wild, frenetic club slammers and the odd bit of regional hip hop. That all goes down this Saturday night at Divan Orange. My guess is it will be sweaty and tightly packed, so show up early and appropriately clad.

SOUTHERN BEATS TO SHAKE YOUR LOWER HEMISPHERE… jack.oatmon@gmail.com