Black Girls + Drew Grow And The Pastors Wives + The Head And The Heart 03/14/12 @ LaTulippe

Some concert nights go smoother than others and the one on Wednesday at Latulippe is one sweet example. The Head and The Heart, Drew Grow And The Pastors Wives and Black Girls were all stopping by Montreal and made a point of delighthing the hundreds of fans present.

The show began in the lightest atmosphere with the indie-pop act Black Girls. The band undertook the task of warming up the venue with some dance-rock inflicted songs and Queen-esque arrangements. Effervescent as they were, the band even seemed to have caused a little ‘party’ on stage which in turn had a contagious effect on the crowd.  

Drew Grow and the Pastor Wives were up next and gave one particular heartfelt performance of their poignant songs. This Seattle-based group uses powerful harmonies, stomping drums and orchestral effect and pasted onoots-rock influences which come together to produce deep, emotional music. Guitarist-singer Drew Grow has got impressive vocals abilities that can leave you stunned. His voice carries a spiritual component, driving gracefuly through the music. Needless to say, this is definitely a band to keep an eye on. This little extra dose of soul of theirs, I believe, truly sets them apart.  

Then, a warm reception greeted The Head and The Heart, who most definitely lived up to hopes of fans who desperatly waited for them to find their way to Montreal after the tremendous success of their debut self-tilted EP in June 2010. In the center of fake flowers, trees and suspended lights, the sextet delivered resonant country-roots hymns with heart and much merriment, beauty and poetic inflection were felt through  piano driven folksy melodies. 

 Led by Josiah Johnson and Jonathan Russell, The Head And The Heart is composed of enthusiastic musicians. The band gains originality in their sound by sharing the leads on vocals and implementing delicate violin parts onto piano driven melodies. That night, we were even spoiled by the, oh so charming, violonist/vocalist  Charity Rose Thielen who, impressively offered us good words in French (I would find out later that she actually spent a year in France studying and playing music). Inspired and versatile, the band’s energy evokes, at moments, the one showcased by Edward Sharpe and his Magnetic Zeros, but rather a more wholesome version. Serving this feel good music with heart, these musicians a great delight  to all, making us singing along and share  in the joy. A beautiful night for all those fortunate enough to enjoy the all that makes for a great concert night : stellar music, an engaging ambiance and a devoted crowd.