Live Show Reviews Archives - Page 8 of 20

Review: Alt-J w/ Royal Canoe @ Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on 8/27/2013

Reviewed by Brian Litwin

It really says something about a band to sell out a show, but to create such a demand for tickets that promoters will book an additional show (that will also sell out) – now that is pretty astonishing. With relentless touring as of late, a buzzing release in An Awesome Wave and multiple major syncs under their belt, Leeds based quartet Alt-J appear to be on the road to even greater things, at least if their performance this past Tuesday night on August, 27th serves any indication.

Opening the show was six piece Winnipeg act Royal Canoe. The group’s eclectic-pop styled approach proved a great fit for the many Alt-J fans in the house that night. Playing tracks off the upcoming (Sept. 3rd – North America) release Today We’re Believers, Royal Canoe captured wandering ears and engaged the masses. “Bathtubs”, the second single released off the new album, stood out with its catchy chorus, and my personal favorite song “Nightcrawlin'” offered up an eccentric rock mix to which the many music nerds in attendance could not help but groove.

Taking the stage next were Alt-J consisting of Gwil Sainsbury (guitar/bass), Joe Newman (guitar/vocals), Gus Unger-Hamilton (keyboards) and Thom Green (drums). Their set lasted a little over an over an hour and they wasted no time ripping right into their much lauded 2012 release, An Awesome Wave. Before the set began, I was a bit hesitant that Alt-J’s minimalist sound wouldn’t fill the Palladiums great hall, but after Thom Green’s first snare hit, the ringing guitars came in, and frontman Joe Newman’s bellowing vocals filled the space, I soon had no more need for hesitation. Alt-J played tight as ever, they sounded great, and were seamless from beginning to end. The crowd sang along to songs like “Fitzpleasure”, “Tessallate”, “Taro”, “Bloodflood”, “Something Good”, “Dissolve Me” and “Matilda”. The band laid down a killer Acapella version of “A Real Hero” by College & Electric Youth, and also premiered a new song for fans called “Warm Foothills”.

After a quick set break, Alt-J returned to stage for an encore performance in what seemed to be the most anticipated song of the evening, “Breezeblocks”. This was a show to remember… and I’ll note, Thom Green’s snare might be the greatest sound since Eddie Van Halen abused his whammy – just saying.

Alt-J (Official)

reviewed by b3

08-31-13

PHOTOS: Purity Ring @ The Fonda in Los Angeles on 8/27/2013

Electronic Live Show Reviews

Photos and Words by Russ Ramos

From their stage design to their instruments, Purity Ring is known to have a knack for doing things out of the norm. This past Tuesday night (8/27) at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, the duo played their first of two back-to-back sold-out nights at the iconic venue. The custom stage design seemed to place band members Corin Roddick and Megan James not only amidst an aura of pulsating lights, but also deep into positive vibes. The powerful combination of their feel good music and light savvy production had everyone dancing the night away. Fans attending Wednesday’s (8/28) show were particularly in for a treat as the band gave away a free limited split-12″ vinyl, along with Jon Hopkins, to the first 150 attendees in line!

Soundcloud (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.3

reviewed by b3

08-29-13

PHOTOS: Deap Vally @ The Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA. on 8/13/13

Live Show Reviews Rock

Photos by Russ Ramos

Here’s a photo recap of LA rock duo Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards a/k/a Deap Vally kicking some ass during their sold-out homecoming gig at the world famous Troubadour in West Hollywood this past Tuesday night. Enjoy and read more on Deap Vally here.

Deap Vally (Facebook)

reviewed by b3

08-15-13

Review: FOALS @ The Wiltern in Los Angeles on 8/9/2013

In the Mix Live Show Reviews Rave's Faves

The Foals’ festival of raves have continued throughout the Summer of 2013: Coachella, Bonnaroo, Download (which they headlined), Glastonbury, Lollapalooza–all of which have lauded Foals as weekend highlights. This past Friday night we witnessed a relatively more intimate show from Foals at The Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. The band did not disappoint, as they brought their festival game-faces and intensity to the smaller capacity venue. Their energy was off the charts, the playing was precise, and the lighting during the show was equally excellent. Guitarist Jimmy Smith raised eyebrows with heavier sounds on their most recent Holy Fire album and make no mistake about it… this was a serious rock show.

