Scout Niblett // Live in Montreal

I knew nothing of Scout Niblett. I also knew little of Montreal audiences. It seems they are a forgiving bunch. First thing often coming first, Scout Niblett's style is not something I would usually pick up, but being perennially 'down for whatevs', live music will often impress where the studio falls short. Not. The. Case. Scout lacked stage presence - long passages went by while technical issues were sorted and we were left to natter. Even during the set proper, there was little audience interaction which, far from being enigmatic, merely appeared disinterested. Still, everyone clapped and cheered and slowly migrated to the bar next door.

A lot better was the preceding Molly Sweeney, whose beautiful but sometimes-violin-screech vocals drew applause and cheers and nothing else.

Scout Niblett : Calcination

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In a poll of one, here are a few tips for who is on the up-and-up. You never know, they might even be good too:

Zola Jesus : I Can't Stand
Xeno and Oaklander : Sentinelle
Cold Cave : Life Magazine

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And finally, today's homework. I watched 'Blow Up' recently and instead of pondering the existential angst (alright, maybe just a little), all I could think was that there must be a song which perfectly fits the crowd sequence and explodes in some sort of monster climax just as he throws the broken guitar. Suggestions?