TV ON THE RADIO + LISSY TRULLIE 17-04-11 @ Metropolis

Don’t get fooled by any epitaph stating that Sunday nights should remain quiet. On April 17th, the Metropolis looked more like an explosive New York art rock venue rather than Montreal’s standard concert hall. Still, we were remembered our unique position in the globe as the headliners, both from NYC granted their dedicated audience of a resounding ‘’Ca va ?’’.

An scattered and but enthusiast crowd gave a warm welcome to Lissy Trullie and her band. Trullie and her band delivered an adequate opening act by offering sharp and stompy rock songs. The female vocalist surprised us with great vocals and a strong presence, ressembling to a lower-ranged Karen O. Former model, Lissy Trullie might have appeared like no more than fashion icon, but she rocked out her outfit as much as she rocked her songs. The lead-singer also proved serious guitar skilled while pleasing the fans by interpreting her powered hymns. She also brilianty covered Hot Chip’s famous ‘‘Do It Now’’. Lissy Trullie’s first EP has been was released in 2009; let’s hope that we will soon enough hear from her again.

Montreal’s typical ill-assorted crowd seriously thickened as TVOTR’s hour was approaching. No one was disappointed; the band delivered an impressive rock and roll-esque gig, sweeping through ska, arena rock, funk and power ballad. TVOTR’s proved that their undefined sound - a prodigious blend of high and low harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, harmonic percussions and synergistic guitars and keyboards - sounded as good on stage than on record. The band’s powered energy was awfully contagious, driving the crowd crazy from the beginning to the very end of the show. From stage effects to the musical performance TV On The Radio’s gig was flawless. The only minor dissapointment might have been was when frontman Tunde Adebimpe announced after only three songs that he had a broken voice. Alhough his cracked voice which could be heard very clearly when he spoke to the audience but was hardly be noticeable while he sang. More than that, he dedicated songs to a few lucky persons in the audience and even granted us of a heartfelt encore.

Best moments of the show definitively were the remarkable interpretation of ‘‘Will Do’’, first single of the new album (Nine Types Of Lights, out last week) and a demented rendition of Starring at the sun, barely recognizable over an accelerated tempo. The only downside - if there really is one, is that we might have had at some point trouble discerning vocals because of sound saturation. Tv On The Radio have reasserted that they still supremely master their art. The band’s appearance might have been short but was definitely worth the wait and they money.