Montag - Alone, Not Alone

Montag
Alone, Not Alone
Carpark Records
Grade: A-

It is clear about one minute into the first vocal track, “Grand Luxe,” that Montag are anything but American. Though Montag are not the electro-Euro-chic that you may imagine, they are pretty close coming out of French-speaking Montreal. Actually, I should speak in singular form since Montag is one Antoine Bedard, though he is bolstered and aided by numerous other musicians on Alone, Not Alone. On Montag’s third release, Bedard focuses on minimal electronic pop that is sweetly punctuated by feminine vocals from Amy Millan (Stars and Broken Social Scene) and Ariel Engle. While Bedard’s own vocals – particularly when in French – are compelling, when he is coupled with Millan or Engle, the end product is phenomenal. Highlights of this awesomeness come from “Grand Luxe,” “Perfect Vision” and “Angles, Country & Terrain Connu.” Though it is not as if Bedard only exists to make such electro-pop dreams comes true – even if “Perfect Vision” is one of the better tracks I’ve heard in awhile. Bedard also has a penchant purely instrumental mind-melds that utilize both his own and others minimalist string arrangements and throbbing low-grade electronics. This is illustrated on tracks such as “Les Choses Se Placent,” “Figures of a New Color,” “Time Difference II” and “Exit Melodie.” This latest from Montag is a record that I’m super thankful for being introduced to. If you enjoy slightly esoteric instrumentals matched with timely pop sensations, then you will love Alone, Not Alone.