Owen Pallett was formerly known by the pseudonym ‘Final Fantasy’ – a project that saw his LP ‘He Poos Clouds’ win the Polaris Prize back in 2006. Since 2010 he’s established himself under his own name: the Canadian multi-instrumentalist has, alongside composing and arranging orchestral sections for bands like Arcade Fire, R.E.M. and The Last Shadow Puppets, become a mighty talented solo artist.
Tonight, Pallett’s company includes former Les Mouches members Rob Gordon (drummer) and Matt Smith (bassist). Pallett may be an animated soloist but we’re eager to hear the added live dimension of Gordon and Smiths’ backing.
Donning a rumbustious print shirt, Pallett definitely cuts it in the hazy Haunt lights as we recognise the unique and engaging sound of ‘Midnight Directives’ from 2010’s ‘Heartland’ LP. Under a slightly askew haircut Pallett grimaces in concentration before yelping with delight when every verse hits its pinnacle. We look on in admiration while they follow on with ‘Keep The Dog Quiet’.
Pallett’s classical touch consistently compliments the indie rock sound that both Gordon and Smith bring to his clinically arranged violin. Caught somewhere inside Pallett’s dynasty as the complete musician, they somehow link layers of looped violin and soaring lyrics over an ordinary acoustic format.
With a new LP, ‘In Conflict’, on its way in the near future, we’re keen to hear the new songs before he joins Arcade Fire on tour. In fact most of the set is new; ‘Soldier’s Rock’ and ‘Song For Five And Six’ turn heads with their refreshing sounds.
Before long he’s asking us what to play next. One eager sod, probably a few cans down, bellows, “Play anything Mr. Pallett, you’re a genius”. He’s a modest man too, shunning any such regard. “You obviously don’t know me,” he says, chuckling to himself.
But his genius, as it were, is never to be seen romancing audiences with flamboyant violin, as we notice when they play ‘Infernal Fantasy’. The song is short yet robust and almost angry in comparison to the softer side of what we’ve heard of the new album so far. The pre-made electronics are Nintendo-esque and go off into technical avenues as drums smash about and Pallett and Smith go toe to toe with each other.
Oftentimes we hear of ‘brilliant’ musicians all too much as they emerge self-righteously across social networking domains. Before you know it a week has passed and you’ve already forgotten the speculation. As for Owen Pallett, his ready-made audaciousness sets him apart from the rest. We reckon his work will linger on for a while longer yet.
Brighton support is worthy as always with Written in Waters and Bernholz playing to the growing crowd beforehand. Most notable for WiW is an epic prog song called ‘The Fall’ whilst Bernholz’ ‘Austerity Boy’ is definitely worth a listen.
Haunt, Saturday 10th August 2013
Words by Gavin Hughes
Photos by Ashley Laurence
