Montreal-based Folly & the Hunter clearly felt at home during their Pop Montreal set, as evidenced by the playful banter and personality that removed any distance between the band and the audience. This closeness led to a successful set filled with wistful, woodsy folk that endeared and enchanted.
Joined by a two-piece string section to add some depth, the band focused on songs from their April LP Tragic Care, but it was their string-less rendition of the title song that found the band at their most emotional. Lead singer Nick Vallee's haunting lyrics led the solemn tune that swelled with keyboards, a xylophone, and a synchronized percussive backbeat that proved that subtle instrumentation could captivate without needing to pile on the layers. However, while "Mask" started with only guitars, vocals, and a banjo, it began to soar once the banjo was put down and keyboards, drums, and strings were added to it to provide an air of perseverance and strength in a beautiful soundscape.
After ending with "Vultures," featuring a shouting chorus, the band caved into the audience's demands to truly finish the ordeal with "There Are No Great Redeemers," closing the lengthy night of music with a pleasant, folksy instrumental breakdown. The band's live performance is definitely well-honed, and their ability to infuse a range of emotions into their folk is undoubtedly a major asset that will help them greatly in the years to come.
See more photos from Pop Montreal in our gallery here.
Joined by a two-piece string section to add some depth, the band focused on songs from their April LP Tragic Care, but it was their string-less rendition of the title song that found the band at their most emotional. Lead singer Nick Vallee's haunting lyrics led the solemn tune that swelled with keyboards, a xylophone, and a synchronized percussive backbeat that proved that subtle instrumentation could captivate without needing to pile on the layers. However, while "Mask" started with only guitars, vocals, and a banjo, it began to soar once the banjo was put down and keyboards, drums, and strings were added to it to provide an air of perseverance and strength in a beautiful soundscape.
After ending with "Vultures," featuring a shouting chorus, the band caved into the audience's demands to truly finish the ordeal with "There Are No Great Redeemers," closing the lengthy night of music with a pleasant, folksy instrumental breakdown. The band's live performance is definitely well-honed, and their ability to infuse a range of emotions into their folk is undoubtedly a major asset that will help them greatly in the years to come.
See more photos from Pop Montreal in our gallery here.