SCENE REVIEWS

Bal en Blanc 14 - Montreal
By: Jay Samsair

Having been to Montreal’s Bal en Blanc – The White Party – two years in a row, it seemed only natural to want to go again.  Much to my surprise, a number of friends I spoke with did not echo my sentiment.  Some said they went once, and like Circa in Toronto, would likely not return.  And for others, the desire to re-attend was strong but their pocketbooks told a different story.  White pants, white shoes, white couches, white décor… it’s essentially the same tired routine year after year.  Yet something compelled me to return.

Armed with a powerful theme, Bal en Blanc 14: 100% Human sought to bring together people of various backgrounds and divergent beliefs to celebrate the diversified and accepting society we live in today.  The party itself, attended by 14,000, represented people of all colours, cultures, and sexualities.  Unlike other Montreal parties like Black & Blue, which is almost exclusively gay, or Toronto parties like Labour of Love, which is largely straight, Bal en Blanc has a near-perfect mix of everyone and everything required for a top-notch clubbing event.

The DJ roster read like a billboard from Space or the Ministry of Sound.  Armin Van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, and Infected Mushroom led in the Tech Room.  The House Room featured David Guetta, Victor Calderone, and Offer Nissim.  Although I spent more time in the House Room, I went back and forth between the rooms to check out each of the headliners.  Van Buuren and Corsten, although predictable, rocked out hard and Progressive Trance, while a live show and DJ set by Infected Mushroom blurred the lines between Tech-House and Tech-Trance making for an intense vibe in the Tech Room.

Back in the House Room, Guetta was not at all the king of the castle as he is described (or perhaps self-described) to be.  A repeat talent at Bal en Blanc, he failed to deliver something different and never made a real connection to the crowd even though he was given a peak-time slot.  His House set sounded like any other CD I have in my collection, except this time the repeat function was left on.  Calderone spilled a bag full of treats that were enjoyed right to the very end.  He strayed away from Vocal and Diva House, the type of music he often produces, and led us to the dark side with his take on modern Electro-Tech.  All credits aside, the night really only belonged to one DJ: Offer Nissim.

Israel’s hottest export, DJ/Producer Offer Nissim lit up the dancefloor with his inimitable hands-in-the-air dance moves and interactive style only he does best.  A performer in his own right, Nissim stayed true to the after-hours sound and took everyone for a swim down a river of deep Tribal-Tech.  Although vocals were missing, loads of sexy drums and funky rhythms made up for it and his inimitable high energy radiated through the dancefloor.  At times, it sounded like 3pm on a long weekend Monday at the Zone.  And for those who know, those are the sounds that never get forgotten.

Services are important to a successful party event and Bal en Blanc organizers make no sacrifices in this area.  From multiple fast-moving queues at security and coat check to reasonably priced drinks, merchandise, and even massages inside the venue, Bal en Blanc overlooks nothing when it comes to detail.  Although general admission line-ups and washrooms were typically busy, neither was packed to the point of chaos or disorder.  Security staff and police held a strong presence but seemed to be there more for appearances than for cause.  And for once, areas for seating or to chill-out in were specially designated.  From signage and direction to all other services, no other club or major party event is as professional and well-planned as Bal en Blanc.

After almost 12 hours of absolute enjoyment, it was time to depart.  The sensation I felt walking out of the room and into the lobby of the Palais des Congres cannot be transcribed into words.  I felt vindicated and gratified to have attended another exceptional White Party.  The level of energy, the sounds of world-class DJs, and the joy you feel all over can only be represented by the undeniable allure and purity of white.

An array of after-hours clubs opened after Bal en Blanc closed, but only Stereobar houses the official White after-party called Off-White.  It was there I fell in love with the music and the moment yet again, but also grew to appreciate the scale of the Bal en Blanc weekend and the qualities that make it different from any other major party or special event that other cities have to offer.  Although these qualities include aspects such as marketing, creative design, and services, no element is more important than music.  The DJs of Bal en Blanc are well-versed on what types of music capture the essence of the Montreal sound, as not every type of House or Techno will work in every large club or every big city.

The sound of the Montreal’s underground scene has evolved into something so distinct, so forceful it ups the musical bar for what the after-hours sound represents.  Part House, part Tech, part Tribal, part dark and dreamy… it’s an established and recognizable sound only Montreal does best.  A city that brings in first rate talent and is home to both dozens of huge parties and successful after-hours clubs, Montreal is the new hotspot in the Canadian EMS.  Lastly, I actually now for the first time favour the Montreal after-hours scene over Toronto.  I never thought I’d say that.