Garage-punk Drowners from the UK opened the night with a high energy blast. The sound didn’t do them any favors, but this band’s long-term potential did shine through. Leader singer Matt Hitt (great name) has star qualities. I also loved that they covered Love’s hit from the 60’s, “My Little Red Book”. LA’s Cayucas filled the middle slot on the evening, having gotten nice traction with their “High School Lover” single. Based on that track, one would expect a rather festive set. They were mostly low-key in a breezy, tropical, pina colada kind of way. A style that works well for those wanting the vibe of a mellow afternoon at the pool, but I wouldn’t have minded a little more espresso in the mix.

What seemed like a beefed up version of their “Prelude” song opened Foals’ performance and perfectly set the tone for the remainder of the evening. Holy Fire highlights included “My Number”, “Providence,” and “Inhaler”. The crowd also responded warmly to “Late Night”. The band added a surprise extension to “Providence”, which doubled the pleasure for a song that deserves more profile than it has received from most North American press. The guys played a nice blend of old and new songs. “Spanish Sahara” from Total Life Forever provided a sweet change of pace on the night. Lead singer Yannis Phillippakis was not a man of many spoken words, saying very little until he thanked the crowd for being “fucking awesome” before the band finally launched into “Inhaler”. “Two Steps Twice” perfectly closed the festivities.

The 2013 festival blitz for Foals may be further indication that the band is positioning themself to be headliner status for most major events. And I’d argue that there is a dire need for such fresh blood atop these mega line-ups. What we saw on Friday night at the Wiltern Theater indicates that Foals might be ready to attain that elite status if their next album is equally killer as its predecessors. A friend of mine remarked that they might be the next Muse. I wouldn’t yet go that far but I have to admit that their machine-like intensity did make me think of Muse on a few occasions.

Review and Photo by Bruce Rave

Foals (Official)

* Links and playlists from Rave’s weekly new music show can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by b3

08-13-13

PHOTOS: The National w/ Daughter @ Riverside Theatre, Milwaukee 8/5/2013

Live Show Reviews Rock Songwriter

The National recently hit the road to celebrate the release of their latest studio album Trouble Will Find Me. Along with tour support from UK indie folk band Daughter, we caught The National for their gig in Milwaukee at the beautiful Riverside Theatre. Here s a photo recap of the show from b3sci correspondent and photographer Eliana Siegal.

Daughter @ Riverside Theatre, Milwaukee 8/5/2013

The National @ Riverside Theatre, Milwaukee 8/5/2013

reviewed by b3

08-10-13

Review: Frightened Rabbit w/ Wild Belle @ Park West in Chicago, IL. 8/3/2013

Live Show Reviews Rock

One of the best parts of Lollapalooza comes right after Chicago’s Grant Park closes: the after shows. And when you can couple the magic of a beautiful venue, with an artists magnetic personality and captivating storytelling, you’ve reached another level of “Lolla Heaven.”

On Saturday evening, Frightened Rabbit and Wild Belle took the stage at Chicago’s Park West, the 1920’s vaudeville turned concert venue whose romantic character seemed to weave its touch through the evening.

A crowd gathered on the small dance area below the stage while the rest of the show-goers grabbed one of the many booths or stools dotted throughout the venue. Though furbished for the 21st century, the layout of the club is reminiscent of days gone by and you can almost see a leading lady from Hollywood’s Golden Age capturing the crowd on the stage. It was like the ghost of those classic starlets touched Wild Belle’s Natalie Bergman when she took stage. Her mesmerizing voice held the crowd as she seductively swayed behind the mic, caressing it for dramatic effect. It seemed a contradiction at times, her 90’s inspired artist look (floppy black hat and high rise shorts included) with Reggae inspired tunes and moves right out of the 40’s. Add to that her brother Elliot alternating between synths and sax and you have quite the unexpected amalgamation–and it works.

If Wild Belle mesmerized the crowd, Frightened Rabbit got them jumping. The five member Scottish band carries with them the complete aura of their haggis-eating, tartan-wearing, story-telling culture, whether in the very rhythms of the music ringing out in ceilidh-like beats, the subtle Scottish brogue or story-telling lyrics. The men also exude the manliness one equates with Scottish culture, with beards and stockiness evoking William Wallace-like warriors. Besides, as drummer Grant Hutchison picks up steam during the show, his face transforms into a grizzly bear-like menace. You can just picture him running over hills in a kilt throwing javelins.

