QRO’s review of of Montreal at The Masquerade in Atlanta, GA on May 14th, 2015
QRO’s review of of Montreal at 40 Watt in Athens, GA on March 5th, 2015
Photos of of Montreal at 2014 Austin Psych Fest in Austin, TX
Photos of of Montreal at 2014 Middle of the Map Fest in Kansas City, MO
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 Plaza Live in Orlando, FL on March 8th, 2012
QRO’s review of of Montreal at 40 Watt Club 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
Kevin Barnes as being going out there so long fronting of Montreal, he might as well live out there – and probably does. He’s also surprisingly prolific, releasing an album almost every year, with Innocence Reaches coming hot on the heels of last year’s Aureate Gloom (QRO review). The mix of tech, lo-fi, and psychedelica can definitely feel all over the place, but also is definitely of Montreal.
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
QRO’s review of of Montreal at Avalon Ballroom in Boston, MA on March 11th, 2007
Innocence is strongest at its start with the likes of the synth-voiced “let’s relate” and particularly single “it’s different for girls”, which somehow comes the closest to summing up the many sides (and genders) of Barnes. Meanwhile, the reduced-into-bright “my fair lady” showcases both his sadder & cheerier sides. However, as the record goes on it goes everywhere, stopping and starting, beginning and ending, with more styles than you can shake a stick at, creating something of a sonic overload.
Kevin Barnes is such a singular voice that it’s not surprising he can put out so much material – and that he might need to pare it down a little more. But Innocence sees him & of Montreal Reaching once again.
