Another day, another Theatre Fairmount show that kicks off way too early, even on a Wednesday! Despite the inconvenient timing, this day-job holder was determined to arrive early, eager to witness the abundance of talent gracing our city on this co-headlining tour.
The evening began with local opener Guilhem, whose solo acoustic set, though admittedly premature for the day, set the stage. Following suit, Sydney Sprague and her band delivered an enjoyable blend of synth-heavy indie rock, enriched by ample guitar effects, painting a beautiful musical canvas. With the aid of a French-speaking guitarist serving as a translator, Sydney added lighthearted moments to the raw vulnerability of her music by using the LED backdrop to replay scenes from Twilight Baseball and engaging in dry, humorous banter with the audience.
Next up was Chicago’s Worry Club, injecting a welcomed surge of high energy into the night with their eccentric brand of indie. Frontman Chase Walsh, sporting a casually laid-back attire, commanded the stage with fervour, reminiscent of old-school punk frontmen. Their infectious two-chord alternative indie sound, coupled with amusing visuals of deep-fried memes and unexpected “Worry Club” sightings, made for a delightful discovery amidst their quirky charm.
Maintaining the night’s comedic visuals, Oso Oso graced the stage as the first co-headliner, their backdrop adorned with fleur-de-lis and French Bulldog motifs. Unlike their predecessors, Oso Oso relied more on the music, delivering song after song with minimal interaction with the crowd. Lead singer Jade Lilitri, stationed stage left, exuded a raw yet enjoyable emotion through his vocals, captivating both new and longtime fans alike. Despite the band’s name translating to “We jump! We jump!” in French, there were no attempts to incite crowd movement, leaving room for playful speculation about future Montreal performances.
As anticipation mounted for the evening’s second headliner, Spanish Love Songs, it became evident who the crowd was eagerly awaiting. Despite earlier concerns of muted vocals and awkward stage banter, Spanish Love Songs delivered a powerful performance. Dylan Slocum’s distinctive, emotionally charged voice cut through the PA system, resonating with each poignant lyric he expertly crafted. Despite the weighty lyrical themes, the audience remained buoyant, enthusiastically chanting along to their chosen existential anthems. Dylan’s interludes between songs offered messages of hope and solidarity, further enhancing the band’s connection with the audience.
Spanish Love Songs’ hour-long set predominantly featured tracks from their last two albums, “Brave Faces Everyone” and “No Joy,” interspersed with a few faster-paced numbers from “Schmaltz” to appease the moshers. The intimate yet spirited atmosphere of Theatre Fairmount’s floor fostered a sense of unity among strangers, echoing the band’s ethos of finding hope and resilience in a challenging world. The friendships forged that night serve as a testament to the enduring power of good music, vibrant atmosphere, and cherished memories.
Review – Mathieu Perrier
Photos – Steve Gerrard
