You do the math

>> Rock + roll = Le Nombre

by JOHNSON CUMMINS

Montreal’s Le Nombre is the genuine-article supergroup, with a membership stemming from such illustrious rock sects as Caféïne, Sécretaires Volantes, Demolition and les Morts. Guitarist/singer Jean-Philippe Roy isn’t sold on the supagroup tag thang, though, and insists it’s just a bunch of friends getting together and having fun. “We are just old buddies who still want to play rock ’n’ roll, plain and simple. We’ve known each other really well for such a long time so there are no real leaders in this band and things can get done quickly without any ego hassles.”

As eager as Roy is about dropping any references to their old bands, the new record they’re launching, aptly titled Rock and Roll, is littered with them. The speed and energy of Demolition, the sexy ’70s sway of Caféïne and the trashy attitude of Sécretaires Volantes are all there, but the band has opened up to more than just referencing their past. Keyboards, slide guitars, brass sections and acoustics are all orchestrated, while this time around energy is coaxed out of melody instead of just mere speed. “When you start a new project, you want to do something a bit different. You learn what you are good at and what you are not good at, and keep moving forward and being different. Look at bands like Rocket From the Crypt or Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. Both can add a lot of new elements while still maintaining the spirit of rock ’n’ roll and that’s what our band tries to do.”
One would think that Le Nombre’s choice of venue being Café Campus may seem a bit ballsy, due to its large capacity and considering it’s their first show. Roy insists that is just part of the master plan. “We could’ve played it safe and played a smaller place but that’s not what this band is about. When I go to a rock ’n’ roll show, I like the idea that you don’t know how it’s going to turn out. I mean, I’m nervous to see how many people show up, but that’s rock ’n’ roll—you can’t play it safe.” :

CD launch at Café Campus, 9pm, $5