Hollow Coves + Billianne @ Mtelus

On a grey Tuesday, Montreal’s MTelus became the sanctuary for indie-folk aficionados as the Australian duo Hollow Coves serenaded the crowd during their Nothing to Lose tour. Their visits to the city are becoming frequent, and just like a favourite sweater, they’re always warmly welcomed. Matt Carins and Ryan Henderson kicked things off with “Nothing to Lose,” setting an intimate yet expansive tone for the night.

At just 21 years old, Ontario native Billianne captivated the audience as the evening’s opening act. Her rise to fame began on TikTok, where her rendition of “Simply The Best” gained widespread acclaim, with some even daring to say it’s better than the original. During her set, Billianne showcased her latest single, “Daydream,” adding yet another highlight to her burgeoning career. Her performance was a perfect blend of youthful energy and mature artistry, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. A name to watch.

“How’s it going, Montreal?” Henderson said as Hollow Coves took their places on a stripped-back MTelus stage. “It feels so good to be back here. It’s one of our favourite cities to play in! Last time, we had the privilege of playing at the Osheaga festival. Tonight, we will have just as much fun!” The sentiment was met with cheers, setting a vibrant yet mellow mood that Hollow Coves thrives on.

Launching into “The Woods,” they hit their stride early. The interplay between Carins’ keyboard and Henderson’s guitar created a lush soundscape that felt like a warm embrace on a cold night. As they transitioned into tracks from their latest album, released in March, it was clear they were as excited to share their new material as the crowd was to hear it.

Between songs, Carins and Henderson engaged with the audience, their banter as charming as their melodies. “Every evening is special,” Carins remarked, urging the crowd to sing and dance without inhibition. “Tonight, if you know the words to our songs, I would like you to sing them with all your heart! Together, let’s create memories that we will always remember.” With this invitation, they launched into “Moments,” a song that effortlessly brought the room together in a shared experience.

“Harder To Fake It,” a newer, more upbeat tune, had even the most reserved audience members tapping their feet. It’s a testament to the duo’s ability to evolve their sound while maintaining the core elements that fans love. This blend of familiarity and novelty kept the set feeling fresh and engaging.

The highlight of the night came during a hushed performance of “Evermore.” Carins and Henderson invited a fan named Simon onto the stage, where he proposed to his partner. The room erupted in applause and cheers, adding a layer of genuine emotion to an already heartfelt performance. Watch the moment below:

https://youtu.be/XPkRWEJSki0

As the evening continued, songs like “Photographs,” “The Open Road,” and “Blessings” filled the room, each accompanied by a sea of twinkling lights from the audience’s phones,, and these moments highlighted the communal spirit of Hollow Coves concert—intimate yet expansive, personal yet shared.

Not every moment was flawless. At times, the performance felt a tad twee, and the static positioning of both vocalists behind their microphones occasionally dulled the set’s dynamism. However, these were minor blips in an otherwise enchanting evening. The duo’s charm and musicality more than compensated for any fleeting lulls.

Closing the night with “Coastline” and “Milk & Honey,” Hollow Coves left the stage to a chorus of satisfied sighs and applause. Before departing, the duo couldn’t resist a bit of playful banter, expressing their love for Montreal and even joking about preferring Canada to Australia. True or not, the crowd lapped it up, responding with laughter and cheers.

Tonight was less of an all-out rock show and more of a gentle, heartfelt journey. The music connected everyone in the room, leaving behind a warm glow that would linger long after the final notes had faded.

Setlist

• Nothing to Lose
• The Woods
• Letting Go
• Purple
• Moments
• Harder To Fake It
• Evermore (Acoustic)
• See You Soon (Acoustic)
• Photographs
• The Open Road
• Blessings
• Anew
• On the Way
• Coastline
• Milk & Honey

Review and photos – Steve Gerrard

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