The word Malajube might not translate into anything in either official language, but it certainly means a lot in the indie rock world. The lively quintet have been making waves in their hometown of Montreal since their 2002 formation, but the February release of their sophomore disc, Trompe-l’Oeil, has led to an explosion in Malajube’s popularity outside la belle province. The band has toured Scandinavia, received lavish praise in Spin, played the CMJ Music Marathon in New York, and made the short list for the inaugural Polaris Prize. “The borders are really hard to cross when you sing in French,” says bassist Mathieu Cournoyer. “But it just sort of happened for us, and I still don’t know the how and the why.” Trompe maintains the hyperactive quirkiness of Malajube’s first album, Le Compte Complet, but the garçons’ sound has become even more infectious—mixing bubble gum and Brit-pop riffs with heavy metal noise, punk energy and a splash of melodic, old-timey piano. Think of a rowdier Arcade Fire, with more joie de vivre, less pretension, and entirely en français. It’s chaotic in the best possible way—songs are catchy, unpredictable and highly addictive. Charming, playful lyrics reflect daily realities, such as the frigid meteorological conditions in their hit single “Montréal -40˚C”: Ô Montréal tu es tellement froide, une ourse polaire dans l’autobus… (Roughly translated: “Oh Montreal you’re so very cold, a polar bear on the bus…”) Such energy and fun clearly appeals to both francophones and FrenchKiss-phobic Anglos alike. Malajube’s own restlessness has also undoubtedly contributed to the band’s success. “We want to get out of Quebec as much as possible,” Cournoyer claims. And while other Quebec bands might sing songs about sovereignty, Malajube eschews such nationalistic notions. “We’re from here,” Cournoyer says, “but we don’t want to sing about being from here. And we’ve never been big separatists.” In fact, they might just be the exact opposite—uniting the country like the Trudeaus of the mosh pit.

Malajube plays Nov. 25 at Lee’s Palace. $10. 529 Bloor St. W., 416-870-8000. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.ca.