Monday Nights are for Psychedelic Rock with the Allah-Las

The Allah-Las, alongside their opener Maston - who is also their keyboardist - brought over some soothing and nostalgic sounds to a receptive crowd at the Beanfield Theatre. On a chilly Monday night in Montreal, the audience immersed themselves into the Californian psychedelic rock band’s one-hour set. A musical oasis for those who have been lucky enough to stumble upon them, the Allah-Las leaves their listeners with a sense of nostalgia for a time and place most have never experienced, but long for through the band’s music. Heavily influenced by their home state of California, the Allah-Las’ performances have revived sounds from the 60s and invite their listeners to embark on a musical journey that bends time and space. 

Usually accompanied by a band, Maston’s solo act set the mood with their song’s, such as “Souvenir” and “Infinite Bliss.” Now living in Paris with his wife, Maston has incorporated rhythms and melodies inspired by his new home that seamlessly complement the Californian sounds from the Allah-Las. A sweet prelude to the main show, Maston’s performance cultivated an atmosphere that made me forget where I was for a moment, a feeling that would further be sustained once the Allah-Las set foot on stage. Both Maston and the Allah-Las successfully demonstrated how music is a vehicle that transports its listeners to the places and times in which the band wishes to take us. Indeed, the gentle warmth radiating from the Allah-Las was reminiscent of the summer sun caressing your cheeks. 

Mostly playing songs from their recently released album Zuma 85, including “The Stuff,” “Jelly” and “The Fall,” the Allah-Las concluded their set with a familiar classic and the band’s first single, “Catamaran.” The crowd visibly wanting more, the Allah-Las reassured their Montreal fans of their intentions to return to the city.

After the show, I was able to chat with one of the band members, Miles Michaud. Though brief, my encounter with Michaud was memorable and gave a better glimpse into the essence of the Allah Las. While reminiscing on the release of their first and self-titled album, Miles described how the songs on that album are a reflection of the aches and heartbreaks that define your mid-20s. In his words, “People often think that Catamaran is a song about surfing,” but affirms that the song is really one about the messiness that surrounds youth and love.

With their North American tour almost complete, the Allah-Las are ready to set sail for their upcoming shows in Europe this August.