Tess Roby

POP Montreal, Montreal QC, September 14

Photo: Steve Louie

BY Matt BobkinPublished Sep 15, 2017

7
Setting the stage for headlining electro-folkie Juana Molina, Montreal's own Tess Roby got the audience in the mood with a set of haunting synth-pop. Joined by her brother Eliot on guitar, the two were adept at creating an atmosphere, enveloping the crowd with pointillist synths and eerie alt-rock guitar tone. As the set went on, Tess added drum machines that really kicked things into gear, slowly escalating the tension.
 
With interplay between her husky, haunting voice and ethereal imagery reminiscent of Florence + the Machine, Tess quickly and effectively captivated. New single "Ballad 5," from her forthcoming debut album, heralds great things from the musical project, especially with the interplay between Eliot's yacht rock groove and Tess's swaying voice and accompaniment; her cascading vocals during the bridge only increased anticipation.
 

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