Oracle Sisters concert review

Paris-based trio, Oracle Sisters, embarked on their first North American headline tour this month. The trio, consisting of childhood friends Lewis Lazar and Christopher Willatt, along with Julia Johansen, opened for Declan McKenna earlier in the year but have now come to the intimate Bar le Ritz as headliners. Out on tour to support the band’s first full-length album, “Hydranism,” Oracle Sisters began their current North American run in Montreal and, on several occasions, seemed taken aback by the love coming from the tightly packed audience.

The band opened with “I Don’t Wanna Move,” a soft piece that caused audiences to sway to the beat. Lazar and Willatt were up at the front with their bass and guitar, respectively, while Johansen was on drums in the back. They followed with “Hail Mary,” a more upbeat song that led fans in the crowd to shout along to the chorus. As they played, Lazar and Willatt would walk around on stage, smiling at each other during guitar riffs or bass solos.
Johansen left her drums to take centre stage to sing “High Moon,” a hauntingly beautiful song that was a perfect feature for the talented musician. Songs like “Hot Summer” and “Tramp Like You” from “Hydranism” brought up the audience’s energy immediately, and all three members of the band had wide smiles on their faces as they watched their spirited crowd. Without any dramatic showmanship, Oracle Sisters still managed to put on an unforgettable show, highlighting the simplicity of genuinely good music and the intimacy that can only be created between artists and their fans.

The opener, Ryder the Eagle, a solo musician from the South of France but currently living in Mexico City, got the audience more than excited for the headliners. From maintaining intense eye contact with one fan at a time to playing saxophone in the middle of a song to joining the crowd on the floor, Ryder the Eagle played a mix of upbeat songs like “Queen of the Rodeo” and soft love pieces like “Eloise.” Later, he returned to the stage to play sax with Oracle Sisters for “Hot Summer,” another lasting cut from their debut record.

What truly sets Oracle Sisters apart is their undeniable musical chemistry. Lewis Lazar’s hauntingly soulful voice complemented Christopher Willatt’s masterful guitar work in an almost otherworldly way. Their synergy on stage created an atmosphere of enchantment that enveloped the entire audience. They also relished the chance to speak their native language while so far from home.






Review & photos – Steve Gerrard
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