Information/Write-up
Beneath a name that evokes flower power optimism lies one of Quebec’s most raucous and electric garage-punk obscurities. Le Pouvoir des Fleurs delivered their lone 45 in 1968—a snarling double-shot of French Canadian teen rebellion that sounds more at home on a gritty dancefloor than at a love-in.
The A-side, “Va t’en chez toi”, is a pure adrenaline jolt. Clocking in under two minutes, it’s a proto-punk slap across the cheek, full of snotty vocals, quickfire harmonies, and raw, trebly guitar—more Outsiders than Opération 68. Think garage stomp filtered through a Montreal basement, with the tight urgency of a band who knew this might be their only shot.
Flip it over and “Je ne sais pas pourquoi” reveals a different shade—still garagey, but with a slinkier, more psychedelic pulse. A fuzzed-out organ riff floats over a twisty minor-key progression, and there’s even a nod to Frère Jacques slipped into the mix. It’s like a French-Canadian spin on early Zombies, teetering between pop charm and weird experimental flair.
Originally from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and first known as Les Consuls, the group included Jean-Marc LaHaye (vocals), René Labelle (bass), Mario Landry (organ), and others. They rebranded as Le Pouvoir des Fleurs just in time for this one-off on the tiny Sonore label—now a collector's grail for fans of 60s Quebecois garage.
While “Va t’en chez toi” was anthologized on Rumble – Quebec Garage Beat 66–67, its B-side has mostly eluded comps, making this original 45 essential for completists. Near-mint copies are scarce and increasingly expensive, but the music still sounds like it was made to defy authority, volume knobs, and perhaps the peace-and-love slogans of its era.
-Robert Williston
Jean-Marc LaHaye: vocals
René Labelle: bass
Evasio Massignanie: guitar
Fernand Page: guitar
Mario Landry: organ
Pierre Beauregard: drums
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