Speaking strictly from experience, it is pleasing and good for one’s health to check out some of the lighter folk fair at FME. But Bell’s Larsen brought one of those most vulnerable and calming sets to the Agora Des Arts I’ve seen in years. Under the gorgeous, seated venue, the singer-songwriter (now based in Montreal) weaved through songs from his fantastic Blurring Time album. This record got quite a bit of national attention after he was forced to cancel his US tour due to a new anti-transgender visa law.
Audience members were stunned and stupefied. I even spotted one woman tearing up near the end of the set. It was an intimate set from Bells, who has always worn his heart on his sleeve. The band was also on point, giving Bells the spotlight, but jumping in for a glowing moment or two. The lighting was dark, but with the standard red shapes blasting off the walls, it was a strange and almost esoteric vibe. I was only able to witness four or so songs (that’s how festivals like this go), but those four will be lodged in my brain stem for some time. A wonderful and tame set for an otherwise wild and loose night.
Photos by Jacob Zweig
