Bat For Lashes at The Crocodile 6/10/2009
by ScreamQueen on 7/14/09The Crocodile - SeattleI arrived while Hecuba (the opener) was playing, a guy on a laptop with synths and a gal in a black unitard with silver diamonds all over it. They were playing electronic beats with vocals mainly by the gal in the unitard, but occasionally the guy would get up and sing. They were pretty wonderful. After they were done, I made my way up from behind through the breaks in the crowd. There were plastic cups everywhere and people carrying drinks through to their space in the crowd. When Bat For Lashes finally took the stage they were amazing. It was interesting to hear stripped down versions of their songs without all of the electronic background, although i do love it in their recorded versions since it certainly gives them an ethereal feel, but it was nice to hear them this way (differently) live. There was an obnoxious group of kids on the left side of the stage that kept screaming and yelling. they kind of ruined a few songs because they would not shut up. The crocodile was remodeled in the last year or two and it was my first time visiting with the new set up. I really prefer the old crocodile, which allowed for all ages shows since the bar/restaurant and performance area were separate, but in the new croc, everything was mashed together, which allow for stupid drunk people everywhere and plastic cups being left all over the floor. not my idea of a good show space. so, i am disappointed about the new crocodile and don't plan on going again unless someone is playing who i am in love with and unable to go see in portland the day after or before. but sans crocodile and the stupid yelling kids, i would say that bat for lashes was a good show, not as fun as when they toured for their first album, for they wore more elaborate costumes and such, but stellar none the less.