Storms Don't Stop Final Fantasies (Hillside Festival '09)

Anticipation was growing for the greatest one-man act in Canadian music today, as Final Fantasy was set to take the main stage on the final evening of this year's Hillside Festival. Another feeling was also mounting though, that of trepidation, as people glanced over their shoulders toward the massive, dark clouds that loomed in the distance and seemed to be encroaching on the island, threatening to black out the twilight. Owen Pallett himself scurried around the partially-covered, green-roof stage, checking his own gear while his record oddly played quietly over the house speakers. With the weather still holding Owen was introduced and quickly took his position at center-stage where his violin sat atop his keyboard. Wasting no time he introduced himself to the crowd and started in on a brand new song, followed by another. In his charming manner he mentioned to the adoring crowd that he was going to play only new material, but gave us the option if we tired of that to send him the signal (which he demonstrated was the finger) and that he would probably just return it and continue to play new music. This went over well however, since the man exudes charisma in a very humble and unassuming way - exemplified by the fact that he could wear jeans and a T - his own merch t-shirt - on stage (but then explaining that the shirt doesn't say "Final Fantasy" on it anywhere so he had to promote it).

As Owen began creating the loops of the third song, This Lamb Sells Condos, umbrellas began popping up in the crowd and people cowered from the rain that had just begun to fall. Peering out from beyond my dripping rainjacket's hood I watched as FF played another new track by layering sample upon sample of violin bowing, plucking, tapping plus keys, to the amazement of the now thoroughly damp patrons in the crowd. As great as this was, it was the next song that would set this performance apart from any other.

Cheerfully Owen began recording as a cool breeze picked up, and with the first loop playing in the background he laid down another and the rain drops grew in size - pounding on our umbrellas. During the third loop there was a noticeable change and the wind itself began looping; swirling under the cover of the stage, bringing with it wet raindrops that began to splatter across the speakers there. The audience was completely captivated by Owen's performance and barely noticed as stage hands snuck out to cover the speakers. The song grew with intensity as did the wicked weather - to the point where the stage manager ran out and gave the cut signal to his crew, and to Owen who completely ignored him and continued to bow much to the delight of the crowd. Next he walked right up to Owen - touching his soaked shirt indicating for him to stop. Owen yelled back "Let me finish this song!" without missing a stroke. With the stage director backing off, Final Fantasy mesmerized us completely with his violin, making the hair on my neck stand - not from the cold but in absolute amazement of this performance. Stage crew ran around protecting equipment while Owen played on, pleading for "one more minute". Finally the song reached a fever pitch, as the refrain screamed "I'm never going to give in to you!" a blistering crack of nearby lightning lit the sky beyond Final Fantasy - momentarily brightening the sky to a red hue. This earned a massive cheer from the electrified crowd of determined onlookers. Closing in on the culmination of the song the tech crew finally adhered to the stage director's frantic neck-slicing signals and pulled the plugs. As the lights faded out Owen Pallet was left standing in the dark - sopping wet - still playing his violin without speakers, completing the song. The definition of a Hillside moment - it was utter magic.

After a brief intermission the storm did in fact pass over the small island in Guelph Lake and Owen was able to finish his set. Continuing in beautiful fashion he played through another few new songs as well as a great version of Flare Gun. By the end the rain had slowed to a trickle and Owen closed the night with The CN Tower Belongs to the Dead which was fabulous. He graciously thanked all involved with Hillside and left the stage to a giant round of appreciation from the hardcore fans who had stuck him out to the end. It was the set of the festival and a tumultuous-ending to a tremendous weekend!