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| St. Vincent @ the Greek Theatre (Photo: Akshay Sawhney) |
70s soul music clicks on over the loudspeakers as audience members talk among themselves, possibly not aware that this unassuming jam was the appropriately curated intro to an impressive evening performance that would support the “New York City 1970s” theme of St. Vincent’s latest studio album, “Daddy’s Home”. Released only 4 months ago, her sixth studio album tackles unmet expectations and deeply personal topics, such as the incarceration of her father, with a significant dose of artistic style.
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| St. Vincent @ the Greek Theatre (Photo: Akshay Sawhney) |
Once a member of the American choral rock band the Polyphonic Spree, St. Vincent (born Annie Clark) has over the last 14 years proven to be an extreme talent with Grammy’s under her belt and even a
Masterclass in Creativity and Songwriting
to boot. But like a handful of creative musicians before her such as David Bowie (cited by St. Vincent as a strong influence), her musical personas are equally impressive -- strong, confident reinventions that bring depth to the music in ways that private life might not allow.
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| St. Vincent @ the Greek Theatre (Photo: Akshay Sawhney) |
And tonight’s persona was no exception, likely right out of the HBO period drama
Vinyl
created by Mick Jagger & Martin Scorsese. Appearing in a 1970s-style cream jacket with large collars, gold chains, a blond wig, and supported by afroed backup singers is our very own funk priestess -- or is it? The crowd applauds but is unaware that what they are seeing is a misdirection -- a St. Vincent body double arrives to confuse the audience, who soon discover that the real St. Vincent is joining us from behind a revolving backdrop. Another even louder round of cheers fill the Greek as we dive into the first song of the night, crowd-pleaser “Digital Witness” off the artist’s self-titled 2014 album. Following shortly after is the revenge-funk hit “Down” off her latest album. Here St. Vincent shows off her guitar chops on an
Ernie Ball Music Man St. Vincent signature guitar
which she holds onto for most of the night.
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| St. Vincent @ the Greek Theatre (Photo: Akshay Sawhney) |
The backing band is precise and orchestrated to the theatrics of the night. Led by seasoned bassist Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, NIN), the appropriately named “Down and Out Downtown Band” also features Jason Falkner on guitar, Rachel Eckroth on keys & Mark Guiliana on drums.
The set featured 6 total tracks off her latest album including the swaggering “Pay Your Way In Pain” and a wholesome “...At the Holiday Party”, which the artist has previously referred to as a modern take on “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by the Rolling Stones. The encore featured the mellow Pink Floyd inspired “Live in the Dream” and “The Melting of the Sun”, also the second single off the album. Equally represented were tracks off 2017’s well-received “MASSEDUCTION” and favorites such as “Los Ageless” and “Fast Slow Disco”.
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| St. Vincent @ the Greek Theatre (Photo: Akshay Sawhney) |
St. Vincent played to an almost sold out and very appreciative Bay Area crowd. Opening the night was Austin indie rock band Spoon, who energized the crowd with hits like “The Underdog” and “I Turn My Camera On”. Founding members Britt Daniel (vocals, guitar) and Jim Eno (drums) are set to release their 10th studio album soon.
The full set list from the night is below and be sure to follow us across social here for more pictures, reviews: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
