Album Mini-review: of Montreal — Snare Lustrous Doomings
File next to:Soft Boys, Olivia Tremor Control, Television
One of the most commercially successful exponents of the Athens GA-based Elephant 6 Collective, of Montreal has a well-deserved reputation for powerful live performances. Kevin Barnes‘ group is also one of the most prolific acts out of the collective, with thirteen studio albums (not to mention numerous compilations, EPs and singles). But Snare Lustrous Doomings is the group’s first live set. Here, Barnes and company build upon the psychedelic, art-pop sensibility that’s a hallmark of the collective, imbuing the songs with a rocking, guitar-centric approach; Barnes’ voice is reminiscent of Television‘s Tom Verlaine, and the band charges ahead like vintage Buzzcocks with a bit of subtlety mixed in for good measure. The energy of live performance is well captured. And of Montreal wear their popsike influences on their sleeves with a rocked-up reading of Emitt Rhodes‘ classic “Time Will Show the Wiser.”
An edited version of this review appeared in the Colorado Springs Independent.
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About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.