Montreal’s très intelligent band The Luyas don’t provide easy access.  Their music and lyrics are, at times, challenging, difficult to decode and dark.  You know, like the first time you heard Joy Division or OK Computer or Kid A, and you were left scratching your head.  But eventually, once you got it, they became your favorites.  The Luyas’ lead singer Jessie Stein writes dense, brilliant lyrics and sings them perfectly a-kilter, all the while backed by inventive, multi-instrumental bandmates.  Eventually, your time spent pays off in spades. Their latest album Animator on Dead Oceans continues to win over critics and fans.  Include us in that calculus.  We hope they make their way to Cali next year.

In the meantime, check the band out below performing earlier this month at Le Guess Who? Festival in Holland, as captured by 3voor12.  If you only have a short time, move up to the 8:45 mark for song Fifty Fifty to get a great feel for The Luyas.  All good.