The Long-Awaited Steeple / Plus! / Palomine Crossover Episode at L'Esco

    As per the title of this piece, this show was very much long-awaited for me. Anyone who knows me knows I am quite the Palomine superfan, but I’ve also been a huge fan of Steeple for at least a year now. Their first EP was actually recommended to me by a friend, so I knew a handful of songs already. Steeple has been performing semi-often in Montreal, yet I hadn’t managed to see them until now (embarrassing!!!). Let’s just say I was not surprised by the incredible show that they put on. 

    It is worth mentioning that this show took place at the most beautiful venue, maybe ever. I’d never been to L’Esco before, though I had heard great things. I immediately understood the hype as soon as I got there. It was spacious, with fantastic lighting and decorations, and the stage was massive. Normally, I don’t go to a show without my camera, but of cours,e this had to be the show I decided against it. I was so jealous of every photographer there, as this venue was perfect for concert photography. I could actually see the drum kit and the drummer, which is a rare find nowadays. I will definitely be returning to this venue soon, camera in hand. I can only imagine how good it felt to play on the stage, with all the lights and space to move around.  Every band that graced the stage used the space well, yet Palomine definitely needed it the most. 

    I've already written about Palomine, since they were at Lilith Fair in January, but this show was something special. First of all, they were headlining at L’Esco, which is arguably a huge deal for anyone, and secondly, they have yet ANOTHER new member, a cellist, who is already in two bands in Montreal. At this rate, the Montreal music scene is becoming something akin to the Royal family tree. However, I am not complaining. This new addition puts Palomine at six members, which had the stage pretty full. I am always impressed with this band’s sound; they’d already been experimenting with the banjo, but the cello was definitely the cherry on top. They also did an encore this time, which I’ve never witnessed from them, and I have seen Palomine four times now. Lastly, they announced they’re finally recording some songs in the studio, which is majorly exciting, especially for people with all-new music radio shows…. So all in all, big night for Palomine and Palomine fans alike.

    I’d never seen Plus! before, but I was expecting a good show. They recently did a Toronto show with Palomine, so with this in mind, I anticipated a very solid set. Much like every band that performed, Plus! was extremely well-practiced, and their energy was great. During their set, I made the astute observation that someone in this band (maybe all of them?) has to be the top listener of The Strokes since the resemblance was uncanny. I do get down to The Strokes, though, so this wasn’t a negative thing at all. Another great example of the constant Montreal band crossover is that the guitarist of this band is also a member of Palomine. Insanity. But overall, great set, great band, great time.

Of the three bands performing, Steeple was definitely the one I was anticipating the most. Not to diss Plus! or Palomine, they are both amazing bands as I have said – do not get me wrong. However, Steeple had a unique continuity to their set. Every song fit together effortlessly, with creative rhythms and riffs that had me positively delighted. As a four-piece, their sound was astoundingly full, and you would never know there were only four people onstage. Especially since the singer was not playing an instrument, each musician had to be exceptional, which they were. I will say the drummer was maybe the most essential asset; this guy was locked IN. I was giddy for the entirety of their set, and I kept turning to my friends to scream about how good it was. The guitarist was also so impressive and clearly knew his instrument very well. It did help that Steeple’s music is kind of my favourite genre ever: indie bordering on math-rock with some screaming here and there. A single guitarist in a band of this genre is surprising, but Steeple did it expertly. I honestly could not recommend them enough. They are definitely one of the most creative and practiced bands I’ve seen recently, and I will be looking to see them again soon.

I will for sure be returning to Esco as soon as possible, seeking out a night as good as this one. Keep an eye out for new Palomine music and check out Steeple’s EP!