So I never thought I’d be uttering the words “ice storm” again unless I was referring to memories of the first one back in 1998. Montreal was brought to a complete stop last week, as a mix of rain and freezing rain blanketed us and left over a million without power. As Montrealers, we are so used to weather chaos that we brushed it off pretty quick as it changed to almost summer within a week. Right back to some normalcy, on Tuesday night for a sold-out show at Mtelus. This time for July Talk’s headlining tour, featuring Crown Lands.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Crown Lands; I had only heard some songs on the radio. I had no idea it was only two people responsible for creating this wall of sound. As such, I was confused for a few moments, as to when the rest of the band was coming out. Multi-instrumentalists is an understatement for these brothers out of Oshawa. Bringing back prog-rock for a new generation. It’s refreshing to see the revival hasn’t slowed down.
Vocalist Cody Bowles is Mik’maq and Two Spirit. His lyrics are strongly inspired by indigenous resistance to colonialism. Keeping on the theme of stolen land, the band have explained their namesake and communicated their need to disrupt the concept of “crown land” or government-held land stolen from First Nations peoples. The conversation is far from over on this topic and I was proud to see both bands keeping it up. (July Talk spoke of stolen lands later in the night.)
Beginning a set with an 18-minute magnum opus Starlifter Part 2, was brave of them. As epic of a journey they brought us on, it’s still risky as an opening act. In every song, you can hear all their influences from the obvious Led Zepplin and Rush. With his unique flare, Bowles’ duty on vocals and percussion displays a true talent. While his brother Kevin Comeau takes on a seamlessly effortless transition, switching between acoustic and electric guitars while also messing with pedals and keys.
There were a lot of crazy solos that seemed to go on forever, extending the length of most songs, sometimes doubling it. End Of The Road was already the second to last song. A tale for the missing Indigenous woman on the Highway Of Tears in British Columbia. A song Comeau had to dig deep to write. Having witnessed the violence growing up firsthand, he hopes to change things by bringing more awareness and putting a face to the challenges and grief of the families of these missing women.
Playing only five songs in forty-five minutes, their set went by pretty fast. Some slower moments bored a lot of people that were there to dance. I thought they deserved more time onstage. I believe a lot of people who had tickets didn’t show up until after Crown Lands; sadly for them, they missed out. For all those discovering the band for the first time probably, I’d say they walked away with a new appreciation for rock and roll.
Canada’s most underrated band, July Talk, were again back to dazzle audiences. On the road to showcase some of the new material on their fourth release, Remember Never Before. Montreal has always had a soft spot for them, from their humble small venue beginnings (their first-ever show was at Casa Del Popolo) to playing a sold-out show at MTelus.
Simplifying the night with only two bands, July Talk, now expanded to a six-piece, were able to play a large selection of songs. Appearing in a cloud of smoke, you could barely make out the band. I get that the intention was to create an atmosphere, but honestly, I think someone was a little trigger-happy with the button on the smoke machine.
They had a good reception to the new album, playing eight songs from it. While sprinkling in all the radio hits, you could tell a lot of people were only there for that. They catered to the fans passing the mic into the crowd and jumping in to surf on several occasions. Push And Pull, and Guns And Ammunition were the highlights on the night, as the crowd went into a frenzy, singing it as loud as the band.
Taking a moment to acknowledge the stolen lands we are occupying, their outspokenness is a very Canadian thing. Having a mission statement – Love Lives Here – posted on the walls of the venue, explaining that their show is a place where everyone is welcome.
The raw playful performance between singers Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay is what makes them so unique. Fay taunts Dreimanis, at some point skipping about onstage and jumping on his back to take him to the ground. It’s almost like watching a play about a feuding couple; you just can’t look away. The band’s catchy dance-able music has a lot to offer to all music lovers. Dreimanis’ bluesy raspy vocals sound like a mix between Nick Cave and Tom Waits. At the same time, Fay’s take reminds me of a more subdued version of singer Kathleen Hannah of Bikini Kill. (Who just happened to be playing a day later here in Montreal!)
They played for an hour and a half which is long for most bands and packed a whopping twenty songs in the set. Finishing it off with two encores. Lola And Joseph and The Garden. The fans didn’t leave right away; they always want more, but we didn’t get it this time. Faye thanked Montreal for being the city where she wrote her very first song while she was attending Concordia University. Saying that she skipped class to do so. She wasn’t willing to share it because she said it was terrible. But her gratitude to this wonderfully inspiring city was clear. Hopefully, they’ll be back here soon.
Review – Sam Morris
Photos – Kieron Yates
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