It’s been over five years since Caravan Palace played Montreal, and not much longer than that since I first discovered this group’s infectious and fun sound. Their largest Canadian headlining show to date seemed as good a place as any to see them for the first time.
ZAKYA took his time getting started as the sole opener of the night. He began his set with a soulful, reverb-soaked trombone solo. Thinking a live set can go literally anywhere from there, a hint of disappointment set in soon after he got settled behind a turntable. He spun some lively tunes for the next half hour, and expelled a crazy amount of energy while doing so. It was a serviceable DJ set, with a lot of dancing, smiles, and headbanging from ZAKYA’s part.
The room’s energy was present from the moment I stepped into the gorgeous Olympia Theatre for the first ever time (yes, really). The architecture and red velvet décor really accented the band’s retro aesthetic. Even their stage show felt old-timey. No visual accompaniments, just a stellar light show that accented the costumes and movements of the performers on stage. Just like grandma used to make.
Not knowing what to expect, it was lovely to see musicianship be the forefront at a concert from a group that exists halfway in the electronic sphere. Yes, synths and drum machines were present, but so was a tasteful guitar, a never-ending rotation of bass guitars, and a horn section featuring a gorgeously resonant baritone sax. I still feel those low notes echoing through my bones.
The horn section was small but mighty, as the two-piece pulled triple-duty, jumping in on various percussion instruments, and even proving to be very competent background dancers when needed. Their energy was infectious, as was the whole band’s. You could feel it in the few glorious moments where the six-piece successfully convinced the entire crowd, front to back, to jump around in unison.
Frontwoman Zoé Colotis was more than happy to address the French crowd in her native tongue for what had to be the first and only time this tour. The largely French-speaking attendees gave back an unmatched energy that helped fuel her performance, as she danced and moved her way across stage without ever missing a note.
The dancing never stopped that night, as thumping kick was constantly intertwining with jazzy guitar licks, busy horns, and walking bass lines.
In a world where Caravan Palace’s name is synonymous with the electro-swing movement, their Montreal set proved that they were anything but a musical trend. Their solidly choreographed live show easily transcended the reputation that the subgenre carries, and left me looking forward to the next time they swing back through town.
Review – Mathieu Perrier
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