Miracle Fortress | Moonface | Théâtre Fairmount

Show: Miracle Fortress + Moonface
Venue: Théâtre Fairmount, Montreal
Date: Wednesday, August 26th, 2015

Showed up for Moonface (love his music). Am only somewhat aware of Miracle Fortress. Arrive around 9pm. Had time to inspect my surroundings. The place was very bright. Dance music was playing, or is it House? Am not an expert. A cotton candy stand somewhere. A floral wreath stand by the stage. Video games. Everybody seemed happy but will they stay happy when Spencer Krug (Moonface) steps on stage? Don't think they know what's waiting for them. And assuredly, all along the performance the majority were conversing. V tells me they shouldn't have booked Moonface for this event. I say they shouldn't have organized a party for a Moonface event.

Moonface

 

The first song is long, barely any lyrics, mostly piano. Am wondering, is this to test the sound that he has chosen this piece as its first? The sound guy, we have later realized, uses an Ipad. It's brilliant. Now moving all over the venue for adjustments. 

Throughout the set am unfortunately facing his back. Then again, maybe it's a good thing. Concentrated on the music rather than on his face. And anyhow, his body is expressive, you don't need much more.

Moonface

For people who might not know who Moonface is. It's one guy with a voice and a piano. Lyrics are very important. Most of the time it works. Sometimes it doesn't. As with the last song played that evening. A "new song about dreaming", he tells us, "which we will probably not enjoy". He was right. The lyrics were repetitive. Not my type of thing.

My favorite song of the evening is of course the one played from the album Julia With Blue Jeans On, "Love The House You're In". He had no intentions to play a song from that album and in fact he seemed hesitant before playing. I would've screamed "the crazy song!" during that moment of silence but decided to be respectful as was the crowd up front. We waited patiently.

Next up was Miracle Fortress. Didn't know much about Graham Van Pelt so decided to do a bit of research beforehand. Listened to both LP's. I've got to tell you, I much prefer the first album Five Roses to the latest Was I The Wave?. I find there's too much emphasis on the beats, also somewhat repetitive, than on anything else. Five Roses is beautiful though, will gladly add the album to my collection.

Excluding the pitch problems, it was quite enjoyable. I tell you, being bothered by pitch issues sucks. Have you ever heard me sing karaoke? Am terrible. Don't understand why I'd be bothered by it. Just sayin'.

Miracle Fortress

That's about it.

xx China

Seoul⎜Diana⎜Un Blonde

Show: Seoul + Diana + Un Blonde
Venue: Théâtre Fairmount, Montreal
Date: Thursday, July 30th, 2015

Arrived there too early, nothing new. I should've learned my lesson by now. Came to see Un Blonde which was scheduled to play at 9pm. When they do set foot on stage, around 9:30pm, my friend V is nowhere to be seen or heard. I get concerned. I figure she fell asleep in bed or got kidnapped by a bad dude. Turns out I was wrong. She arrives alive and well 15 minutes later. Gotta learn to chill man (her words).

Un Blonde is great. On some songs you think there's no rhythm but oops! You've been fooled. It's there. You just have to be patient. The music is experimental but accessible. I don't know how Jean-Sebastien Audet does it. I think he might be a perfectionist.





Only one problem though. He's quite theatrical. Being over-dramatic on stage might turn people off. Still it's quite a show to watch.

Un Blonde

The second set is ok. Actually there's nothing wrong. Diana is good. Only 80's pop music just doesn't do it to me anymore. I like it raw.



The singer has good stage presence. She looks uncomfortable but also saying f**k you with her body language. Good control on her voice. There was a saxophone. V has aversions to those (with some exceptions). Ça "scrap un peu la patente" she says.

As Seoul steps on stage, am completely exhausted and have a hard time paying attention to the performance. Sorry guys. All I can say is that their ultra clear special edition vinyl is quite a beauty. Never seen a vinyl that transparent. Buy it if you are at all interested in that kind of stuff.

Walked back home, bought a Red Bull in order to stay awake and write this post. Usually I wake early in the morning to write. Wanted to try something different. Didn't work though. Still fell asleep.

Ok. By. I've got to get to work. Bills to pay you know.

Walking back home.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra at Théâtre Fairmount

Show: Unknown Mortal Orchestra + Absolutely Free
Date: Wednesday, June 3rd, 2015
Venue: Théâtre Fairmount, Montreal


Was wondering, while watching Ruban Nielson performing on stage, which is better: perennials or annuals?

To tell you the truth, took me a while to appreciate Unknown Mortal Orchestra. I see some insecurity in his music the same way, sometimes, when I draw, insecurity oozes through the image. When am unsatisfied with a drawing, I add stuff thinking it'll make it better until there's nothing more to add. It's easy to have too many overlapping layers, whether in music or art. This is how I see UMO's latest album "Multi-Love". A multitude of musical layers of which essence is lost. It all changed though after seeing them perform live. Catchier. Simplified. Funkier (can I say that?). Posted below, the title track as well as its live performance.

Why did I go then if I wasn't that impressed with the album? Because I read the article "Love is Strange" on Pitchfork where Ruban Nielson explains the story behind the album. A polyamorous relationship experienced with his wife. Quite fascinating how personal this album is. Kind of inspiring.

Arrived early at the Théâtre Fairmount. A renovated Cabaret du Mile-End. The transformed place is beautiful but also a bit cold. Without character unfortunately.

fun to capture on photography though

The opening set belongs to Absolutely Free. Afraid I didn't enjoy much. Rhythm was present on  drums but not vocally. Quite slow the singing except with the closing song where lead vocalist turned slowness into a scream. Not bad this last one.

Steps on stage Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Mr Nielson looks a bit stone. His eyes show vagueness but performance is without flaw. No pitchiness. Yay. His guitar playing (fingers, no pics) is impressive. Very good bass player also, Jake Portrait. Other than that there isn't alot of moving around on stage. Crowd is satisfied though. Songs are good. Many of us dancing, some are singing along.

clapping to the beat of the music

Thought about the album's subject matter as was watching the performance. A love story between Ruban Nielson, his wife and a young woman. All living under the same roof until this woman is forced to leave the U.S. (Portland) due to an expired Visa. It makes me wonder, would you risk a marriage for new love?

Would you plant annuals or perennials?
(Been spending alot of time in my garden lately)