By Anthony Moore
This past Monday evening indie pop band of Montreal brought their unique visual presentation and sound to the Wonder Ballroom in Portland, Oregon. Before the music started I could hear murmurs from the fans standing next to me about how amazing the show was in Seattle the night before and sharing experiences of the number of times they had seen of Montreal over the years. Being the first time I had seen them live it hyped me with anticipation knowing that fans of of Montreal were willing to see the group multiple times over the years and willing to make the 3+ hour drive down from Seattle to experience the show back to back.
I can guarantee there would be no way for me to even imagine what I was about to experience for the next hour. The lights dimmed down and a projected video of floating eyes balls as music began to play, members of the group taking the stage in the shadows. The backdrop pulled back and out walked a large white sheet resembling the form of a 7 foot tall body with various images being projected across the front giving it form. Front man Kevin Barnes then appeared from between the sheets as an orange light filled the stage.
For the next hour it would be fast paced trip of sound and stage visuals, the imagery of this introduction couldn’t prepare me for everything that would follow. With Barnes poppy lyrics that had the crowd singing along all night. There was also various background dancers would grace the stage, adorning matching outfits and artistic dance routines, moving in time with the music. The dancers would change their appearance between each song, going from skeletons to sailors to wolf creatures and everything in between. I found the show to be a full on piece of art that melded together flawlessly, between the electronic beats, psychedelic sounding guitar riffs and grooving bass lines.
When the show came to a close and I walked to my car, I couldn’t help but what if I had just awoke from a bizarre dream. Having captured the moments in my camera reassured me that what I experienced was in fact real. This unique performance is a memory that I will always keep in my mind, I can understand how of Montreal’s fans can keep coming back every year.
of Montreal will be on tour through the U.S. for another couple weeks, full list of dates and tickets are available through the bands website. Their most recent album “Lady on the Cusp” is available to stream on all major platforms.