And then, lead singer Scott Hutchison brings a gem to the crowd–a new song. As the rest of the band members leave the stage, Hutchison sets the scene. Reassuring the crowd over and over again that he does not condone violence and “thinks it’s bullshit,” he launches into the inspiration of this new, enthralling tune.

“I wrote this next song when I was going through a major love affair–as many people do–with Game of Thrones. And I thought about–and I don’t condone violence, it’s fucking terrible–but I just feel like sometimes, men in particular, don’t really fucking fight for their women anymore.” To this, the crowd cheers and you can almost hear the girls’ quick breath intake. “I don’t mean physically fight, but I mean that if it matters to you, you should go and get it. And I’m not really fucking good at doing it.” With this foundation he emphasizes: “So, this song is a fiction. It’s all bullshit. I thought it would be awesome to try and write a super violent love song. And so this is it. This is about as violent as I was comfortable in making it.”

Following a little more banter and a fellow Scot calling out from the crowd, “Good on ya!” Hutchison launches into “Candlelit.”

Love’s checkered past
Is littered with violent acts
And the blood that fills kindless paths
Each drop drawn in her name.

In this modern age
The image of father has changed
But if you’re ready I’m willing to wage a gut-wrenched war
For a minute of your time

I’m done playing stone paper scissors
Gonna take that stone and bring them all down with it
Steal some scissors and cut some throats
Put pen to paper and write you a note
I won’t get in line
I will not wait for this.
With my bare hands I kill
Just to be candlelit
with you.

I have no checkered past
And I’ve never been a violent man
Maybe you’ve changed all that
Each scar I carve is in your name

So let the suitors come
I can see them off one by one
Open every last artery up
Just for a second of your time.

I’m done playing stone paper scissors
Gonna take that stone and bring them all down with it.
Steal those scissors and cut some throats
Put pen to paper and write you a note
I won’t get in line
I will not wait for this.
With my bare hands I kill
Just for the privilege

Look at the blood bath
Look at the mess I have made
With my bare hands I kill
Just to be candlelit
with you.*

And so, as the ladies swoon and testosterone builds in the guys, Hutchison shares his epic “fiction,” drawing out the romance of his land, his culture and his history–and of course that of Game of Thrones. With themes of valor, honesty, heroism and love, coupled with their Scottish rhythms, it’s hard not to love Frightened Rabbit’s bard-like music and even more appreciate it in a romantic setting. The beauty and history of the scene did nothing but enhance the magic.

Ending with the epic notes of “The Loneliness and the Scream,” Frightened Rabbit sent out a wistful crowd with Hutchison’s bard-like lyrics and Scottish rhythms inspiring elation and creativity. Truly, a great treat.

Check out Frightened Rabbit’s “Candlelit” from Park West. You can compare it to this first version performed in Salt Lake City.

A note on the lyrics:
**Coupled with the Scottish brogue and crowd, these are as best I can make out. If you have corrections, let us know!

Review and Photo by J.L. Greene

Frightened Rabbit (Official)
Wild Belle (Facebook)

reviewed by b3

08-08-13

Review: Jessie Ware with Pacific Air @ Lincoln Hall in Chicago, IL. 8/2/2013

Live Show Reviews Soul

In her official Lollapalooza after show on this past Friday night at Chicago’s Lincoln Hall, London R&B queen Jessie Ware bantered with her adoring crowd with conversations that returned again and again to one region: anatomically speaking, the things down low.

In retrospect, the evening seemed to show the transition from youthful cares to the maturity of the adult world. The appropriately named SoCal band Pacific Air opened the evening with their light-hearted, catchy beats. Brothers in their early 20’s, Ryan and Taylor Lawhon exude “too cool for school.” One’s 90’s bleached, slicked back hair followed by the other’s carefully crafted, top heavy curls, they made for a great 2013 synth pop version of Saved by the Bell’s Zack and Slater. Added with the young enthusiasm of their touring bassist, Alex Lopez and guitarist Steven Lindenfelser, Pacific Air epitomized a band growing into their identity while spreading their catchy, perpetual-summer tunes. Chicagoans will surely cling to these memories during the hard winter months to come.

