Montreal is in dire need of some warmth. Yet, tonight, concert goers flocked to the sold-out Corona Theatre for an evening of…chill.
The balcony filled up fairly fast, but it was clear that those on the floor were itching to groove.
Michael Seyer
As the first notes of “Pure Imagination” floated through the theatre, there was a surge of excitement and instant dancing, at least from the party in front of me, directly in front of the stage. Throughout the night, they would make that little sound of appreciation when they would recognize one of the songs. A response which surprised me for an opening band.
Miguel Reyes (a.k.a. Michael Seyer) comes from Gardena California and adopted his pseudonym as he taped into his high school poetry persona. While Michael has a relaxed, yet reserved vibe, he can tap into that more vulnerable and emotional side for his writing and performing.
I would venture that the poet is his true side, the one that he can fearlessly present to the world, backed by a talented band. I say this because he seemed to connect with the audience in a way that seemed real, which only comes from being genuine.
Roger Hallaway, on guitar, was truly entertaining. He would feel the music as he played, writhing and contorting to the sound. If he was a screw, he would be firmly affixed to the stage and they would still be unscrewing him from it one day later.
Miguel being on stage a was drastic departure from his Asian cultural roots that place practical education over creative pursuits, he said in an interview.
His sound is described as Bedroom Pop, which is fitting as the limited edition (750) vinyl of Bad Bonez is a caricature of Michael in his bedroom.
He would play many tracks from this album that shows a progressive maturity from his previous work. Whereas he used to be lonely, he can gain satisfaction from his growth and realize that there is a difference between being lonely and being alone. The latter being a space where self-reflection and growth can take place. A place of peace.
“Pretty Girl” is a classic boy fails at getting the girl song, one of his cult favorites from the Ugly Boy EP. For a part of the song, he passes his voice through a Barry White Transformation Box (my name for it), which seems to propel this song of insecurity into the masculine powerhouse of confidence and smooth talking that only Barry White can elicit.
They ended with “Lucky Love” to fully chill the crowd, getting them ready for Men I Trust.
Men I Trust
Emma (a.k.a. Emmanuelle) Proulx has vocal chords that drape you with a warm blanket of comfort. Your daily cares and worry float away, as she starts with “Show Me How” with the dreamy sounds of Jessy Caron and Dragos Chiriac along with their touring drummer.
Sometimes, it’s not the notes you play, but the notes you don’t play that make a song stand out. The space between the notes is where that comfort emanates.
Apart from 2 shows in the US, this is a Sold-Out tour wherever Men I Trust perform. The stage is bare, except for the performers, but they don’t need gimmicks. Their sound speaks volumes and on their home turf, they soaked in all the love from the crowd.
Emma, like her contemporary Helena Deland, both share this gift of attracting our gaze as if nothing else matters. It’s not like they come off as larger than life, ego stealing entities, but rather the sweet shyness that oozes humility and a pure joy of being in the moment, with fans that appreciate the music.
“Tailwhip” was upbeat. “This country dog won’t die in the city” the song states, a choice Emma made to live in the country, just outside of the big city of Montreal. Having lived in Morin-Heights for 4 years, I told her I understand that lifestyle.
“You Deserve This” is a song that highlight’s Emma’s voice, but it’s the bassline that holds it together. This song is about the “nostalgic joy of feeling part of the universe.” Nostalgic joy could easily describe the sensation I was having in the crowd.
A cover song by Geoffroy allowed him to join the band onstage, to the surprise of the crowd to perform his song “Thirsty” which features Men I Trust as guests…normally.
There were moments when Emma did chill guitar solos which frothed up the applause from the crowd like the warm soothing milk in a latte on a cold day.
“Lauren” was a highlight, again with that deep bassline keeping the song afloat that no storm could sink. The synths complementing the whole sound, like it had all night. This is the song that really sums up their sound…their elevator pitch song.
The evening ended way too soon, but Emma was sure to be right at the merch table to meet fans. This is where I pat myself on the back for picking up the vinyl before the show, as all the vinyl was snatched up quicker than samples at Costco during lunch.
Two fans got their OPUS cards signed by Emma, something that only Montrealers can appreciate and something that the STM cannot deliver…a comfortable ride using music as its principal vehicle.
Review, iPhone Pictures: Randal Wark is a Professional Speaker and MasterMind Facilitator with a passion for live music. You can follow him on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Photos: Breanna Wark
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