Contemporary bands can foster a large and devout fan base without ever stepping foot on stage. They don’t have to, quote unquote, “face the music”. They gather the audience online. But, there lies critical moment in a young bands development where they must trap their recorded sound, rehearse that sound, then produce it live. That is, if the band in question wishes to “Make it”. I think the psychedelic and jazzy outfit from Montreal known as Fleece is looking the break out, and to quote the bands successful Alt-J homage, to put it in the industry's "butt".
For musicians who use and rely on digital effects and the pin point accuracy of modern music editing/mixing software for their sound, playing live can be a true challenge. These bands create with mesmerizing effect, but there is nothing like seeing a band on your watch-list play songs you know and love, live. A rehearsal space or any room without an audience is a far cry from a crowded bar, coffee shop, or club . Fleece is a band that had to face that challenge, and they fucking delivered.
If you want to truly understand a movie, you have to watch it twice. For me, the same goes for albums and live-sets.
After the smoke cleared from their fall tour, the members of Fleece had four shows under their belt. I had the pleasure of seeing two of them. The first show at Clarke Hall Pub in Kingston, the second at Black Squirrel Books in Ottawa. The differences between the two shows were clear but minimal. Clarke was a wider, more open space. Sonically, it took a little more to fill the room. High tones bounced around empty room, for there were only sitting timid bodied to eat the sound, myself included. The house system at Clarke was spotty. The vocal work was smothered by the drumming, but it was fantastic drumming. The mix at the back of the room felt disjointed and all over the place. Sound wise, a very hostile environment. But, to be pro you have to learn how to play in such rooms, regardless of the sound guy's aptitude. This is something Fleece can work on in the rehearsal room for future shows.
Now, to Black Squirrel books. A larger room, but with more people and books to eat up the sound and create a better balance. Overall it was a much better show. The PA was much better and louder. A loud PA means the drums can hit harder with clear vocals and the bass can hook into the mains creating an even sound.
Fleece’s lead singer, Matthew Rogers, who bares an unmistakable resemblance to Groucho Marx, wisely used a Phlanger or an odd Chorus effect on his voice at the Black Squirrel. This pushed the psychedelic nature of their sound even further, almost to the realm of Tame Impala or some other fucking band I don’t know of, but I’m sure dear reader, you do. I also need to congratulate the performance of Fleece’s newest addition, backup singer Megan Ennenberg. Her singing replaced the horns and saxophone on their recorded material, not an easy job. Her well executed harmonies counterpoint to Matt's singing was great, I did not miss the horns at all. On to the rhythm section, drums first.
The mantra of every great drummer: Be quiet and play to the room, but when you get the chance, bust nuts. This is even harder when your playing complex rudiments. It is easier to bash paraparadiddles out hard, but to keep them soft and agile takes lots of practice. Fleece’s music requires such complex playing and their truly odd keeper of time, Ethan Soil, handles the challenge with grace and magnetic facial expressions that said: This is easy, watch me tear it up, and I’m having a really fucking good time playing for you. It was true drum work more complex and versatile than any drum track on Scavenger. After drums comes bass.
The bass, played by the handsome and expressionless Gave Miller,was deep into the groove set by Ethan, like brass in pocket. Tossing out quarters, and walking with the steadiness and technique of an Olympian power walker. Enough said. Guitar next.
Jazz guitar when coupled with keys needs to be felt more than heard. As the Phangers on Matt’s voice increased the psychedelic quality of their performance, the light comping of the guitar increased the jazz feel executed so well on Scavenger. His groovy solos and killer dance moves were the perfect addition to the show. I still don't understand how he did those moves, like he was a water snake from the waist up.
Overall, there was a natural feeling to the show at Black Squirrel Books, I guess the band felt more at home surrounded by literature, which I totally understand.
If you think I am singing to much praise for the young group, your an asshole, so to satisfy your cruel needs, let me nitpick.It is not like they don't need improvement. I would have loved to hear louder vocal work from both Megan and Matt or maybe a scat solo or two, but as it goes, scatting is not for everyone. A little more confidence from Matt’s singing would have been very effective. As interesting as it was, he often relied on the Phlanger to create elevate between chorus and verse. His voice is high and thin, which is fine. But he ate the microphone to often.This can be problematic with a loud PA. Granted, I have never heard such a voice over jazz infused music, it is a very progressive sound, one step further instead of one step back. They were too sensitive towards their environment. They played the the bookstore well because they were more comfortable around books and hip well dressed youngens rather than a gaggle of drunk university students wielding rice cakes. So, they need some work on paying with as much bravado in a bar well below capacity. Granted, I do not think they will be playing many low capacity shows like that in the future.The performance was not polished pewter, but it did shine
As a proponent of seamless live performance, Fleece surprised me with a bold and challenging set list. Flowing from the 6/8 standard by Wayne Shorter into their own 6/8 jam that was surprising but tasty. There were complex drum features within the construct of their recorded material that blossomed and entertained the crowd. An endless fluid stream of live sounds that attract the audience and elevated the performance. Dramatic, intelligent, and sneaky.
Fleece mixed the psychedelic qualities of their recorded material with the style and chops of jazz men playing a speakeasy in some Harlem intellectual's basement circa 1920s. They were right at home at Black Squirrel, with books and fans, and most importantly, they fed off the music they produced in the moment, live.
P.S. I had the pleasure of interviewing three fifths of the Fleece after their Clarke Hall show. They dropped a few hints about their upcoming album, Voyager. They will be touring the Voyager tracks soon so if they hit your city, you like a proper show (something that you rarely get these days), and if your ass has yet to meld into the cushions of your futon, go. They will be fucking up the east coast sometimes soon. Don't be a pleb, keep your ear to the pulse and like Fleece on FB. The interview is in link is below,at the bottom of the page.
http://infantnebula.wixsite.com/denroux/conversations