At midnight, Jessie took the stage. Opening with “Devotion,” her sultry voice, love-riddled lyrics and bluesy beats ooze the complexities of the adult world. And boy does that English girl know her R&B.

Alternating between soul singer and comedian, Ware thanked a couple of fans while receiving flowers, hinting for fans to bring more at future gigs, beginning a night of conversation and banter. As she reminisces about her last time in Chicago, she sees two familiar faces. “You were there!” she says joyfully surprised. “You two were there! You two were dancing so hard.” The crowd looks at the two men, shimmying without regard to the personal space of those around them. “I’m glad to see you’re still with each other and still dancing hard!” And with that, Ware lifts her arms high over her head to join the shimmy-train.

Jessie is a surprising fireball of enthusiasm, spunk and soul. Her pensive songs make her personality even more of a bombshell when the music ends. As she finishes a line about unrequited love, she mentions “You realize, I think we all need to just celebrate that ‘Wildest Moments’ is now in a Durex ad.” The crowd laughs, taken off guard by this curve ball. “I’m going to be throwing out condoms when you come to my next gigs,” she jokes. “Thanks Durex!”

From there, the night took an unexpected turn with colorful commentary filling the spaces between songs. First, Ware introduced “Taking In Water,” a song about her unlucky-in-love brother. “My brother is at home studying to be a doctor and he works very, very hard. He’s a very, very special guy; he’s also very, very unlucky in love. Always chooses the wrong guys. Boys can be really mean to boys! And they’ve been really mean to him and he’s just had the worst luck.”

As she finishes, a fan close-by yells for his friend, pointing to the guy next to him. “He’s a gay doctor!”

Excited, Jessie runs over to do an interview, speaking into the mic for fans to follow. Small pauses with inaudible answers follow the next series of questions, “Are you a gay doctor? Have you got a boyfriend? What kind of doctor?” With one last cheeky comment from the friend, Jessie bursts out laughing, ending the conversation with “You are naughty!”

The band clearly knows Ware’s tendency toward conversation and begins playing the next song, as almost a small shove to remind her why they’re there. Getting the hint, she concludes, “I just ruined the intro to my song; forget about fannies and willies.” And with that, she launches into “Taking In Water.” At the final note, Jessie turns to her new friend and says in exasperation, “All I could think about was fucking asses and fannies! It was awful. You ruined that for me!”

On the next rabbit trail, she shares another advertisement story. “Ok, can I tell you about the advert that I had in Florida?” She pauses for dramatic effect: “‘vaginal rejuvenation.’” The crowd laughs hysterically while she pulls a bewildered face . “Are you shitting me? What the fuck is ‘vaginal rejuvenation?’ And they only do that advert in Florida! How weird. So if you want a ‘vaginal rejuve,’ you need to go down to Florida…”

Technical issues overshadowed the set, but Jessie took it in stride making the awkward moments a part of the show. After the second time her crew member crossed the stage to adjust an unseen tech do-dad on her lower back, Jessie began booty-dancing and wiggling around. She clearly wasn’t going to let inconvenient tech problems change the evening’s tone.

The entire night was full of crowd interaction and storytelling. Ware reached her hands out to the fans continually, looked at their iphone pictures, chatted and continued triying to set up her brother. Despite her pensive, often sad tunes, Jessie is more than spunky. “So, the last time I was here I sang this line, ‘My friends wonder what is wrong with me.’ And someone shouted out ‘Ain’t nothin’ wrong with choo, girl!’ and it made me feel really special. And it was really all the gays being on my side. So, if you want to sing along, or shout out at this song, I don’t mind because I love it. And it reminds me of Chicago.” She certainly got her wish. Throughout the entirety of “What You Won’t Do For Love,” sassy commentary zinged her way from the audience.

“Seriously, though, I wish I could play every gig like this. It’s been so long since we’ve played in such a lovely, intimate space and it feels so nice! I kinda just want to really suck on the next album so I get downsized. It’s been so nice. And I recognize old faces.” She waved to her friends in the crowd and seemed truly touched by such a fun evening. Finally she had to end the fun. “This is our last song. I wish I had some more! I don’t. And it’s past my bedtime and it’s past yours. This has been the best gig in Chicago. It’s been better than the rest.”

