Music

Isis shows off new solo work at Pop Montreal gig

by Ciaran Thompson

Isis at Pop Montreal 2010. Photo by David Waldman, AUX TV.

The sold out venue last night at Club Soda in Montreal supported two artists that have garnered a lot of buzz recently. Since being shortlisted for this year’s Polaris Music Prize, Radio Radio’s music has attracted more ears and the mystery surrounding Isis Salam’s (Isis), formerly of Thunderheist, forthcoming solo record were enough to sell out the joint and give a steady dose of anticipation for both acts.

Currently Isis only has one track up on her MySpace page entitled “Avenue,” a synth-heavy song that’s quite different from her previous material as a duo with Grahm Zilla. It was performed as one of the last songs on her set and at that point there might have been a few cracks in the floor from all of the bodies jumping around throughout. It lasted last just under an hour.

Taking the stage with a DJ and live drummer, Isis strutted, sang, joked around with the audience and more importantly gave us a taste of her new music, which she has written and produced herself. What was performed is certainly not limited to any genre or style, rather a bit of everything. On some tracks the singer forewarned the crowd that the next song would be something to dance to while on others she was convincing enough to just stand still and watch as she showed off her pipes, not to mention skills for the rap game that were featured on a track or two.

After finishing her batch of new songs, the crowd was so receptive of the singer that she decided to play one more in the form of Cee Lo Green’s recent hit “Fuck You.” Isis again showed off her vocal skill as well as a playful side showcasing a desire to play good music while still having a great time.