REVIEW: Men I Trust with strongboi: Live at Coca-Cola Roxy (ATL)
- Magali Rivera
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 17
This time last week, Canadian indie dream-pop band Men I Trust graced an Atlanta stage once more, and at the Coca-Cola Roxy no less. The band’s last performance in the city was at Shaky Knees in May 2024, which was also my live introduction to them. The set was dream-like and rain-filled, completely enhancing the experience and not detracting from it in the slightest. With two new albums released since then, it was needless to say that I was excited to see how the band has grown in time and with their new art.
The night began with an impressive opening set from strongboi, a Berlin-based duo comprised of South African singer Alice Phoebe Lou and Ziv Yamin. Their full live band consisted of four additional members, all of which either donned colorful bobbed wigs, sunglasses, hats, or some combinations of the three, while Lou was dressed in a Men I Trust shirt. There was a palpable silliness to the band that was quite infectious and their love of their craft even before they had begun to play.
Those who listen to Lou’s solo work know how smooth her vocals are, and they’re even more so in real life. It is clear that this project is an extension of how her musicality knows no bounds. The full live band is filled out by clean drums and jazzy synths, all adding to strongboi’s crisp soulfulness. Their multi-instrumentalist was chained to his shakers, and even brought out a sax, flute, and triangle, giving the crowd no choice but to move with the music. I love nothing more than when an opening band can get a crowd perfectly primed for the headliner, and with that, I couldn’t think of a better accompaniment to Men I Trust than strongboi.
Men I Trust took the stage with a sweet gracefulness, that which their music implies is innate within them. The stage bathed in a hazy fog and light and dulcet tones ringing with the mix of a roaring crowd. The band started their set with “To Ease You”, the opening track from their newest record Equus Caballus. The first half of their time on stage was dominated by tracks from this album. It is clear they have continued to create music that fits well into their discography and are thrilled to share the new work with their dedicated audience.
Lead singer Emmanuelle Proulx dished up silky vocals whilst strumming away at her guitar in a way that was simply angelic. Her breathy way of singing meshed exactly with the groovy amalgamation of sounds produced by the band. Jessy Caron, lead guitarist, took the reins on multiple songs, delivering tastefully honed solos, which Proulx seamlessly harmonized with on her own instrument. The MIT sound would not be complete without bouncing basslines and Dragos Chiriac’s bright, hoppy synths. They are all true artisans of their craft, each member being so singularly talented and responsible for the overall misty grandeur of the band.
Later in the set, the band played a greatest hits-style mashup of some of their earlier tracks that prompted purposeful cheering and loud dancing. Their Oncle Jazz-era work was certainly the crowd’s favorite, as they truly came alive at the riffs from “Show Me How” and “Say, Can You Hear”. They closed the show out with an encore of two of their most upbeat songs “Worn Down” and “Billie Toppy." There was never a lull in the flow of the set, and your transportation to what feels like another realm is unavoidable when watching the band live.
I cannot recommend enough making plans to see Men I Trust, or strongboi, live at some point. You’ll no doubt enjoy seeing the performance of two girls among a couple of men they trust.
Article and photos by Magali Rivera. Please credit @magliriver or @art.seen.atl if reposting on social media.