It was a surprising, eventful show from an unexpectedly cheeky singer. Her comedic personality easily balanced her lyrics of soulful love-longing. If her music doesn’t make you love her, her quick wit certainly will.

Review and Photo by J.L. Greene

Jessie Ware (Facebook)

reviewed by b3

08-07-13

Review: Night Terrors of 1927, Jaymes Young @ The Echo in Los Angeles, CA. 07/25/2013

Live Show Reviews Rock

It was a night of firsts at The Echo. First time I had seen either of these budding LA acts on the eve’s bill (Night Terrors of 1927 or Jaymes Young). First time Jaymes Young has played a show live in LA. First time I have seen a celebrity at an indie show (thought this shit happened all the time in LA?). And after leaving The Echo that night, however, I can say that both Jaymes Young and Night Terrors of 1927 have a lot more firsts coming their way (label, tours, releases, successes, etc.).

Jaymes Young is a talent. B3SCI picked up on him early, covering the piano driven “Wondering” and the live performance was just as moving. You could see Jaymes seemed a bit hesitant, and it being his first official show was probably the reason why. However, there was a sense that Young could rely on his strong voice and overall raw talent. Playing from a small cataloge of tracks, Jaymes and the band played smoothly through “Hold You Down”, “Dark Star”, “Fragments” and ended on the brilliant (albeit an odd) cover of Haddaway’s ’93 single “What Is Love”.

Night Terrors of 1927 hit the stage immediately following Jaymes Young. There is a bit of background to this relatively unknown group: Blake Sennett, of the now defunct Rilo Kiley and former leader of the Elected, joined forces with former frontman of the Honorary Title, Jarrod Gorbel, to create this new indie synth pop band. They have only two released tracks, “Dust and Bones” and “Watch The World Go Dark” (both were played live and both sounded incredible). The rest of the set that night was unknown to me, but here are some factors that can be taken away. Night Terrors have a HUGE sound. A sound way to big for The Echo. The band played extremely and should be touring more heavily in the very near future (not known, just assumed). When the album, or EP, comes out, expect other blogs and outlets to immediately jump on the bandwagon. Other than that, Night Terrors of 1927 sound has pop hits written all over it.

I mentioned that a celebrity was at the show and he had to be pointed out to me. Blake Sennett, an indie star already, had a role on Boy Meets World and Salute Your Shorts, known as Blake Soper or Blake Swendson. Though I loved both programs and think Sennett is talented, he wasn’t the celebrity. Tobey Maguire was rocking front row, catching the new sound of both acts.

Reviewed By Brian Litwin

Night Terrors of 1927 (Facebook)

James Young (Facebook)

reviewed by b3

07-29-13

Looking Back: Lightning In A Bottle Festival 2013 @ Lake Skinner in Temecula, CA July 11th – 15th

Electronic Live Show Reviews Track Reviews

Review by Brian Litwin
Photos by Jesse Wright

We recently spent a weekend in Temecula, California at Lake Skinner for Lightning In A Bottle 2013. For the lack of a better term, this festival is different compared to others. With a main stage being construed around a tree, workshops regarding Yoga and healthier living, free water, and an assortment of art installations, LIB (as it’s referred to) was nothing short of a memorable experience. Here’s a collection of musical and photo highlights from the festival.

Purity Ring – Thanks to typical L.A. traffic on a Friday, getting into the secluded area of Lake Skinner where LIB was taking place was a bit of a challenge. Nevertheless, we arrived in time to catch Edmonton electronic duo Purity Ring’s set. Corin Roddick and Megan James seemed to be on a mission to please the crowd that night, with their noted stage lighting and drum pad pods. Though the set seemed a bit short of the midnight ending, Purity Ring played the majority of their 2012 release Shrines.

Odesza – Seattle duo Odesza threw down. Playing from their free album Summer’s Gone and ending with new tunes, as yet to be release, there was good reason why these guys were one of my 5 to see acts at LIB. Also, they played on a stage constructed with Bamboo (pretty awesome stuff).

Blackbird Blackbird – Over at the Lightning Stage, San Francisco based Mikey Maramag made some noise himself. Mixing in his “folktronica” sound with trap and some house, Blackbird Blackbird turned some heads. This was my first time seeing this guy live, but it won’t be the last.

Nicolas Jaar – This NY/Chile native is extremely talented and very young. His set featured loads of house and it will surely have people remembering his name long after LIB. Side note: his track “The Ego” with Theatre Roosevelt may be a single that has gone under the radar for way too long.

