Owen Pallett at Whelans on June 27th 2011
Photos: Kieran Frost
Owen Pallett is definitely best known for his work playing violin and arranging strings for Arcade Fire. But besides his work with the Montreal based baroque rockers, he has an array collaborations and guest spots under his belt, alongside a quite accomplished solo project. After supporting The Fleet Foxes in Cork, Owen decided to return to Whelan’s once again, where last year he played two packed nights. The announcement was made the night before the show, with Pallett posting on his twitter; “Whelan’s in Dublin is our favorite venue in the world, seems a waste to be here and not play there, don’t it?”. This time is different, Pallett now has a backing band of guitar and drums with him. For a man who produces such a dense sound by himself will the band gel well, or just add a tad too much clutter.
Things run surprising well for such an impromptu show and Owen takes to the stage quite soon after the doors open. Taking is shoes of he warns the crowd “the first three rows are in the splash zone”. I then begins slapping his violin, pressing keyboard keys and stamping on pedals. From this a beat comes forth, Owen adds a familiar bassline through pizzicato and processed violin. Slowly the song reveals itself, “Odessa” by Caribou. As a wave of realization sweeps over the crowd a wash of applause and wooing follows. A series of eclectic covers follow with “Peach Plum Pear” by Joanna Newsom and “Interview” by Simon Bookish.
The band join the show. Owen jokes “this is our booking agents favorite song, just kidding she hates it”, the band take their places and tune-up. “But as Canadians it’s very important to us” “The Power of Love” by Celine Dion follows with sniggers and woos invoked by guilty pleasures. Rapeman’s “Trouser Minow” follows in the harshest of contrasts. “A Man With No Ankles” from the Swedish Love Story EP takes it place as the first original song.
Owen continues to power through the far reaches of his back-catalog. Ranging from his first album with “Took you Two Years to Win my Heart” to his latest with the crowd-pleaser “Lewis Takes off his Shirt”. Pallett is charming and engaging, joking with the crowd and laughing at his own mistakes. He “finishes” with “E is for Estranged” before returning for an encore. Touching on an array of works including personal favorite “Midnight Directives” Owen once again waves goodbye.
Returning for a second time Pallett commences “The CN Tower Belongs to the dead” a throwback for older fans. Continuing along these lines he plays, what was probably the gateway into his music for most of his fans; “This is the Dream of Win and Regine”. With that his final wave is gestured.
The atmosphere in Whelan’s is rarely anything short of spectacular. Especially with such high caliber acts there’s a wonderful sense of commune and intimacy. With the low door price, €5, and the whole impromptu nature of the gig Pallett seemed a lot more comfortable, a lot more willing to make mistakes and to try new things. The pressure to make people feel like the ticket price was worth it is lifted, making for a hell of a lot more interesting gig. Owen really makes the crowd his own and definitely “Plays to Please”.