I first saw Jessy Lanza when she played the Danforth Music hall in support for Caribou’s ‘Our Love’ tour a couple of years ago. I found her energy and enthusiasm the perfect accompaniment to that show, and have been waiting for her to return to Toronto ever since. I finally got the chance to see her again last week when she played Lee’s Palace, following the release of her new album ‘Oh No’ a few months ago.
Jessy Lanza has been writing and producing music alongside Junior Boys member and fellow Hamilton, ON resident Jeremy Greenspan since 2013. Together they craft dreamy, synth-heavy pop songs with a focus on quality songwriting. Interestingly, both her albums have been released on the London record label Hyperdub, which is better known for UK styles such as grime, footwork and dubstep. In a recent interview, she commented that the relationship with her record label puts her in a certain place in some people’s minds, but that she is very much outside of this. Seeing the pop/RnB star on a roster with the likes of Burial is certainly interesting, and in some ways indicative of the increased melding of genres in recent years.
When she played the aforementioned Caribou Tour, Jessy appeared alone onstage, working synths and various controllers as she sang. This time around she added a drummer to the show, bringing a valuable acoustic element to her performance which sat nicely atop her many samples and vocal elements. The stage design boasted 3 6-foot high diamonds made of brightly glowing lights, which changed colours to match the performance. Overhead spotlights was kept to a minimum, creating a mysterious, sensuous atmosphere which accentuated Jessy’s vocal style.
The show had a good mix of songs from the new album and 2013’s ‘Pull My Hair Back’, appeasing old and new fans alike. I found some of the slower songs followed a predictable format, and as a result my interest waned at times throughout the set. When the faster, more danceable songs were featured the crowd really came to life, moving together as rib-shaking bass washed over us. Towards the end of the set and into the encore we were given an increasing number of these upbeat moments, which left me energised and ready to dance into the night.
Unfortunately, right as the show reached its peak it ended, leaving me standing outside Lee’s Tavern wondering where the night would take me. Home was no longer an option.