The crowd filled the hazy Théâtre Fairmount. Comprising long-time fans of the cult band and the usual Pop Montreal music lovers, the crowd was hungry for something out of the ordinary. Since its conception in the original wave of indietronica, múm has been known for its eclectic clash of personalities and an explorative approach, especially in its live performances.
Last night’s show did not quite live up to the expectation of more free-form music, but the band still managed to create a unique atmosphere which could lose yourself in. Slow tempos, industrial electronic samples, and shoegazey guitars gave off that uncanny 90’s trip-hop feeling—the kind of moodiness that is both an elixir and a poison, that you want to rest in, but not too long. Thankfully, it was well emotionally balanced and featured lighter, melodic pieces that brought up the mood; the cello player’s stage presence was elegant and captivating.
But between moody orchestration and high, airy voices, it felt as if there was something missing in the mix, perhaps the absence of bass, that made the rhythms feel hollow. Even though everyone was in the pocket and the drummer had a great understanding of dynamics, the songs all had an underlying silence that maybe did not fit well with the space. Oddly enough, while one of the members played the melodica, I imagined being next to the ocean or somewhere in an Icelandic forest.
Although the music itself did not fully connect, there was not one member who was not giving it their all, and at the end of the day, it’s the passion and dedication that fans relentlessly show up for. múm is clearly dedicated to their craft and looks like a very interesting bunch with potential to think outside the box; it would be unwise to underestimate their artistry, as their live show will only continue to evolve after the recent release of their new album, History of Silence.
