During a mid-winter festival designed to showcase the city's finest, Montreal's Hua Li 化力 and Strange Froots brought the heat.
Streaming: “Part Time Muses” – Hua Li 化力
Entering through the backdoor of Casa Del Popolo feels like stepping into another realm. Although it's merely a short walk down a narrow hall, the universe you emerge into is uncertain. The front features a charming cocktail bar, while the music venue offers a smoky ambiance. With dim lighting and a tin ceiling, the bar sits off to the side. The restrooms are located at the back, and the stage is a modest elevation at the far end of the room. The soundboard, nestled in a back corner, resembles a pulpit. While the setup is all standing, the left side offers the best spot with a 6-inch bar for drinks and leaning. The atmosphere is endearingly gritty, lacking frills yet radiating the promise of a fantastic night ahead. As the venue for Montreal’s Taverne Tour, it couldn't be more perfect.
The excitement surged as local group Strange Froots took the stage – or at least half of them did. With Naïka Champaïgne unable to perform, Mags infused double the energy into the act. At their peak, Froots embodies a nostalgic neo-soul vibe, a smooth duo with plenty of flair and the talent to match. Even with one member absent, this was fully on display. Mags commanded the entire stage, moving about while switching between a dynamic flow and a heavenly croon. The audience swayed and jostled, unsure of what to expect next but confident it would resonate perfectly.
Not even a technical glitch could dampen the fun: a malfunctioning laptop briefly halted the beats, prompting Mags to freestyle a cappella in a moment so natural it felt like a regular feature. This instance highlighted everything that makes Strange Froots so captivating: the spontaneity, the cool charm, and the impressive talent woven through every song. Although only half the band was present, and technology faltered, Strange Froots made it work seamlessly.
Hua Li 化力 was left in a challenging position as a last-minute replacement headliner, stepping onto the stage after locals who had energized the venue. There was no need for concern; she showcased a lesson in contradictions. Clad in a striking blue pantsuit, she moved gracefully around the stage, switching between fierce raps and ethereal RnB, engaging with the audience before diving back in. This was all executed with a natural elegance, embodying Walt Whitman's blade of grass. She effortlessly navigated through her set, captivating a supportive hometown crowd. It was one of those performances that left you questioning why more people don’t recognize her name.
Even after the final notes faded away, an enchanting atmosphere lingered. A weary but unyielding Strange Froots set the stage, and Hua Li 化力 stepped in and seized every last moment. While Taverne Tour attracts top talent, its true enchantment lies in evenings like this.
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During a mid-winter festival designed to showcase the city's finest, Montreal's Hua Li 化力 and Strange Froots deliver an impressive performance.