Beak> returned to Montreal last weekend as part of a North American tour that’s also doubling as a farewell for drummer and founding member Geoff Barrow (of Portishead fame). The Bristol-based trio played to a sold-out crowd at Théâtre Fairmount, performing a set that leaned heavily on their latest album, >>>>, released without warning last year.
The show opened with technical issues that affected the first part of the set. Feedback, sound interruptions, and missed cues forced a few false starts but, despite the challenges, the band adjusted and continued through the set, occasionally pausing to troubleshoot on stage.
Barrow handled drums and on-stage banter, offering a few dry jokes about Brexit and “the 51st state” that sparked some good-natured back-and-forth with the audience. Bassist Billy Fuller provided vocals throughout and ended the night by holding up a visibly broken bass. Will Young moved between synths, guitar, and various effects, rounding out the trio’s textured, looping sound.
The set featured key tracks from >>>>, including “Hungry Are We” and “Cellophane,” alongside older material like “Eggdog” and “Breandown.” Not every song from the new album made it in, and compared to previous stops on the tour, a couple of tracks were dropped—likely due to the earlier issues. The night closed with “Wulfstan II” and “Blagdon Lake,” which drew the most energy from the crowd.
Barrow confirmed earlier in the tour that this will be his final run with Beak>, though the band is expected to continue in some form going forward.
Support came from Litronix
Photos – Dominic Blewett
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