Owen Pallett

The Mod Club, Toronto
Cost: $15.50
Hand Stamp: Guitar and speaker (or possibly tombstone)
January 12, 2010

Owen Pallett (no longer going by the stage name of Final Fantasy) took to the Mod Club stage this evening in celebration of his new album, Heartland. “I’d like to thank you all for coming to my CD release party,” said Pallett to the sold-out audience. There is something incredibly unique and almost dream-like about Pallett’s music and yet, he had no difficulty recreating his densely layered music live. Accompanying Pallett on stage was multi-instrumentalist Thomas Gill, described as being chosen by Pallett “for his assets, both visible and invisible.” Gill provided additional musical layers, including a whistling solo on, This Lamb Sells Condos, which concluded the evening. However, it must be said that Pallett had no trouble creating a rich and full sound on his own with only his violin and a series of tracks which looped through a keyboard and array of pedals.

Pallett’s vocals were incredibly strong with an amazing range, most notably on E for Estranged, this along with his orchestral sound with a modern pop twist puts him in a musical class of his own. Fans in the audience even had some unusual reactions to his performance including conducting in proper form, and one fan was even seen framing the stage with his index finger and thumb as though he was preparing to take a photograph. Pallett’s intensity and personality shone through as he plucked strings from his bow as they split prompting the witty remark, “It’s a bad day for horses.” One of best songs from the new album, Lewis Takes Action was particularity well orchestrated live, with an overwhelming response from the crowd. His distinctive laugh was contagious and the audience couldn’t help but laugh along with him. It appeared as though Pallett truly enjoyed himself and thanked the audience almost after every song.

As the crowd cleared after the encore of Lewis Takes off his Shirt and the aforementioned This Lamb Sells Condos, lollipops and candy wrappers covered the ground along with the usual beer bottles and plastic cups. Great music, candy and alcohol; sounds like the perfect way to celebrate the release of another great album.