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The Lamonts
Sunday, 20 November 2005
By Matt Parkinson
Click to hear a track by The Lamonts: Desperately Waiting
Pure rock and roll is such a rarity these days, while the image is important to fans, so is the music. It seems that more and more bands are coming to the forefront with an image that is much more developed and decided then their power chord laden tracks. A welcome and refreshing to this crowd is The Lamonts. Led by front runner Carmen Cariaso, they have played venues and gigs that would make even mainstream bands jealous.
The music of the Lamonts is classic and strives to remain true to it's rock roots. With not one, but two female lead vocalists – each with different styles and tones – the lyrics are presented with overwhelming confidence as the powerful words hit note ranges in key and at opposite ends of the musical scale.
Carmen works her guitar on stage.
A bit about your background; when did music start for you, and where has it lead you to this point in time?
I started playing like any kid when I got the guitar for my birthday when I was high school, I was instantly hooked and haven't put the thing down since. I've gotten a chance to go on a couple of tours and play for some cool folks like Maria Del Mar, Andy Curran, Ryan Malcolm and a great rock band called ' Doctor ' last year. Good Times!
With all the clone-bands out there currently, how important is it to you to try to create something people haven't heard yet, and what inspires you to do so?
It's real important to try and stay true to yourself musically. Many bands over do it in every avenue they forget about the simple aspect, just being straight-ahead and rock 'n' roll. It gets them all the time. Plus, we have the duo girl vocals and playing guitars. I mean bustin' out at times. Yet, great songs and great bands inspire me all the time. The members in my band inspire me.
Jill, Frank, Carmen and Ron take a moment to look mean.
What is the most interesting gig you have played and what factors make it stick out in your mind?
Wow, there are so many interesting gigs. I find rock 'n' roll gigging can be very true to Spinal Tap in many ways. Always fun. One of my favorites was when Jill and I played at The Nathan Philip Square while there were hundreds of people hanging and skating around. That was real cool.
Does the music of The Lamonts carry hidden agendas or do you stay away from using a song as a platform to get your personal views to the public?
So far no. None of us are really like that. We are here to have a good time and have everyone join in and enjoy the music. Everything we do is for a good cause, for people to get drunk and forget about the long workweek.
Where do you hope to take The Lamonts in the near future?
We are hoping to record a full length CD and do some touring to promote the band. Hopefully bring us to the next level and fulfill our dreams…I know it sounds cheesy, but you always gotta dream! We are playing at 189 Church St. at The Now Lounge Sat. November 12 at 9:00pm. A great way to start the evening. Definitely say hi! We love that or visit the web site!
Catch The Lamonts Friday, December 9th at The Silver Dollar, (486 Spadina Ave, north of College St)
The Lamonts are:
Carmen Lamont Cariaso - Lead vocals and guitar
Jill Lamont Weinger - Lead vocals and bass
"Baby" Frank Lamont Martin - Guitars
Ron Lamont Sammut - Drums
- The Toronto Times
Discography
The Lamonts at Home (demo)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
The Lamonts started when Carmen asked Jill to peform as a duo at a benefit show for a friend who died. The duo enjoyed it so much that they continued on, filling out as a 4-piece band.
Carmen whose love for metal and appreciation for singer/songwriter styles has reached into a deep and personal place of The Lamonts. Jill, who is studying in the jazz program at Humber, has been able to balance that out with a light and poppy approach. Her true calling seems to be the alternative side of rock, which has rounded out The Lamonts sound. Raun's diverse influence of blues to industrial rock has kept the bounce to the Lamonts, feeding off of the players, unlike some drummers. The last member to join, "Baby" Frank Lamont, in a true guitar-slinger style, reminds us why we picked up our instruments. His enjoyment of the guitar itself helps put the glow on the entire band and music.
Though women have been fronting bands now for years, it is good to see some gals who can really play their instruments and still put on a good show.
In rock n roll style, there are still guitar solos. The Lamonts love to show diversity by playing some acoustic songs and showing off their vocal harmonies, but be prepared for some crunching! The Lamonts are about pure emotion, but still love to have a good-time.
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