Don't call it a comeback — dormant Montreal troupe Think About Life made it abundantly clear that this POP Montreal performance was by no means the new norm. Reuniting the band's original lineup — frontman Martin Cesar, keyboardist/guitarist Graham van Pelt and drummer Matt Shane — the show was a celebration of all the band accomplished during their short tenure, and a gift to their many rabid fans.
A decade later, the band's exuberant brand of dance rock still holds up — though far less in vogue than the band's heyday, jubilant celebrations will never go out of style. Toss in a small parade of guest stars — including one-time bassist Caila Thompson-Hannant, now better known as Mozart's Sister, and a dude dressed in full Jesus regalia (who handled bass duties for a bit before crowd-surfing) — and it was an unforgettable evening.
The mood gave the crowd the best version of the group: highlight "Johanna" was tighter than ever, especially thanks to Thompson-Hannant's backing vocals, and "Set You on Fire" hit greater heights than on the studio version thanks to its extended breakdown, which only made the final chorus all the more rapturous.
And, of course, they ended with "Sweet Sixteen" — not only just their biggest song, but a fitting tribute to POP Montreal itself, celebrating its 16th year. Even after the band left the stage and the music faded out, the crowd continued to sing the hook (in time, too) until being ushered to stop due to the impending curfew. Though Cesar's banter was devoted to downplaying a potential reunion, the crowd made it equally known that one show every few years was not enough.
A decade later, the band's exuberant brand of dance rock still holds up — though far less in vogue than the band's heyday, jubilant celebrations will never go out of style. Toss in a small parade of guest stars — including one-time bassist Caila Thompson-Hannant, now better known as Mozart's Sister, and a dude dressed in full Jesus regalia (who handled bass duties for a bit before crowd-surfing) — and it was an unforgettable evening.
The mood gave the crowd the best version of the group: highlight "Johanna" was tighter than ever, especially thanks to Thompson-Hannant's backing vocals, and "Set You on Fire" hit greater heights than on the studio version thanks to its extended breakdown, which only made the final chorus all the more rapturous.
And, of course, they ended with "Sweet Sixteen" — not only just their biggest song, but a fitting tribute to POP Montreal itself, celebrating its 16th year. Even after the band left the stage and the music faded out, the crowd continued to sing the hook (in time, too) until being ushered to stop due to the impending curfew. Though Cesar's banter was devoted to downplaying a potential reunion, the crowd made it equally known that one show every few years was not enough.
