The eclectic sounds of La Sécurité reflect the eclectic city the ensemble was formed within: Montreal. Their forthcoming second album Bingo! further spotlights the quintet’s vibrant post-punk and new-wave sound as the byproduct of the Quebec city’s nightlife and various cultural hubs, with the make-it-new statement of the members’ cumulative thrifted wardrobe very nearly serving as a sixth bandmate.
Before dropping their follow-up to their 2023 debut Stay Safe! this Friday, La Sécurité walked us through a perfect day in Montreal that sees Éliane Viens, Félix Bélisle, Kenny Smith, Laurence-Anne “Laulau” Charest-Gagné, and Melissa Di Menna enjoying hockey games, pizza spots, plenty of thrifting, and evening beers with their arachnid friends. Check out all five members’ contributions to their collective perfect day in the city below, and pre-order Bingo! here ahead of its June 12 release via Mothland and Bella Union.
Félix: This foosball table is located in la Rockette, the top corner of Le Triangle (Saint-Denis/Mont-Royal). I love playing, it gets your blood pumping and there’s always a friend there. This is the ultimate bar game, for me.
Félix: This is my friend the spider. It lives on my balcony on the east end of the plateau Mont-Royal, where I sit to share ciggies with my lovely roomate. I love to watch the sunset from here with a beer—we’ve got a good view. I love this balcony, I love this spider, and I love my house.
Éliane: L’Esco is one of the central meeting points of Montreal’s music scene—a place many of us have worked, DJed, played shows, or simply ended up at after long nights. It’s the kind of bar where you’re guaranteed to run into friends. Sitting on the stairs is Claude, a legendary figure of both L’Esco and the Plateau. In the ’70s, he played in the punk band Scratch and Sniff, and his hand-painted lettering still appears on storefronts, bars, and restaurants across the neighborhood.
Éliane: Seeing the Habs at the Bell Centre always feels special. Hockey might be the most exciting sport to watch live, and the atmosphere in the arena reflects the city itself: loud, emotional, and unexpectedly eclectic. One of the best things about the Bell Centre is that even from the nosebleed seats, you still get a perfect view of the game.
Laulau: If you’re into old vintage stuff, you have to visit Le Marché au Puces Saint-Michel. There are many vendors with curated selections of table wear, vintage toys and collectable cards, art, light fixtures, carpets, vinyl, furniture, etc. You can really find anything—even a friend!
Laulau: Rain or shine, winter or summer, dog parks around Montreal are the best spots to enjoy a playdate with furry friends. I personally visit them everyday with Banane and Coco.
Melissa: If you want to go off the beaten path and grab some authentic Montreal steamies, make sure to try out this little gem tucked up in the Ahuntsic neighborhood since 1929. Chez Ma Tante Marge is a well-known staple in this fairly quiet area of the city. Their signature hot dogs feature Shopsy’s all-beef weiners and piles of thinly sliced choux. And before you ask, yes, they also serve a mean poutine!
Melissa: Now, for some post-munchies laidback activity, take a stroll by Parc de la Visitation nearby. You’ll find quiet pedestrian and cycling paths in a very natural setting. It’s basically like a little oasis reminding you Montreal is surrounded by water. You might spot a few ducks and geese, too.
Melissa: This borough [Hochelaga-Maisonneuve] once was an industrial core of Montreal in the early 20th century. Now a lively, changing neighborhood with trendy cafés and shops, it also hosts many artist studios. This photo was taken right across the street from my screen-printing shop on rue Moreau, with a view of the very few remaining water towers in Montreal. You’ll want to polish your French when you wander this part of town, as it’s still mostly Francophone. Aweille-donc!
Kenny: Renaissance is probably my favorite chain of thrift stores in Canada. There are plenty to choose from in Montréal. The best thing about them is that they don’t seem to understand the value of a lot of what they’re selling. It’s still mostly affordable (for the moment). Stock runs the gamut: housewares, art, clothes, instruments. You never really know what you’re going to find. No casual day out is complete without a trip to one of these bad boys.
Kenny: Those in my circle know that I’m an avid proponent of Pizza Bouquet. Great pizza prepared and served by cool artist/musician-types for your eating pleasure. The anchovy pizza is my favorite, although they have all kinds of interesting selections. Also recommended is the affiliated bar on St. Laurent, Star Bar. I almost never eat out, but I’ll make an exception for these spots.
