REVIEW: Nome Noma: Quebec Post-punk et New Wave 1979-1987

Various, Nome Noma: Quebec Post-punk et New Wave 1979-1987 (Trésor National)

Archival compilations can be kind of treacherous. Once the true nuggets have been unearthed, some labels confuse “unknown greats” with “things that simply existed once upon a time.” The good news is that local label Trésor National has decided to compile tracks from the local new wave scene, one that was rather fruitful and remains pretty obscure to this day thanks in part to a dearth of properly distributed records. Though a few of the artists featured here had proper albums (Kaméléon, Leyden Zar), the focus is mainly on rare or unreleased cuts from a variety of little-known outfits. Like the new wave moniker itself, the compilation spans an extensive array of genres, from the spiky post-punk of the Wipers (featuring soon-to-be-BB Patrick Bourgeois) to hooky, synthy robot pop and angular drum-machine anthems. Nome Noma showcases an era of Montreal music that existed in clubs more than on record. 8/10 Trial Track: Vex “DNA”

For more about the compilation, please visit the Trésor National website.

---

For more music coverage, please visit our Music section.