Mu are one of Vancouver's most promising acts. Formed around the inimitable duo of Francesca Belcourt and Brittney Rand, the dreamy synth-pop project has Evy Jane-level buzz building in the city, though their sound is like a more emo CocoRosie or Grimes. Wearing flowing peach and green Middle Eastern dresses, taking swigs of a kombucha drink, the duet of Belcourt and Rand was fleshed out live by Syd Beagle on a Yamaha drum pad, Evan Hardy's atmospheric guitar and Nyra Chalmers adding dissonant textures on violin. Unfortunately, they had persistent sound problems, but they had an admirable sound guy working his butt off for them, changing out a cable during their first song and trying to fix a lack of vocal reverb and Novation synth on Rand's side of the stage later on.
Rand played through, the professional she is, with a look of stern concentration rarely leaving her face, even when dancing, while nothing seemed to phase Belcourt, as she jived around, cracked wise, grooved on the music and smiled effortlessly. Belcourt was a natural stage personality, while Rand came across more contemplative, the elusive genius, balancing their youthful whimsy with new age introspection. Regardless of the sound, they delivered the goods on their single "To Be Young" and everything clicked into place for their last song, a cover of Angelo Badalamenti's "Mysteries of Love" from David Lynch's Blue Velvet. They have sweet harmonies, well-researched influences, and an evolving live show that extends the sound heard on their debut EP. Mu's time is coming.
Rand played through, the professional she is, with a look of stern concentration rarely leaving her face, even when dancing, while nothing seemed to phase Belcourt, as she jived around, cracked wise, grooved on the music and smiled effortlessly. Belcourt was a natural stage personality, while Rand came across more contemplative, the elusive genius, balancing their youthful whimsy with new age introspection. Regardless of the sound, they delivered the goods on their single "To Be Young" and everything clicked into place for their last song, a cover of Angelo Badalamenti's "Mysteries of Love" from David Lynch's Blue Velvet. They have sweet harmonies, well-researched influences, and an evolving live show that extends the sound heard on their debut EP. Mu's time is coming.