Final Fantasy, Sydeham Street United Church, Kingston, 10 April 2007

April 29, 2007

Final Fantasy, Sydeham Street United Church, Kingston, 10 April 2007

photos of the evening courtesy of Jeremy – thanks!

Stunning.

Abso-freakin’-lutely Stunning.

Really, that is the only way to describe seeing Final Fantasy perform live. The last time I saw Final Fantasy was a few days prior to the release of “He Poos Clouds” which went on to explode all over the place, eventually being hailed as the best record of 2006 by everyone who matters. Now that Mr. Pallett is getting the attention he deserves the venues are getting bigger. Rather than the tiny GradClub, Final Fantasy wowed us from the front of the gorgeous Sydenham St. United Church. The performative aspect of the show has grown, too, with the addition of Stephanie Comilang to the ‘band’, working the overhead projector in ways that I could have never imagined.

The projections were extraordinary (you can check out the video from a show at the Tranzac from Feb. 23rd to see what I mean). The screen sparkled, cities grew, flocks of birds flew, and alchemical rites were enacted on the large screen behind Pallett. The music became the soundtrack to the unfolding drama on the screen while the projections illustrated the music unfolding as the ‘text’ progressed. I’ve heard the projections been called distracting, and they were, in that they did displace Pallett as the centre of our attention. Given that he always comes across as a very shy individual you could argue that the sole purpose of the projections was to shift the spotlight away from him. I feel, however, that the visual component complemented the music fabulously and added an extraordinary and memorable element to the show.

That is not to say that the music couldn’t stand up on its own. It was stunning, gorgeous, emotional, powerful – even transendent. Pallett’s virutosity is mindbending. To see him create the multi-layered suites onstage is something you really need to witness in person to really understand. Parts are set down, added to the mix while Owen moves onto another part of the composition, which is layered into it, other pieces come in and out, are looped and reversed. Nothing is lost as each element builds upon the next as a sonic tapestry is weaved, single-handedly, in front of your eyes. It is awesome (in both senses of the word).

The setlist was great, taking equally from the two-full lengths and playing a couple of new songs along with a couple of older, non-album tracks and an incredible cover of “Paris 1919”. In an performance filled with highlights, I must say my absolute favourite moment came in the performance of “What Do You Think Will Happen Next” when he repeats the line “Yes I can” over and over. It was spectacular.

In case I haven’t made myself abundantly clear, it was an amazing show through-and-through. I think I’ve completely exhausted my stockpile of synonyms for “great” so I guess all I can do is recommend you go see Final Fantasy for yourself if you ever have the chance.

Final Fantasy, Sydeham Street United Church, Kingston, 10 April 2007

1. Adventure.exe
2. This Lamb Sells Condos
3. The Arctic Circle
4. Many Live -> 49 MP
5. I’m just a little nervous (talk)
6. The Butcher
7. Flare Gun
8. an old song that i’ve tried to remake in a more friendly image (talk)
9. What Do You Think Will Happen Next?
10. Paris 1919 (John Cale cover)
11. I’m a little shy so I’m not going to volunteer any information (talk)
12. Took You Two Years To Win My Heart
13. The CN Tower Belongs to the Dead
14. you have some lovely people in your city (talk)
15. Song Song Song
16. slow songs sound really good in here (talk)
17. The Miner Becomes Forgetful
18. This Is the Dream of Win and Regine
19. now the dream has come true (talk)
20. Better Than Worse

I can’t imagine you don’t already own the Final Fantasy albums, but if you happen to be in such a sorry state, you can – nay, must! – rectify the situation immediately. Visit The Blue House (Canada, they sell for Blocksblocksblocks) or Tomlab (rest of the World) or get two of the best albums you will ever own digitally from Zunior.

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