I arrived shortly after the doors opened, along with many other eager fans. With the frigid temperatures, this was the hottest place to be. Two back-to-back sold-out nights at MTelus. The popularity for a good spot was apparent, as within minutes most seats were filled upstairs. While the late arrivals were crowded in the pit for a better view. It was nice to see it was an all-ages show.
Gabrielle Shonk
Quebec-born singer-songwriter Gabrielle Shonk was in a tough spot as an opener. But she quickly broke the ice with her vocal prowess and with the support of equally talented musicians.
She commanded the front of the stage with her energy, clearly comfortable in front of such an accepting audience. Bringing her blend of rock, folk, blues, and pop, there was something to enjoy for every music lover.
The songs “Remember to Breathe” and “Aftertaste,” the more pop spectrum of the set, reminded me a bit of the later Zero Seven catalogue. Getting the crowd’s attention with her latest tune, “People Pleaser,” was definitely the most relatable song.
Just as everyone was properly warmed up, it was already time for the last song. “Habits” was by far my favourite, harder rock song of the night. Finishing with a solid reaction and cheering for more.
Half Moon Run
If you live under a rock and avoid all radio and media, then you haven’t heard of Half Moon Run. They are that earworm band that you actually like having stuck in your head. Well, at least I do. With a career spanning over twelve years and such a wide range of musical influences and avenues. They are that band that has a song for every emotion. That’s the best way I can describe them.
Montreal has a lot of talented musicians, these guys included on that list. Highlighted by their popularity to still sell out shows at home and everywhere they go. With the remaining original trio, multi-instrumentalists Devon Portielje, Conner Molander, Dylan Phillips were ready to play with our heartstrings for the night.
When the lights finally went out, the more tame crowd erupted. We had waited long enough for this show. Wasting no time going right into two new songs. “You Can Let Go” and “Hotel in Memphis” are the heavier, darker songs from the newest album, “Salt.” I enjoyed the faster pace before they dove into the slower, bluesier songs.
“Call Me In the Afternoon,” and the next few had everyone singing along in harmony. It gave me goosebumps just how in sync we were as an audience. Something rare that I witnessed, not a phone in sight, people living in the moment.
I was mad at myself for never witnessing them live before. MTelus even sounded different; they must have had a special speaker setup to make sure we could hear every moment, crisp and clear as intended. I wish more bands put that much effort into that. Highlighting that they played three of the more stripped-down songs from their second album, “Sun Leads Me On,” “Narrow Margins,” “I Can’t Figure Out What’s Going On,” “Devil in My Care.”
Running through hit after hit at a solid pace, I was wondering what they were saving for the second show. The chemistry these guys have surpasses expectations. The constant switching places and instruments kept the night exciting. Bringing out some extra musicians and fiddles for certain deeper cuts, “Razorblade” and “Gigafire/ New Truth.”
Bands tend to save the best for last. If you still had any of your voice left, you were definitely singing along to these songs. “She Wants To Know,” “Favourite Boy,” and “Full Circle” were part of a solid encore. The fans wanted more, and we chanted “Ole Ole” to get them back onstage, and it worked this time. We got a few extras for being a good crowd.
With their ever-changing and evolving musical journey, they always seem to have the right trick up their sleeve to reinvent themselves and remain relevant. With another sold-out show in February and their own curated festival in May, there will be plenty of chances to see them again. I highly recommend it for your mental health and well-being.
Review – Sam Morris
Photos – Kieron Yates
