July Talk + Luna Li @ Corona Theatre – 30 November 2021▪

What better way to spend a snowy Tuesday night in Montreal than jamming to a Toronto six-piece rock band in a sweaty sold-out venue.

July Talk stopped by Corona Theatre along their Canadian-run on the Live At Last tour and it was one hell of a show. It truly set the bar high for what an alt-rock gig is supposed to feel like.

Rather than taking one act across Canada, they asked all of their favourite artists to play with them. Almost every night opens with a different band or artist and Montreal was graced by Luna Li.

The rising dreamy indie-pop artist recently came off a US tour opening for Japanese Breakfast and this being her and her band’s last show of the year, they showed up and showed out. She stepped on stage with confidence and grace, opening with an instrumental track. Later into the set, she picked up her violin and told the crowd she learned how to play it here at McGill, then dropped out after one semester to pursue music.

Luna continued to showcase her musical talent by playing loops with her instruments and angelic voice, then proceeded to shred on her “favourite guitar” shaped like a butterfly. She jumped around the stage, laughing, and having fun with her bandmates.

There was no loss of enthusiasm in the 30-minute changeover before July Talk hit the stage and the whole place rumbled with excitement. They have constantly proved themselves to be incredible live performers who know how to work an audience. All six members waltzed in, backed by a huge curtain featuring the cover of their latest album, Pray For It, and it immediately felt like a stadium show with the intimacy of an underground indie venue.

Sporting a long black dress and a pink veil over her head, frontwoman Leah Fay welcomed any and all to the show, addressed that we were gathering on Indigenous land and ultimately thanked everyone for being there. And without missing a beat, launched right into the opening song, “Touch” and the whole theatre erupted.

The musical chemistry between Leah and accompanying lead vocalist, Peter Dreimanis, is unmatched. Peter’s low, gritty sound mixed with Leah’s gentle tone is so unique and captivating. They move and sing with such intense passion for performing that draws people in. If you blink, you might miss a magical moment as they used every inch of the stage so meticulously, yet without a care in the world.

After “Lola + Joseph” and “Headsick,” Leah spoke French in between songs and everyone cheered her on. She began to hit her microphone against her chest to create a booming sound that filled the room and broke out into another fan favourite, “Beck + Call.” Peter swung his microphone cord around himself while Leah kicked the air.

They played their newest song, “I Am Water” early in the setlist which was only released a few weeks ago and the older crowd already knew all of the lyrics. The flashing lights and striking body movements were fun and fiery, although even the softer moments were loud, like “Life Of The Party” – creating a safe space for rock music. Leah leaned over Peter’s keyboard, singing with intense patience.

There was a standing ovation after “Guns + Ammunition” as the front-of-house lights lit up faces throughout the crowd. Peter told everyone, “On the count of 3 we’re going to scream” to kick off “Summer Dress” which only ignited another explosive type of energy. It was a party on stage as all band members interacted with each other, playing one another’s instruments in what looked like the time of their lives. How were they not exhausted after every song?

From backbends to crawling across the stage, Leah stood on top of a box twirling an umbrella that created a disco ball-like effect that bounced off the venue walls. Peter and Leah then played the keys together and whipped their mic stands around during “Identical Love,” a song about renewal.

As their 90-minute performance started to come to a close, Leah told the crowd how Montreal, “Taught [her] how to be a human being,” and “That it’s okay to be a freak and make weird art with your friends.”

They bid adieu with “Push + Pull” just to come out again for the encore, leaving us with “The Garden” and a Montreal Canadiens flag as the crowd shouted “Olay, Olay, Olay” to see them off.

The way July Talk moved with a sense of urgency, yet ease seemed unrehearsed and left such an impression. Their stunning showmanship just goes to show how impactful they are as individual artists and as a full band.