Of Montreal in Tampa

Friday, 09 April 2010 13:32

Of Montreal recently toured through the state and brought its theatrical performance to the Ritz Ybor in Tampa.

Of Montreal has become known for its colorful performances, which feature costumed extras performing onstage with the band, and this show was no exception. The setlist was a mix of old and new, with seven of the 18 songs from its 2008 album Skeletal Lamping. Of Montreal ended the set with a cover of the Michael Jackson song “I Want You Back.”

By John Davisson

The band’s sound is reminiscent of '70s disco, and the formula didn’t vary much, which was to the detriment of the set. But, it was the spectacle that kept the attention of the fans. The characters wandering onstage performed strange acts, including using a power blower to cover the audience and band in feathers. Near the end, they wheeled out a wooden-cross device, which bandleader Kevin Barnes mounted. The songs never seemed to break through the noise, although there seemed to be a pre-occupation with sex.

The actors did not seem to enhance the songs. It all seemed like a mash-up of unrelated elements, like a collage of colors. Maybe that is the point, the mindlessness and emptiness of form over substance, an everything-including-the-kitchen-sink spectacle. Even Kevin’s Lady Gaga-esque eyeshadow and bizarre outfit (featuring flower petals around his neck and blue pantyhose) was over-the-top, but pointless. But it was all good fun and isn‘t that all that matters?

James Husband (Of Montreal‘s drummer), with other members of Of Montreal backing him, opened the show. He was affable enough, but seemed a bit out of place as a bandleader, because he seemed unsure of himself at times. I’ll give him bonus points for covering a Neil Young/Buffalo Springfield song though.