Pop Montreal 2025: A Night of Eclectic Sounds and Memories

This year’s Pop Montreal flew by like a thief in the night snatching for the city some final summer memories before the winter doldrums lock us in for the season.

In case you missed it, or just to reframe and refresh the foggy haze of a night lost in the fumes of drugs and alcohol, here’s a few reviews…

Kate Pinke: A Melancholic Surprise

Kate Pinke “isn’t buying anymore (of your shit) like she did before”… Slow paced and melancholic, she’s a pleasant surprise on a Tuesday night…

It’s good music to listen to at home while staring longingly into the rain tapping on your window if you’re into that kind of thing. If you become a fan, then you should 100% go out and support her when she comes to town.

Bye Parula: Neo-Soul With a Twist

Bye Parula is like Tame Impala but tamer… They remind me of Portugal the Man with less pop sympathies and maybe having smoked more weed or dabbled in heroin instead of cocaine.

They’re what happens if your barfly cousins with handlebar mustaches turn out to be skilled neo-soul instrumentalists.

Pool Kids: 90s Throwback Energy

Pool Kids… They’re good at what they do, but honestly what they did was a lot cooler in the 90s when other people were doing it.

To be fair, they might actually be a balm for the complex, angsty teen in all of us, ready to have a good time with a couple hard seltzers.

Elle Barbara: A Breath of Fresh Air

Elle Barbara’s set was a highlight of Pop Montreal 2025. Iconic stage presence, powerful sound reminiscent of TV on the Radio, and Chemical Brothers-style arrangements paired with militaristic drums.

Her crew was on fire: trumpet player Jason (BlackBird) Selman, trombone player Modibo Keita, and a bassist that brought Tom Morello vibes.

Smooth, jazzy, melodic, communal and warm Elle Barbara lit up the crowd with hopeful melodies and inclusive vibes.

U.S. Girls: Meghan Remy’s Dynamic Performance

U.S. Girls brought raw passion. Meghan Remy’s stage presence was fierce, crawling across the stage like a wild cat, with a voice carrying the anguish of Kate Bush and PJ Harvey.

Her band supported her energy, though not without flaws, but her audience was fully engaged. She delivered a set that felt spiritual, witchy, and deeply human.

Daniel Son: Pure Boom Bap Energy

Over at Ministère, Daniel Son gave the crowd OG Boom Bap hip-hop. With skills reminiscent of Redman, Ghostface Killah, and J Dilla beats, he turned the room into a raw hip-hop cipher.

His stripped-down stage and freestyle collabs reminded us of Big Pun and Fat Joe, but with his own street-level authenticity.

Pop Montreal 2025: Final Thoughts

Pop Montreal, as usual, was an eclectic potpourri of genres and vibes. Attendance may have been lower this year, with some venues half-full but the passion and creativity of the artists kept the fire alive.

Like so many one-night stands, Pop Montreal 2025 came and went quickly, but it left behind unforgettable memories and reinforced why this Montreal music festival remains such a cultural staple.

👉 Discover the full program and get your tickets here: Invasion Cocktail 2025 | Montreal’s Cocktail Festival Returns for Its 12th Edition 🍸