Last weekend I witnessed a performer who is a force of nature. Le Butcherettes played at the newly renovated Queen Street West haunt Velvet Underground. I haven't been in the venue in probably 15 or more years. Although now that it's a live music venue, I'm sure it won't be nearly as long before I'm back.
Le Butcherettes hail from Mexico and play hard-edged alternative rock / garage punk. Part ballerina, part sumo wrestler, part wild-eyed maniac, frontwoman Teri Gender Bender takes command of the stage, alternating between keyboard and guitar. Her powerful and emotive voice becomes as much a focal point as her stage presence.
Le Butcherettes deliver powerful, direct rock songs with none of their rough edges shaved off. It's very primal and the poor rhythm section seems to bash away in visual obscurity towards the back of the stage. Don't get me wrong, they're definitely heard. Loud. And solid. But everyone's visual attention stays rapt at the front of the stage. Teri provides the very definition of a magnetic performance.
They even do an absolutely killer version of Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball". If you get the chance, do not miss your chance to experience Le Butcherettes.
Their most recent album, A Raw Youth, came out in fall of last year.
They opened with "The Leibniz Language"
"They Fuck You Over"
"Shave the Pride"
"I'm Getting Sick of You"
"Bang!"
"Demon Stuck In Your Eye"
The song that got me out to the gig, "Henry Don't Got Love"
They closed with "La Uva"
