Concert review: Cannons | 08.01.24, The Pageant (with photo gallery)

Photo of Cannons’ Michelle Joy by Laura Jerele

A fog-ladened collective of dreamy synth-pop indie cinematic vibes is how I would describe the Cannons show Thursday night at the Pageant. I’ve never seen them perform so I was quite excited to catch (and photograph) their stop on their Heartbeat Highway Tour. Their show was moody and lush with lots of fog and really dim, broody lights that set a tone for a bit more swaying than dancing, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t an energetic show. It was just fabulously moody with a shit ton of red lights, fog, and fever dreamish feels with emotionally ladened indie pop songs that somehow felt super positive and fun. Their songs are catchy (“Loving You”), echoey (“Bad Dream”), and dreamy even if it is full of f-bombs (that’s “Ruthless” and it’s the showstopper!). 

The band is a three-piece, but from what I gather they add touring drummer Ben Hilzinger when they hit the road. Sure, vocalist Michelle Joy looks like a living, breathing Barbie doll, but she has a mesmerizing voice, and she’s surely the star at center stage throughout the entire show. Guitarist Ryan Clapham was backlit and dramatic, and was set really far back on the stage which gave even more prominence to Joy’s command. Keyboardist and bassist Paul Davis gives dramatic vibes and plays well against Joy’s bright and flashy elements. It’s an interesting mix that works well live. Such a great way to spend a Thursday night in the ‘Lou! | Laura Jerele