I fell in the love with The New Pornographers when I was twelve years old. I was an awkward pre-adolescent with truly, utterly terrible taste in music. But then I discovered the Vancouver-based indie rockers and their 2003 sophomore album, Electric Version, and I knew I found something special.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Samson and Delilah, a brief summary of the story as presented in the opera will precede the review of the show:
Act 1 – A Square in Gaza
The Hebrews are being held in slavery by the Philistines. Samson, bestowed with incredible strength by God, encourages them to have faith in their God and hope for the future. Abimélech, governor of the city, arrives with guards to mock, discourage and oppress them. Samson beats Abimélech in a fight and encourages his people to revolt. They win and the High Priest of Dagon (one of the gods worshipped by the Philistines) is angered.
So the Devin Townsend Project was in town on December 1, and I'm sorry to say that if you missed it we are no longer friends. It was way past my bedtime and so I didn't even stay for Animals as Leaders, but you have no excuse. Monday is the new Thursday, after all. In any case, I got what I came for, but now I face a mild dilemma. As the guy who got in trouble a couple months back for overplaying DTP's latest issue Z², it'll be hard for me to write this without it coming off as a love letter, so fuck it. Committing to the form.
A decade later, Death from Above 1979 turn it out at Metropolis
I never thought I'd get to experience a bona fide reunion tour while I was still in my twenties, but if it was going to happen for anyone, it would be Death From Above 1979.
Nils Frahm is one of those artists that most don't know about, and if you do, then you are probably a major devotee! I was reminded of this phenomenon this past Saturday during M for Montreal. Nils has played in Montreal a handful of times, including sold out shows at Mutek. I tried to catch his set the last time earlier this year, but, alas, it was sold out. I was thrilled to be able to see him, at Metropolis no less, where his minimalist ambient sound was fully enhanced with their incredible sound system.
PARTY LIKE IT'S 1699, BUT IN THE FUTURE OF ITS PAST!
OHara and Hua Li at the SATosphere for Le Pop D'époque's Party Like It's 1699, and M for Montreal, November 19th, 2014
This night was a full sensory experience. If you have never been to the dome at the SAT, that is step one in the sensory immersion. It is as it sounds, a giant domed room at the top of the SAT building. It is outfitted by teams of projectors and a top notch surround sound system. This performance utilized every inch of the space, in an almost overwhelming, yet fully-engaging feast at every level.