Three days after the release of their latest EP, In Your Heart, I saw The Franklin Electric play to a packed room in a dingy downtown bar for the first time. Now, that may sound unappealing, but honestly I was thrilled.
The Franklin Electric was a band I’d heard of in passing for years, never paying too much attention to their tours or releases. When a friend mentioned they wanted to go to their Ottawa date at one of my favourite smaller venues, it didn’t take much convincing for me to be tagging along. Very happy I did.
I’d listened to their discography on Spotify for a few days prior, but was still happily surprised by how much I enjoyed the show, how lovely they sounded live, and how personal Jon Matte wanted to make the experience. He stopped for quick Q&A sessions two or three times between songs, intimately played sans mic while standing on the bar, and appeared genuinely happy and impressed we’d all braved a snowstorm to be there.
Now, I’ve always been a sucker for a boy with a guitar, but I loved every second they played. Some take away favourites were Ghost, I’ve Been Here Before, and Strongest Man Alive. The token acoustic song on the bar – In Your Heart – was also stunning, and I really regret not taking my phone out to record. My favourite song in their repertoire, I’ve Been Here Before, was also a highlight for me.
All that to say, concert #2 of 2020 was another hit. And less than a week later, I was off to Montreal for another one…
The Concert Chronicles 