Athens, Georgia’s of Montreal brought its theatrical, psychedelic pop to downtown Mobile on Friday, March 9, 2012, headlining the Alabama Music Box on Dauphin Street. The show marked the band’s second visit to Mobile in two years.
Of Montreal, led by songwriter Kevin Barnes, is known for elaborate stage productions built around costumes, props and psychedelic lighting. In the intimate space of the Alabama Music Box, the band scaled down the spectacle, with Barnes performing at a keyboard just steps from the crowd while animated visuals played across the amplifiers.
Solo artist Kishi Bashi, who has toured with of Montreal, and soul singer Roman GianArthur opened the evening. The venue was well filled, and the crowd responded warmly to a set that drew on both the band’s newer material and its older catalog.
The band has been open about its fondness for Mobile: members have returned to the city several times and specifically requested the Alabama Music Box as the venue, and Barnes has praised the enthusiasm of Mobile audiences in interviews.
The concert underscored the growth of Mobile’s downtown music scene, where venues such as the Alabama Music Box, The Blind Mule and Soul Kitchen have helped bring national touring acts to the city.