Fleece + Sorry Girls @ La Sala Rossa▪

Before Montreal’s beloved queer indie rockers Fleece even graced the stage at the quaint and intimate La Sala Rossa, the buzz was electric. Opening act Sorry Girls set the perfect tone with their eerie, dreamlike soundscapes, captivating the audience with tracks like “Waking Up,” “One U Want,” and “Breathe.” Anyone unfamiliar with their music left instantly smitten, their ethereal melodies leaving an intoxicating spell.

Then, Fleece unleashed their fiery energy. “DOO = WOP,” “Take Off All Your Honey,” and “It’s The Life” ignited the room, transforming La Sala Rossa into a dance floor bathed in pulsating colour. From the first beat, the crowd were jumping, singing along, and basking in the infectious joy radiating from the stage. Fleece weren’t just musically incredible; their vibrant, glitter-infused outfits were a dazzling reflection of their sound. Between songs, their easy banter and playful interactions with each other and the audience created a sense of warm camaraderie, like we were all part of their electrifying jam session.

The high-energy onslaught continued with gems like “Bodies Lie,” “Stay At Home Boy,” and “Take It From Me,” culminating in a surprise cover of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” that sent the roof flying. From a personal standpoint, the most captivating moment was witnessing the band’s sheer joy playing together, feeding off the enthusiastic crowd and basking in the palpable affection radiating from Montreal. It was pure magic, the kind that makes you dream of forming your own band with your mates.

Finally, they capped off the night with the soaring “How Far Would You Go” and the aptly-titled “Upside Down,” before bidding farewell. Or so we thought. The clamorous cheers summoned them back for an encore, where they closed the night with the poignant “So Long.” I arrived a Fleece novice but left utterly enthralled, their music now a permanent fixture on my playlists.

If you ever have the chance to catch Fleece live, don’t hesitate. This is a band that delivers a 10/10 performance, brimming with 10/10 music and 10/10 energy. Witnessing their infectious joy is an experience you won’t regret. Prepare to dance, to sing, and to fall head over heels for the vibrant heart of Montreal’s indie-rock scene.