Inside the intimate confines of Montreal’s Le Belmont, a Tuesday evening unfolded into a sonic tapestry courtesy of the enigmatic Julia Holter and the ethereal Thanya Iyer.

Fresh from a quick tour of the West Coast, Montreal’s own Thanya Iyer took to the stage with her impressive band, weaving a spellbinding fusion of experimental pop and dreamy melodies. With each note, Iyer and her band transported the audience to a realm where time seemed to stand still.

The music danced effortlessly between intricate rhythms and hypnotic harmonies, interspersed with Thanya’s friendly banter with the crowd. The 40-minute set ended with a couple of songs from a forthcoming album, which promises to be something very special.


But it was Julia Holter who truly stole the show, commanding the stage with a cerebral and captivating presence. Backed by a stellar band – Beth Goodfellow on percussion and backing vocals, Dev Hoff on fretless bass and Tashi Wada on synth and bagpipes – whose musical prowess matched her own, Holter delved deep into her repertoire, breathing new life into fan favourites and unveiling hidden gems.

From the shattered art-pop of “Sun Girl” to the haunting beauty of “Silhouette,” Holter and her band explored the depths of sound with a fervour that bordered on the transcendent. Each song was a journey unto itself, with Holter’s voice soaring above the intricate arrangements like a beacon in the night.
Throughout the evening, Holter’s warmth and affability shone through. Her quiet confidence and joy were infectious as she shared smiles and knowing glances with her bandmates. Together, they created a musical tapestry that was as intricate as it was expansive, inviting the audience to lose themselves in its depths.

Highlights of the night included the thundering stomp of “Spinning,” which inspired movement and raised arms among the crowd, and the emotional crescendo of “Betsy on the Roof,” which served as the sonic and emotional peak of the evening.
The 90-minute set felt like a journey into the heart of music itself. With each song, it felt as though we were witnessing something truly special.






Review and photos – Steve Gerrard
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