Adorned in a black shirt with puffy sleeves and a guitar strapped high, it was unclear if St. Vincent herself was going to be swallowed up by her surroundings. The typical indie-rock paradox would have Annie Clark slice through the environs with a single vocal slash to leave no doubt as to who was queen. But St. Vincent plays with opposites the way a toddler does with applesauce; she owns a far more delicate voice, ever teetering on the edge of self-determined rhythm and tune. Indeed, her slight frame initially betrays the gravity of her lyrics; her unruly black curls dare you to doubt the highly calculated cacophony.
In what should be a more common practice, St. Vincent and her band (and Wildbirds and Peacedrums) were kind enough to perform a double header: an all ages show and a later, elders only gig. This second gig found all musicians in top form. Swedish openers Wildbirds and Peacedrums were a delightfully quirky palate-cleaner for the main event. Lovely harmonies abounded with St. Vincent and the band trading among clarinets, violins, saxophones, drums, vocal loops, keyboards, and tambourines. Most of the set list was from Actor: “The Party” and “The Strangers” showed up, and a gritty ass-shaking rendition of “Marrow.” No one can really argue that the music wasn’t well crafted, but what surprised me was that amongst all these wonderful sounds, it was Annie’s vocals that often felt a bit lost and out of place. As Trusty Sidekick put it, “the singing is the weakest link.” And with such sweet sounds and distortions, her chick-a-dee like voice struggled on the louder moments to hold its own.
We were treated to gentler moments, where both voice and creativity shown, like “Jesus Saves, I Spend.” Her candor with the audience was eaten up; her spunky, cheery attitude when chatting eliminated all pretenses. She was honest enough to admit she treated the all ages family-friendly show to an in-depth analysis of Ice Cube’s “Today was a Good Day.” Those that have seen Ani DiFranco in concert would have been delighted at her asides, banter with the audience, and excitement and gratitude to perform.
Why no one has asked St Vincent to score some movies is a felony. And I’m not counting her contribution to New Moon. She could be scoring some moody, meaty stuff like Moon. The balance of smooth and rough, calm and chaos made the night a sort of unbelievably luscious dream. If I hadn’t known better, I would have thoughtI could start flying.
DOWNLOAD: St. Vincent - Jesus Saves. I Spend (Live in Denton, TX) (MP3) or Follow us for more St. Vincent MP3s (Twitter)
The National - 9/11
Marymoor Ampitheatre
The Black Keys - 10/2
The Paramount Theatre
Broken Social Scene - 10/10
Neumos
Broken Social Scene - 10/15
The Paramount Theatre
It was a great show. The energy was intense. I was lucky enough to be right up front.
by Burt on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 05.01 pm from the entry: The Avett Brothers + Langhorne Slim - Crystal Ballroom (Portland-town, OR; Aug. 30, 2010)
lovin trackz #4,13, and 16
by Phoxy Philly on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 04.03 pm from the entry: Chiddy Bang's "The Swelly Express" Mixtape (download)
Nice concerning as better as clarifying position.Gives Thanks for providing for us.I show your article with my delight.
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by jhon on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 02.35 pm from the entry: Tiny Vipers + Rafael Anton Irisarri + Cars & Trains - Mississippi Studios (Portland; Jul. 14, 2010)
agree with beth! dope stuff on both sides of the review.
by @bosconcertphoto on Wed Sep 1, 2010 at 09.48 am from the entry: DJ /rupture + Tanlines - Whitney Museum (New York, NY; August 27, 2010)
Thanks Nicole!
Just wanted to say that although this may be our last time performing this show, I have many other projects in the works. Info and show schedule is on my website.
- Ben
by Ben Darwish on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 11.47 pm from the entry: Ben Darwish - Afrobeat Tribute to Michael Jackson - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA; August, 29, 2010)
Love these photos and review. So, these DJ sets are at 7:30? I don’t really get it. And are these gonna continue once the Whitney moves? And most importantly, where can I attend an “hour-long clinic on shaking ass?”
by beth on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 06.44 pm from the entry: DJ /rupture + Tanlines - Whitney Museum (New York, NY; August 27, 2010)
Super post there! Comprehensive and well collated material. Thanks for sharing.
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by jhon on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 01.56 pm from the entry: Deerhoof + The Donkeys + Southeast Engine - Berbati's Pan (Portland, OR; July 6, 2010)
St. Sincent...ha.
Good catch, oh masked marvel.
I agree that St. Vincent should be scoring a film. She told me in interview that she’s going further into ambient music, which should continue to build her “resume” as a master of moods.
glad to see she’s got some folks backing her to fill out her sound. I saw her several years ago and was impressed that she played everything herself, but felt it left a little lacking at the time.
You’ve got some great photos too, Colin! Love the ethereal quality… now I gotta check her out
Thanks Katie! Mighty fine of you to say so. Lot of things went right in this batch, plus the show was fantastic. If you get a chance, check her out.