Photos of of Montreal at Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY on May 22nd, 2013
Photos of of Montreal at 2013 Savannah Stopover in Savannah, GA
Photos of of Montreal at Miami Forum in Miami, FL on November 28th, 2012
Photos of of Montreal at 2012 Culture Collide in Los Angeles, CA
Photos of of Montreal at Plaza Live in Orlando, FL on March 8th, 2012
QRO’s review of of Montreal at 40 Watt Club in Athens, GA on October 30th, 2011
Photos of of Montreal at 2011 80/35 Festival in Des Moines, IA
Photos of of Montreal at 2011 Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona, Spain
Photos of of Montreal at The Ritz in Tampa, FL on January 15th, 2011
Photos of of Montreal at Firestone Live in Orlando, FL on January 13th, 2011
QRO’s review of of Montreal at Terminal 5 in New York, NY on September 18th, 2010
Photos of of Montreal at 2010 B.O.M.B. Fest in Old Lyme, CT
Photos of of Montreal at Highline Ballroom in New York, NY on January 26th, 2010
Photos of of Montreal at Santos Party House in New York, NY on September 16th, 2009
Photos of of Montreal at 2009 Norman Music Festival in Norman, OK
QRO’s review of of Montreal at Orpheum Theatre in Boston, MA on October 30th, 2008
Kevin Barnes’ latest curation, Daughter of Cloud, is a rarities album compiled of seventeen previously unreleased tracks from 2007-2012. It was released this past October after of Montreal’s 11th full-length album, Paralytic Stalks (QRO review) came out earlier in February. Daughter of Cloud is reminiscent of the four albums that were released during the span of those five years, making this a real treat for the avid and seasoned of Montreal fans. Kevin Barnes demonstrates his experimental vision of over lapping genres, sounds and styles paired with vividly obscure lyrics throughout, making these B-side tracks nothing short of an of Montreal album.
Barnes starts off with tracks that are of typical, of Montreal style. A psychedelic electronic dance party erupts with, “champagne strawberry pancakes for an after sex snack.” In “Hindlopp Stat”, Barnes sings, “I want to live in an elephant coma” throughout the song—perhaps a nod to the Elephant 6? A surprisingly pleasant transition occurs after “Partizan Terminus”, when the style changes to a more Prince inspired groovy funk sound with Barnes’ electrifying falsetto. The classic ‘60s rock & roll feel of “Tender Fax” and “Kristiansand” exemplify Barnes’ musical range. By the end of the album, the heavy-laden keyboard tracks are replaced with soft piano instrumentals and atmospheric vocals. “Feminine Effects”, sung by Rebecca Cash, adds a new dimension to the album as a whole – a rare of Montreal track indeed. There is nothing “to be laughed at,” with Cash’s soothing dreamlike voice.
One cannot justly define of Montreal, except that they are a band that encompasses a wide range on the musical spectrum. Although individual songs stand out more than the album as a whole, Barnes has created a cohesive compilation of songs. His ability to bring together otherwise, conflicting musical genres and styles, is notable. Daughter of Cloud has a little bit of something for everyone, even new of Montreal listeners can appreciate.
-Mary Paulyshun