GRiZ – Speaking of young talent, GRiZ, aka Grant Kwiecinski from Detroit, MI, is younger than Nicolas Jaar and also plays saxophone over his produced beats. GRiZ also brought guitar player Dan Hacker on stage for some tracks. Playing selected songs off of Mad Liberation and End of The World Party releases, GRiZ ended Saturday night nicely.

Goldroom – Their sound has Southern California written all over it. It is radio ready and instead of being just the solo project of Josh Legg, it’s now a full band with Mereki Beach singing lead vocals. I saw Gold Room at Dim Mak for a DJ set and also live while during SXSW. “Fifteen”, “Only You Can Show Me”, “Morgan’s Bay” and “Angeles” should be in your next beach mixtape, and they sounded great live at LIB.

Giraffage – This is a no brainer. We love this kid. Throwing down crowd pleasers like “Close 2 Me” and his stellar remix of Janet Jackson’s “Someone To Call My Lover” really got the party started. Later, Giraffage mixed in possibly the best remix of 2013 (so far) and a personal favorite Stardust’s “Music Sounds Better With You”. However, the biggest reaction was the drop to “Money” and with friends on stage throwing out fake hundreds to the unique trap stylings of Mr. Yin, the crowd was floored. Do yourselves a favor and see this man live

gLAdiator – The LA production duo, Danl Goodman and Ian Johnson, may have had the surprise set of LIB. I had heard of them, but didn’t know what was about to transpire at this festival. How foolish of me. Their trap heavy set created so much noise that they pulled fans from other stages, who came to see what the commotion was all about. gLAdiator have a nice run of dates in the future, including a set in LA for HARD Summer. Do not miss these guys.

Tycho – Dive might be one of the more complete albums of recent history and Scott Hansen, project leader, clearly has a great and well defined artistic vision for Tycho. Stunning live visuals were set to all of the tracks. The tightness of the band evoked an energy that flowed calmly from the speakers to the crowd, capping off the perfect set to wrap up the festival. Tycho also performed a new track that had similar vibes to Dive but was much more bass and house influenced.

Lightning In A Bottle Festival (Info)

reviewed by b3

07-27-13

PHOTOS: Skylar Grey @ The Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles, CA. 7/25/13

Live Show Reviews Pop

Photos and Words by Russ Ramos

I remember when I first heard, “I need a Doctor” from Dr. Dre and Eminem. That’s when Skylar Grey’s voice immediately caught my attention. With a handful of releases and hit collaborations to her name, Skylar Grey took to The Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles this past Thursday (7/25) to celebrate the release of her new and latest album, Don’t Look Down.

Skylar opened with her track “Back From The Dead” and, along with her full band, she set the perfect high-energy tone for the rest of the evening. With a long but paced set list, Skylar took the audience on a ride of musical hits from the brilliantly written, “Love the Way You Lie”, to her radio smash, “C’mon Let Me Ride”. Throughout the set, Skylar would sit on her custom ‘construction orange’ stage piano, and sing to L.A. fans as if they were her family. It was pure and honest. Have a look at some photo highlights from the show below.

Skylar Grey (Official) (Purchase ‘Don’t Look Down‘ on iTunes)

reviewed by b3

07-27-13

Review: Bjork @ Pitchfork Festival in Chicago 7/19/2013

Live Show Reviews Pop

On Friday, Bjork returned to Chicago to headline Pitchfork Festival 2013’s opening night with her usual flair. And that night she was the coolest disco alien with a dandelion-head anyone has ever seen.

On the horizon, clouds edge closer to Union Park as fans wait for the Icelandic artist to display whatever soon-to-be-legendary costume she’d chosen for the show. “It’s got to be an octopus,” one fan says confidently. “She’s already been a swan. It’s got to be an octopus. I want a tentacle!” No one bats an eyelash. Why? Because it’s Bjork. She very well could walk out as a yeti in a tutu.

At last, she appears–an electric white form radiating across the stage. Her dress comes right out of a 70‘s sci fi movie, with bell hanging sleeves and confining skirt limiting her stance as she belts “yeeeeeeah yeah’s” and iconically purrs her r’s. She finished her intergalactic costume with Bjork-like uniqueness–an electric dandelion-like headdress (possibly the same worn at Bonaroo earlier this summer). She was literally a glowing, eye-catching marvel.

