Lights Brightens Spirits In Ottawa

Humble. Friendly. Funny. Passionate. Versatile. Unique. Just some of the many adjectives I could use to describe Lights, who brought her unique brand of electronica-meets-pop-meets-scene to a near capacity crowd at the Algonquin Commons Theatre Wednesday night.

Blasting through a barrage of hits such as “Toes,” “Giants,” “Up We Go, “We Were Here, “Second Go,” and “Ice,” the prototype comic book songstress bounced around her diverse catalogue, keeping the audience firmly in her grasp. From moments of humour and pizza jokes, to reminding everyone how much she loves them multiple times throughout the show, right down to a stirring acoustic rendition of “February Air,” this performance showed a room of youthful music lovers that you can be sexy without being revealing, confident without being tough, passionate without being outrageous, and unique and still be beautiful.

Lights performs at the Algonquin Commons Theatre in Ottawa. Photo: Renée Doiron

Opening acts DCF and Dear Rouge both brought a tremendous wealth of diverse sounds and energy to the college theatre, which continues to hit well above it’s weight in terms of entertainment value and options. Dear Rouge continue to come into their own and blasted through a plethora of new and old songs, chanting about “razorblades” and a “modern shakedown,” the up-and-comers had a tremendous level of support that even took me by surprise (and I’m already a fan).

Dear Rouge performs at the Algonquin Commons Theatre in Ottawa. Photo: Renée Doiron

DCF brought a synth pop feel to the crowd that included songs about John Cusack, hooking up with strangers, a whole lot of positivity and a tremendous vocal range. He told endearing stories about looking like Cap’n Crunch when he was trying to pay homage to Prince, and finished his set it a stirring acoustic cover of Paramore’s “Misery Business.” Overall, this show was not only solid. It was outstanding.