The Phoenix Concert Theatre was brimming with excitement last night as fans waited patiently for the arrival of indie rock legends, Of Montreal. Over the years, Kevin Barnes and his band of massively talented multi instrumentalists have regaled music lovers with their brand of theatre, vaudeville, sexual imagery and yes, even pro wrestling to complement a genre bending sound that is purposely uplifting while the lyrics often reflect dark tales of misery, death, suicide and heart break.
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| Kevin Barnes |
Having only just missed Painted Palms, we had the opportunity to watch art rockers, Braids from Montreal, Canada. The foursome have been making a buzz on the indie circuit with the debut album, Native Speaker. Lead singer, Raphaelle Standelle-Preston’s ethereal voice delicately connects the lilting, cosmic sounds being created by each member as it rises and falls with sublime cadences complimented by medieval whoops and incantations. The band appeared oblivious to their audience and while on stage were almost in a trance-like state quite suitable to the dream pop realm they are inhabiting. This is cerebral music that is best appreciated at home rather than live.
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| Braids |
Of Montreal strutted on stage with an assurance and swagger that can only come from years of performing and critically acclaimed releases. Barnes changed outfits with regularity and effortlessly mixed androgynous sex appeal with rock star braggadocio. The theatrical presentation and carnival-like atmosphere did not distract from the music and while not appearing to be totally in sync with it, offered a pleasing distraction.
Garishly dressed, combating luchadors (with one conveniently decked in Canadian colors), fair maidens, pigs, a bizarre monster in a mustard gas brandishing a gigantic claw,a massive head juxtaposed between bulging breasts, rump-shaking go-go dancers, cryptic two-sided placards, circus performers, a lounge singer and a suitably surprised audience member being invited onstage – the show had it all.
Throughout the spectacle, the group kept their performance taut, polished and professional. The icing on the cake was the end when band members turned against one another and tossed each other into the welcoming sea of audience members. K Ishibashi’s soul-stirring rendition of “O Canada” was the perfect conclusion to a night of fun, entertainment and above all, exquisite music.
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