Les Georges Leningrad / Numbers

Perhaps Les Georges Leningrad and Numbers belong together. Maybe the loose and theatrical faux-goth tendencies of Montreal's macabre synth maniacs convinced the usually somewhat more restrained Numbers to let down their hair a little. And maybe the controlled angularity of the Moog-loving Numbers convinced Les Georges to tone down the operatics to just the right level. Then again, it is possible that both of these no-wave electro punks, like most acts, work better at a small venue. Either way, both bands performed at levels leagues above their separate last Toronto appearances, as evidenced by the waves of sweaty audience members joyously freaking out to one set after the other. Les Georges appeared on stage in full get up. In a small club atmosphere, backed by spooky forest-themed cardboard cut-outs, the now-trio (mysteriously missing one vocalist) certainly thrived. A series of command-and-pout vocal lines poured from the lone lady, while the absurd Francophone mad professor/drummer and masked electro-manipulator pummelled on, pausing near the end of the set for a brief and totally disgusting (read: awesome) snot-expelling performance by the professor himself. As if the scene could get any more nuts, the crowd stepped up for a spasm more intense than that of Numbers themselves. The cool-headed Devo-isms of the band shook with a less controlled performance, the absolutely atonal vocals of drummer/singer Indra Dunis dictating the order of Moog squawk versus jangly guitar jolt throughout a long set. Their own moments of mid-show weirdness caught the trio in a prolonged silence punctuated by tiny grins as they repeatedly punched forward, trying to stay straight-faced through screamed-out jokes from overzealous audience members.