NXNE Critical Conclusions for Majical Cloudz (North By Northeast 2013 Concert Review)

Our final review for NXNE 2013 was the duo touring their critically acclaimed new album. They are Montreal’s Majical Cloudz.

Majical Cloudz @ BLK BOX for NXNE (Copyright: PeteHatesMusic / Martin Bazyl)

Venue: BLK BOX, the hottest venue outside of the centre of the Earth

First Impressions: Some good preshow banter. At first, Devon Walsh said he was Ryan Hemsworth. Then a Morrissey cover band. He then noted his voice would give out, which didn’t make me excited for the set! All of this banter was interesting, considering how serious he looks.

Stage Presence: I felt like they were playing the soundtrack to a horror movie in which Devon Walsh slaughters the entire audience. What an intense stare!

Majical Cloudz @ BLK BOX for NXNE (Copyright: PeteHatesMusic / Martin Bazyl)

Random Observation: Devon’s shaved head and white t-shirt appearance reminded me of Edward Norton’s character in American History X. Paired with the intense looks he was giving, I was scared as an audience member.

Crowd Reaction: Rapturous. The BLK BOX was filled to the rafters, too. However, given the mellow, minimalist style of music, there was lots of chatter during the songs.

The Last Word: 7.5 /10 – The songs were sung more staccato than the album, with Devon separating out the individual words in the sentences. His demeanour on stage was a bit off-putting and scary, which contrasted his friendly banter between songs. The electronic sounds accompanying the vocals ranged from subtle to room-dominating. A slightly different interpretation of the album for some parts, and generally well received by the fans in the sweaty room.

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Majical Cloudz @ BLK BOX for NXNE (Copyright: PeteHatesMusic / Martin Bazyl)