Radiohead/ Black Keys
Salle Wilfred-Pelletier @ Place des Arts
Montreal
June 10, 2006
It was a treat and an indulgence. Visionary British rock band Radiohead landed at Place des Arts last night for the first of two soldout shows.
The last couple times singer Thom Yorke and his mates played Montreal, it was under the night skies of Parc Jean Drapeau to crowds of 20,000. So yes, a treat. And the indulgence - a third of their set list consisted of new material that won't see a release date until sometime next year.
The night started on familiar turf - the dubby electronic bass and static-tinged rhythm of "The Gloaming". Yorke was already in fine form, dancing with spastic abandon. Equal parts eerie and beautiful.
The pace picked up with Kid A's "National Anthem", the funky beat and recognizable guitar line eliciting eager cheers. On "2+2=5", Yorke's soaring lament gave way to a rock out freak out, including more crazy dancing.
For Radiohead fans, the above three songs are known quantities. The next song, however, was not - and the difference could be felt immediately. To a rhythm of bass drum and hand claps (with the band unpretentiously leading the crowd) began "15 Step", a spiritual, soul-tinged number lightened by Jonny Greenwood's melodic guitar. As Phil Selway's beat veered toward drum-and-bass, Yorke continued his Peanuts shuffle.
But those figuring they had the band's number were in for more surprises. After "Morning Bell" came two more newbies, "Nude" and "Videotape". The former was notable for its warmth, soulfulness and, could it be, hope? - this was not the cold alienation the band can now conjure in its sleep. The latter began as a hymn, with Yorke at the piano. It built into a driving rocker, at the end of which Yorke stood, looking out on the crowd.
Later, on "House of Cards", the band verged on catchy, even peppy pop, as Yorke sang, "I don't want to be your friend / I just want to be your lover."
The ante was upped on "Bangers 'n' Mash", a gritty, groovy jam that found Yorke on tambourine before sitting down at a mini drum set to accompany Selway, as crunchy guitar riffs lifted the song to a cluttered climax.
T'cha Dunlevy
The Montreal
Gazette
11.06.06