Owen Pallett is a renaissance man. Formally known as Final Fantasy, he is an Oscar-nominated composer, award-winning songwriter, conductor, violinist, keyboardist and vocalist. It seems there is little this Canadian auteur isn’t capable of.
2014 has seen some pretty impressive output from Pallett. Earlier this year, he was nominated for an Academy Award (alongside William Butler of Arcade Fire) for Best Original Score for their contribution to Spike Jonze’s Her soundtrack, and on May 27 he will release his 4th solo album via Domino / Secret City Records.
Titled In Conflict, Pallett took a more autobiographical route on this album, replacing his recognizable video game and sci-fi inspired subject matter with themes that hit closer to home.
The two singles released, “On a Path” and “The Riverbed” stay true to Pallett’s style: moody art-pop interwoven with dreamy samples, lively looped harmonies and Pallett’s powerfully distinctive vocals that seem to flutter effervescently alongside his melodies. Pallett knows how to captivate; his arrangements are cinematic in their detail and motion. His lyrics are soulful, sly and self-depreciating. His music is rich, warm and accessible.
His live performances transcend his music. Once you’ve seen him on stage, solo with nothing but a violin and a loop pedal, it will become clear just how ambitious and poignant Pallett is as an artist.
Opening for Pallett is fellow Ontarian Airick Woodhead, known as Doldrums. His whimsical, percussive electro-pop is reminiscent of an edgier Animal Collective. His heavily textured high-falsetto vocals cut through the tribal thumping drums and modulated subterranean harmonies. Stringing together the story of a dystopian sci-fi dream realm, his album Lesser Evil is recounted through his haunting lyrics, his murky and emotional samples, and his playful loops.
Pallett is a long time supporter of Doldrums, and both now call Montreal their home.
Hoping to be whisked away to a labyrinth of dreams this Friday? This show will definitely deliver a trip.
Owen Pallett
Doldrums
La Sala Rossa
Friday, May 9th
20:00 PM
$20 / $23
Tickets available at http://blueskiesturnblack.com/
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