May 12, 2011, Cabaret La Tulipe, Montreal, QC

Approaching the venue, anticipation was in the air, as The Airborne Toxic Event’s tour bus came into view.  An interview was in the works before their performance at Cabaret La Tulipe in Montreal.

This being the first time I would see The Airborne Toxic Event in person, not to mention the fact that doing a live interview would be a bit intimidating, to say the least. The ticker flashed its lights and showcased this accomplished and distinct band. The imperturbable Mikel Jollett strolled off the bus, only to be greeted by two steadfast and anticipating fans (one of whom was myself).

The venue was filled with character and history.  Being built in 1913 and serving as a movie theater until the 60s, Cabaret La Tulipe did not outshine the L.A. band in the slightest; perhaps it was the other way around.

The Airborne Toxic Event’s tour would be celebrating their sophomore release, “All At Once.”  Sharing the stage were friends, Voxhaul Broadcast.

Sporting suits and clean attire The Airborne Toxic Event marched onto the stage to greet the ardent fans, only to quench them with their single, “Numb.”  The relentless vibrancy was continued with fan favourites, such as “Wishing Well” and “All I Ever Wanted.”

These fan favourites were followed by a dedication to Jollett’s grandmother, “Who would call me on the road – not very rock and roll, I know,” said Jollett,  while laughing and beginning the Magnetic Fields cover, “The Book of Love.”

The verve was not lost during the love ballads of “All for a Woman” and “Happiness is Overrated” and the sublime “Something New.”  The band then got into the war themed songs,  “Welcome to Your Wedding Day,” which intoxicated the approving fans. The crowd was too clever and knew all along what was coming next.  As Anna took center stage with poise, the fans watched, seemingly spellbound.  “Sometime Around Midnight” allured and assuaged the crowd, a perfect second to last song, before the fan catered encore.

The impressive and unforeseen talent of The Airborne Toxic Event was both highlighted and showcased when the members of the band began to reverse roles.  Mikel played the guitar and Korg and Anna switched from viola to Korg.  Steven was on guitar and also played the Korg. Later Noah switched from upright bass to standard bass, while using a bow.  He even shared the drums with Daren during their encore.

As the band returned to the stage for the encore, the previously dressed up band was now dressed down; Jollett, sporting a sleeveless shirt.  supported the opener, Voxhaul Broadcast.  The encore showcased the romance that exists between the band and their fan base.  Jollett could be seen singing in the crowd or towering over his fans on a pillar of amps.  Anna’s stage drive, during the energy charged songs on their self-titled release, “Papillon” and “Does This Mean You’re Moving On?” was impressive, to say the least.  The band continued to show case their idols with “Missy” dipping into “I Fought The Law” and “Folsom Prison Blues.”  The Airborne Toxic Event enticed their fans until the very last second of their self-titled track “All At Once.”

The Airborne Toxic Event undoubtedly mirrored the venue in which they performed: accentuating their craft and skillfulness, as well as their poise and instrumentalism.  This band’s power to captivate the already staunch fans and to embellish the unconditional romance that has long existed between them was definitely apparent. Well-deserved praise seems to be in order for the accomplishments and showmanship of this adroit band.  Overall, a live performance that encapsulated their journeys, thus far, and shared with the whole, their stories of “All At Once.”