We entered the Corona to the sounds of Mothers creating a mellow atmosphere as Kristine Leschper sang about Copper Mines and the lack of crying in Baseball. Drew would occasionally get on his knees and for his beer bottle slide guitar parts. I enjoyed the performance, especially “No Crying in Baseball” where they let loose a little.
Band of Skulls, visiting from the UK have Russell Marsden (left) and Emma Richardson (right) at either end of the stage sharing vocal duties. Their voices meld into each other to deliver indie rock oozing with blues. Apart from a neat pile of Fender amps on either side of Matt Hayward on drums, the set is absent of decorations.
Unfortunately for those in the first few rows of well-behaved guests, the vocals were nearly unintelligible, overpowered by the instruments. For both Mothers and Band of Skulls, we had to decipher the voices among the noise. Speaking with a couple after the show, we found that the sound was much better if you were closer to the back. The Corona is my favorite venue and I find it odd that the sound wasn’t right, compared to all the other shows I attended.
Starting their North American Tour in Boston, this was their second show. Russell mentioned how the band loves Montreal and apologized for getting a little rowdy during their last visit.
They started with a song off their new album By Default titled “In Love by Default”. A great transition from Mothers to Band of Skulls with some catchy hooks and bass line that makes you want to sway with the music.
With a Jack White like sound, we next heard “Light of the Morning”. Russell was enjoying himself and would often come up to the edge of the stage to get up close and personal with the audience. On a few occasions, he encouraged the crowd to dance and sing along, although the crowd seemed much too subdued to comply. For a few of the songs, it was more like a bobble head factory floor than a dance floor.
Playing a good selection of songs off the new album, they also performed songs spanning Sweet Sour, Himalayan, Baby Darling Dollface Honey and ending their set with a Prince cover of “Diamonds and Pearls”.
The encore consisted of “I Know What I Am” which reminds me of a 70s rock anthem and one of my favorites, “Asleep at the wheel” with the epic “Cause where we are going, is anyone’s guess”pause before the guitars rev up the pace.
Russell is an entertaining musician, playing with a smile like this was the best place on earth to be at this time and it was always a treat to hear Emma, who would have fit in with the Ramones with her coolness and vibe.
Set List
In Love by Default
Light of the Morning
Hoochie Coochie
Bodies
You’re Not Pretty But You Go it Going On
Black Magic
Patterns
So Good
Sweet Sour
Tropical Disease
Blood
Wanderluster
Cold Flame
This Is My Fix
Bruises
Himalayan
The Devil Takes Care of His Own
Diamonds and Pearls (Prince Cover)
Encore
I Know What I Am
Asleep at the Wheel
Review – Randal Wark is a Professional Speaker and Business coach with a passion for live music. You can follow him on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Photos – Ashley MacPhee
