GET TO THE GIG: COVID Edition (Part 3)

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WRITTEN BY: Hannah Odoom

Imagine, you are standing in the midst of bodies, jolts of energy and excitement swirling through the crowd, anticipation lies in waiting as you crane your head to the stage to see a guy tuning the guitars followed by the snap of the hit of a drum, as they prepare for the live act. You’ll hear cheers before you see them, then suddenly the air is filled with booming sound from large speakers as the band takes the stage. Let’s go back to those days. Pop your headphones on, dim your lights, close your eyes, sit back, relax and imagine you are immersed in these live performances. 

“GOOEY” – GLASS ANIMALS (LIVE @ SIRIUS XM, 2020)

A chill and stripped down rendition of “Gooey” from Glass Animal’s 2014 album release Zaba, this song will pull you in. “Gooey” starts off nice and easy with a memorable synth pattern that dances atop a grooving bassline, and steady danceable drum beat. Dave’s jazz style vocals meld together, creating a nice, easy and relaxed sound — it definitely draws you into those “peanut butter vibes.” 

“BREEZEBLOCKS” – ALT-J (RADIO 1’S BIG WEEKEND, 2017)

Starting off with Joe’s distinct delicate vocals, you can hear as the crowd instinctively joins in the opening, “She may contain the urge to run away / but hold her down with soggy clothes and breezeblocks.” The hue of the lights over the ecstatic crowd instantly pulls you into the live concert energy. With the deep groove of Gus’ synthesizer, the driving rhythm of Joe’s guitar and the exciting drumming of Thom, “Breezeblocks” takes you on a live musical journey as it progresses. “Breezeblocks” is from Alt-J’s 2012 release, An Awesome Wave.

“LEMON GLOW” – BEACH HOUSE (KING’S THEATRE, 2019)

Sit back and dive into the sound of Beach House with “Lemon Glow”. Victoria’s deep vocals sweep over the immersive guitar, keys and drum, and the stage lights move, bounce and change with each progression. This live performance truly highlights each layer of sound that drives the song, as it swirls and peaks at key moments. “Lemon Glow” is from Beach House’s 2018 release, 7.

“TWO WEEKS” – FKA TWIGS (LIVE ON KEXP 2014)

“Two Weeks” opens with a hypnotic sound followed by Tahliah’s delicate and agile vocals. The song swells and sweeps as a diverse range of sounds rise and fall in its progression. This performance encapsulates as each musician plays, and Tahliah sways with the sound. “Two Weeks” is featured in FKA Twigs’ 2014 album release LP1.

“LOFTICRIES” – PURITY RING (LIVE @ FADER FORT BY FIAT, 2011)

With a heavy, brooding yet beautiful sound, Purity Ring perform “Lofticries” from their 2012 release Shrines. Colin artfully churns the sound, striking the unique percussive light lanterns that surround the set. Megan’s vocals dance lightly atop the sound, as she moves. This performance is right out of a small live tent venue — remember those? Those intimate shows?

“FRENCH OPEN” – FOALS (LIVE ON KEXP)

Jumping back to 2008, Foals brings the fast paced intricate frenzy of dance- math rock to this performance. Yannis’ vocals pierce through the neat and rhythmic sounds – each layer so intricate, The complex drumming of Jack Bevan kicks up the pace, making this a definite danceable tune. “French Open” is from Foals 2008 release Antidotes.