Men I Trust at Roadrunner
Men I Trust vocalist Emma Proulx performs in Boston (photo and painting by Bell Pitkin ‘23)
Review by LJ Goins ‘26, photos by Bell Pitkin ‘23 and LJ Goins ‘26
Men I Trust, a band from Québec and lead by vocalist Emma Proulx, bounces off stage after their performance. Fog swarms the stage. Light beams flash in a vertical routine, as if they’re bowing to the performance.The crowd roars for an encore after the band’s completed set of fan favorites: “I Hope To Be Around,” “Seven,” “Norton Commander,” and, most notably, “Lauren.” As expected, the band returns a few moments after and the spunky, yet subtle, guitar-clad Proulx commences their final performance. The band re-heats the crowd with the unique synth of “Fiero GT”– a less than one-minute 70s homage off of the 2019 album Oncle Jazz.
Men I Trust as photographed by LJ Goins ‘26
Despite the iconic and exciting nature of the music, the crowd stays dormant until the song that follows causes the crowd to erupt. Drummer Eric Maillet plays the beginning notes of “Show Me How”–the Men I Trust song that gained popularity on TikTok in 2021. Instantly, hundreds of phones spring from the crowd and cameras illuminate, indicating that the majority of the crowd is recording. As I enjoy the performance, I cannot help but notice the look in the lead singer’s eyes. It is obvious that Emma and the band are not thrilled with this situation, but what part of the situation are they not satisfied with? Are they disappointed that the majority of their crowd didn’t take the time to learn their other songs as well as they know “Show Me How?” Are they rightfully disturbed by the rectangular boxes that are covering faces and replacing one’s ability to appreciate this moment in real time?
(photos above by Bell Pitkin ‘23)
I can’t help but to wonder if it hurts to feel as if one’s art has been diminished to five minutes of fame. How does it feel for your entire tour to become a small moment that appears on Instagram or Snapchat stories, all to appeal to other people familiar with this single song that was trending on TikTok?
When you attend a concert, what is your goal? Is it to hear music you thoroughly enjoy, live; to experience artistry in a way that is unique to live performance? Is your goal to feel more connected to the artists you listen to daily? Are you attending the concert with the intention to record most of it? If you are not very familiar with the artist’s music, are you seeking to familiarize yourself with it at the venue, live? Question your motives; live to enjoy. Ponder on that piece while you are buying your next concert ticket or pulling your phone out at the next show venue.
