Athens-based band, of Montreal, have worn many hats over the years. They’ve effortlessly careened from twee to 60s revivalism to dance pomp to glam pomp and now they’re coming to a screen near you.
Started as a Kickstarter under the original title, “Song Dynasties,” the documentary chronicles both the band’s elaborate live shows and the behind the scenes drama that goes into each show and album.
There is always a fear that when a documentary subject has a hand in the production of said film that they could use the editor’s knife to cut out their indiscretions. This is not the case with “The Past Is A Grotesque Animal.”
Named after the sprawling centerpiece of 2007’s “Hissing Fauna: Are You the Destroyer?,” which details the dissolution of lead singer Kevin Barnes’ band the film follows the songs pattern of brutal honesty. The film, like it’s namesake, pulls no punches and what results is a beautiful, if at times uncomfortable portrayal of a band, and a man, trying to find themselves and their voice.