Think About Life triggered a stage invasion as they closed the opening day of M for Montreal in Canada last night (November 19).

The local four-piece impressed a capacity crowd at Cabaret/Studio Juste with tracks from their second album ‘Family’.

Singer Martin Cesar was on energetic form throughout the 30-minute set, bounding across the stage with nonstop enthusiasm.

And at one point the frontman even disappeared from view to grab a bag full of balloons, which he then hurled into the audience.

A group of fans, many whom had moshed along from the start, were also encouraged by Cesar to join him on stage during the set, which concluded with a raucous rendition of crowd-favourite ‘Sweet Sixteen’.

Fourth edition

Now in its fourth year, M for Montreal showcases Canada’s most promising new acts to a diverse international delegation.

Day one of this year’s festival began with a set from the much talked about Final Flash.

Despite being first up, the five-piece’s keyboard-driven indie pop captured the crowd’s attention from the outset.

They were followed on stage by The Luyas, whose dark harmonics were bolstered by member Pietro’s oscillated French Horn.

You Say Party! We Say Die! and The Rural Alberta Advantage also performed last night, with the latter’s warm indie-rock creating a strong buzz among the Canadian delegates.

But it was Miracle Fortress, the side project of Think About Life’s keyboardist Graham Van Pelt, that proved to be the highlight.

The musician, who’s signed to Rough Trade in Europe, showcased an entire set of atmospheric new material, much of which recalled early-90s' Underworld.

M for Montreal continues tonight with performances from Two Hours Traffic, DD/MM/YYYY and Silver Starling.

(by Jason Gregory)