Helena Deland‘s homecoming concert at La Tulipe was a profound demonstration of her evolution as an artist. Advertised as the launch of her excellent new album, Goodnight Summerland, the setlist drew heavily from that record while still reminding the sold-out audience of some of the highlights of her debut.
As I waited for opener Shaina Hayes to appear, I got chatting with the guy standing next to me. He soon informed me that he’d flown all the way from Kentucky just for the show. His excitement was palpable. Although clearly a huge fan of Helena, he told me he’d only just discovered Hayes’ music after booking his ticket. I assured him he was in for a treat.
I first discovered Shaina’s music in early 2022 when she released the song “Mud.” I managed to catch her intimate album release show at Ursa not long after and even interviewed her about the record. Since then, she’s signed a new record deal and announced her second album, which arrives in early 2024.
Hayes opening for Helena Deland felt like a harmonious alignment of musical stars. Her captivating blend of gorgeous vocals, inviting melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics instantly win over the crowd. She seems taken aback when she introduces her latest single, “New Favorite,” and it receives an enthusiastic cheer from the room. “You know it?” she responds.
Her debut album, “To Coax a Waltz,” formed the backbone of her set, each song a thread in the evening’s rich musical fabric. Hayes commanded the room’s undivided attention, setting a high bar for the night. It’s a brilliant start to an evening of truly great music.
As Helena Deland and her band take the stage, the cheers from the audience can’t help but bring a smile to her face. She also tells us that she has several family members and close friends in attendance. From the outset, it’s clear this is not just another gig for the talented Montrealer.
Deland’s voice was the centrepiece of the show, striking in its ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from introspection and grief to joy and curiosity. The subtlety of her performance, accompanied by her own guitar, some gentle percussion, piano and woodwinds, allows her voice to shine brilliantly.
Deland’s songwriting often explores the passage of time. This was particularly poignant in songs like “Who I Sound Like,” where Deland directly addresses her late mother, revealing the rawness of her emotions and the process of coming to terms with loss. Other songs, like “Saying Something” and “Drawbridge,” emphasized the complexity and sometimes inadequacy of language in conveying deep feelings.
The concert’s pacing was deliberate, mirroring the unhurried nature of Deland’s performance. There were moments of energy, like in “Night Soft as Silk” and “Spring Bug,” but these were balanced with more meditative pieces, culminating in the serene and hopeful “Strawberry Moon” and a crowd-pleasing “Dog.”
Overall, the show was a captivating blend of introspection, musical artistry, and emotional depth. It showcased her remarkable talent not only as a singer and songwriter but also as an artist capable of deeply moving her audience through the power of her music.
Setlist
- Swimmer
- Saying Something
- The Animals
- Spring Bug
- Bright Green Vibrant Gray
- Pale
- Roadflower
- Drawbridge
- Night Soft as Silk
- There Are a Thousand
- Shazam
- Truth Nugget
- Someone New
- Who I Sound Like
- Moon Pith
- Strawberry Moon
- Baby
- Dog
Review & photos – Steve Gerrard
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