THE LUYAS opening for LIAM FINN at Lee’s Palace (529 Bloor West), tonight (Thursday, April 7). $15. HS, RT, SS, TM. See listing.
When we talked to Jessie Stein, frontwoman for the Luyas, back in 2007, she told us that all she wanted to do was tour, make music and drink coffee.
Four years later, she’s doing just that, seven weeks deep into a tour that doesn’t wrap till mid-May and which takes the experimental pop band from their hometown of Montreal to Germany and back again.
While it hasn’t been all music all the time – until recently, Stein listed “scientist” as her occupation on Facebook – she’s pleased with how things are turning out.
“I have no real complaints about the last four years of my life, though I’m a bit less spartan in my wishes,” Stein says.
“I get to travel and play music and eat and love and run around and all that good stuff. We’re a lucky bunch to have each other on this little adventure.”
That “lucky bunch” includes Montreal heavyweights like horn player Pietro Amato (Torngat, Bell Orchestre, Arcade Fire), drummer Stefan Schneider (Bell Orchestre) and organist Mathieu Charbonneau. Arcade Fire’s Sarah Neufeld contributes violin parts whenever she’s available.
As for Stein, she handles vocals, guitars and a captivating instrument called a Moodswinger – a 12-string electric zither with an extra bridge that produces ominous overtones. She’s also in Miracle Fortress.
The members’ current focus, however, is unwaveringly on the Luyas, whose elegantly unsettling sophomore album, Too Beautiful To Work (Dead Oceans), came out in mid-February to rave reviews. Stein’s sad, small voice and impressionistic lyrics face off against bold percussion, wild string and horn work, and truly inventive songwriting.
Stein’s reluctant to categorize Too Beautiful, which was recorded at 6 Nassau in Kensington Market, in any way.
“Generally, I think it’s better [for listeners] not to expect anything. Then you have a chance of being surprised, which is how I like things.
“It was a real riot to make. We’re awfully proud of it, and it’s great if some people fall into it, too.”
Watch for a limited-edition Luyas/Twin Sister split 7-inch out on Record Store Day, Saturday (April 16).
music@nowtoronto.com