The set was a beautiful blend of the past and present–melding “Pagan Poetry” and “Joga” with “Crystaline” and “Moon” from her most recent album, 2011’s Biophilia. Her singers looked choir-like in their blue dresses, dancing playfully like children at a school concert until “Army of Me,” when they dispersed in a flank across the stage and rocked out–hair flying, arms flailing.

Electricity was a stage theme as Bjork consistently hit her arms out the to beat with production lighting popping in tandem–like lightning coming from her hands, briefly illuminating the dark stage. Above her, a box descends with electrodes pulsing from an orb, lighting held above her head. And then actually real lightning began, as if nature herself decided to accompany Bjork’s ethereal performance.

For the hour Bjork played, a stormy sky had slowly moved to encompass the stage until little spots of lightning grew larger and larger. Finally, it happened: a figure in a black shirt walked across the stage toward the Icelandic icon, halting the next song. After a pause, Bjork returned to the mic to share the message. “We’ve been informed by the weather station that we need to get off stage,” she begins as boo’s rise from the crowd. “But this isn’t high school, so I’m not going to listen.” If it were possible for the crowd to love her more, that statement did it.

But, just like in high school, the principal won. Seconds after her rebellious vote, a booming male voice informed the audience Pitchfork will be closing for the weather. Understandably, fans boo their disapproval. Some, for a few minutes chant, “One more song! One more song!” All to no avail.

It’s just as well the authority won the round because fifteen minutes later the storm rocked the city with wind whipping dust and debris and pelting rain so hard it tipped trashcans and battered leaves from trees. Bjork’s performance wasn’t the only musical casualty of Friday night: Pearl Jam had to abandon Wriggley Field and Phish stopped the first of their Northerly Island concerts. Needless to say, music lovers across Chicago did not return home happy last night.

Despite being cut off prematurely, Bjork rocked the first night at Pitchfork in a way only Bjork can do. Pitchfork fans can now only dream of the magic the rest of her performance might have been. But at least memories of the set include the eerily appropriate lighting accompanying her performance.

So what songs did Bjork fans miss out on?

-Mutual Core
-Hyperballad
-Pluto
-Nattura
-Sonnets/Unrealities
-Declare Independence

The full setlist can be seen here.

Bjork takes a few weeks off before she heads to Taiwan on August 10th and then finishes the Biophilia tour in Germany on September 7th.

Pitchfork Music Festival continues today and tomorrow with headliners Belle and Sebastian performing tonight and R Kelly (and rumored Bjork appearance) closing the festival tomorrow.

Review By J.L. Greene
Photo via bjorkbackstage

Bjork : (Official) (Myspace) (Twitter)

reviewed by b3

07-20-13

PHOTOS: The Neighbourhood with JMSN @ The Fonda in Los Angeles 7/15/13

Live Show Reviews Pop Rock

Photos and Words by Russ Ramos

While walking up a busy Hollywood Blvd on my way to The Fonda Theater this past Monday night, I passed a sea of people (about 90% ladies) waiting in line anxiously outside of the club. Upon entering the venue I grabbed myself an overly priced beer and headed straight to the photo pit. As the opening DJ pumped out trap jams, locally based new R&B sensation JMSN prepared for his set on stage. JMSN (pronounced Jameson) wasn’t just an opener, he was one the most captivating lead acts I’ve seen in a while. There was no counting-down minutes until The Neighbourhood took stage, from beginning to end, JMSN had an energy that resonated throughout the theater. Here’s some photos from his set below.

JMSN (Facebook)

More EDM hits filled the house speakers as The Neighbourhood’s team prepped for the band’s set. At first, the band took stage minus frontman Jesse Rutherford. As all of the girls in the audience were flipping out, Rutherford finally made his presence. There was a moment of hysteria and you would’ve almost thought Justin Bieber himself had taken stage. Every track The NBHD played was like a sing a long. The crowd held their hands up high, shouted the lyrics and just gave off great vibes. These pictures help say it all. Once again, The Neighbourhood comes back to The Fonda in LA next month on August 15th. Don’t sleep on this.

The Neighbourhood (Tumblr) (Facebook)

reviewed by b3

07-17-13