Oneida took the stage as the second of three bands for their August 5 concert in Montreal. This was to be the last show of the band's summer tour supporting their recently released album, Happy New Year, and it became immediately evident that they intended to go out with a bang.
After the band meticulously positioned themselves on the venue's tiny stage, they launched into an intense and pounding instrumental that stretched on for over ten minutes. The song's signature repetition grew more and more intoxicating to the capacity audience. Organs, guitar, and a disorienting syncopated drum beat blended seamlessly together into a tidal wave of sound.
The crowd, made up of mostly young hipsters, nodded their approval to the charging beat. But, through the mass of people, one middle-aged woman could be seen shaking her hips, hopping up and down, and letting her arms swim dreamily in the air. The expression of this woman provided a poignant reminder of how Oneida's chaotic, psychedelic and collage-like approach to music possesses an acute power to win even the most unlikely of converts.
The band's set consisted almost exclusively of songs from their new record. "History's Great Navigators," with its quirky, grinding, jack-in-the-box sound, was given a complete overhaul. Bobby Matador's vocals retained their airy, jazzy tone, but the accompanying guitar and drums were heavier and more distorted. The effect elicited a prolonged round of cheers and applause from the audience.
Another highlight was "Up With People," an electronic, high-hat-driven anthem to freedom. At this point in the set, the band started to make vague, but nonetheless heartfelt philosophical appeals to the crowd.
"We're not telling anyone what to do," said Matador, "but if you listen to these songs and think about them, then everything will turn out just fine." The band followed this call with an inspired rendition of "The Advisory."
Overall, Oneida wrapped up their tour with an electrifying, gracious and all-and-all rocking set. Their unorthodox approach to music-making was a perfect fit for Montreal's eclectic, intelligent fans. And, as the band exited the stage, it was easy to see from the audience's ecstatic reaction that they knew they had just witnessed one of the best performances of the summer season.
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