MICHELLE at the Biltmore Cabaret

Review – MICHELLE at the Biltmore Cabaret, Vancouver, Nov 2 2024

When you think of going to a show at a small venue, you might expect to see a singer songwriter performing by themself, or a small band of musicians. That is, you might not immediately assume you’re about to watch a fully choreographed, girl-group perform a set that could have worked in a venue many times larger than the Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver. 

MICHELLE is a six-piece group that composes two producers (drummer Julian Kaufman and bassist Charlie Kilgore) and four singers: Sofia D’Angelo, Layla Ku, Emma Lee, and Jamee Lockard. There is no lead singer amongst the quartet. When the group isn’t showing off their powerful and well-executed harmonies, solo moments are evenly dispersed, with each member getting the chance to show off their unique vocal range.

In addition to excellent singers, the four frontwomen are also skilled dancers. The energy was high as the four women performed, taking a break from dancing only between songs. This was the part of the show that most felt like it would have worked better in a larger venue. Were you not right up close to the stage, you would have missed the personality and joy that was exhibited through fun and well-suited choreography. More people deserved to see the whole performance, not just those tall enough or best positioned.

The music itself was fun, upbeat, and always catchy. It was interesting to hear how the sound from their older songs (“SYNCOPATE”, “MESS U MADE”) evolved into hits from their new album Songs About You Specifically. The older songs focus more on rich harmonies, with a heavier R&B lean and vocal performances that take central stage. In Songs About You Specifically, the production stands out more, and songs feel more cohesive and full-bodied. At the Vancouver show, the crowd was treated to a not-yet-released track, which previewed the groups next rock-forward musical venture. The group’s commitment to always evolving their sound and trying new genres forecasts a vibrant future for MICHELLE.

Looking around the crowd at Saturday’s show, there wasn’t a person in sight without a smile on their face. That’s because MICHELLE’s music—and witnessing it performed live—is contagiously joyful. There was always something fun happening on stage: whether it was a dance solo by Lee (clearly the most classically trained dancer of the group), a guitar riff by D’Angelo (she picked up the instrument a few times in the night, the only singer to do so) or a moment of pure, blissful harmony, this performance was nothing if not entertaining. MICHELLE showed the audience, through their undeniable stage presence and how they interacted with each other, that they truly enjoy being on stage and performing as a group.

Give MICHELLE a shot. Start with their old stuff, and then listen to the new album to see how far they’ve come. Keep an eye out for any new releases or a return to Vancouver—they’re certainly a band worth paying attention to.

Contributors

Hannah Madden-Krasnick

Hannah is a writer and software developer based in Vancouver, BC. You can find her at a cafe, knitting a friend a sweater, and around town training for her next triathlon—except on Wednesdays, when she'll be dutifully watching Survivor. If you see her on her phone in public, she's probably reading a book, as she considers for the dozenth time if she should buy a Kobo. The next time you see her at a concert, let her know your thoughts on eReaders, and she'll show her gratitude by sharing her glitter with you.