Rainbow Kitten Surprise Rock Montreal Twice in One Week [Photos]

Everyone loves a good surprise. It was a nice surprise when I found that the good people at Warner Music Canada, through V13 Media, had inquired as to whether I would be available to cover the show by Rainbow Kitten Surprise. The show, the first of two they were playing here in Montreal, took place this past Tuesday evening. The band had sold out the building for night #1, with a few tickets still available for night #2.

I must admit that I went into the show without a clue about who the band were. Some would say that my personal playlists remain stuck in the late 1980s, but I am always open to new discoveries. That, and when a large company like Warner Music comes knocking, it’s probably a good idea to open the door. With that said, what began as a musical night of mystery quickly evolved into a great night of rock and roll. That probably should not have been a surprise at all.

Upon entering the building, you could feel that special vibe right away. There was a buzz in the air, coupled with a tinge of excitement. I learned this was their first visit to Montreal in several years. The fans had been waiting for almost six years for their favourite band to return, and they were ready to let loose and rock the night away.

Before they could do so, we were treated to a full energy set by New Translations. They have a new wave feel to go with a mid-1980s vibe. I might even be willing to back up another decade to the ’70s as lead singer Oliver Pierce spent most of the evening doing his best ‘Gene Gene The Dancing Machine’ impersonation. If ever there was anyone who was feeling the music, it’s him. The further into the set we got, the more he would shimmy, strut and shake. While the band played on, Pierce sang his way around the MTelus, making it up to the second deck before eventually returning to the stage and leading the crowd in a bouncing frenzy that threatened to shake the very foundations of the building. It was an eye-opening performance.

Thankfully, the foundations survived, as Rainbow Kitten Surprise were about to arrive. Another in a series of surprises was the large set that was being used. As the lights dimmed and the band logo slowly came to life, the building came to life as well. While my ears were held captive by Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s sound, my eyes were spoiled with the wide array of colours. There was a nice red-blue mix to go along with some harsh spotlights that danced between the bad members, which was candy to the eyes.

The band, led by singer Ela Melo, took their places as Rainbow Kitten Surprise opened the set with “Devil Like Me.” Melo slowly and deliberately strode to the front of the stage, soaking in the adulation of the crowd, who wasted little time in singing along with the band right from the moment the lights came up. By the time the band got to “Holy War” from their new album How To: Friend, Love, Freefall, there was only one surprise that remained.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise had lived up to the advanced report I had gotten from some fans in the building. The lights, the sounds, the music, and the attitude make the band a complete package. The only surprise left is how I hadn’t heard of them until this show.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise @ MTelus (Montreal, QC) on May 20th, 2025

30 photos