I went to the Twin Shadow show on the recommendation of a friend, who I'm also trying to impress, but i had heard some of 'Confess'; this years follow up to his 2010 debut 'Forget' and was intrigued by what could be done with a live interpretation of the songs.
Add to which the support of valley residents and all round hipster buzz band 'Haim', I was in for a treat.
George Lewis Jr, and his band who form Twin Shadow came on to a packed Fonda Theatre, the stage dressed with a yellow motorcycle, referencing the inspiration for 'Confess'. Lewis suffered a motorcycle accident in Boston in 2011. Twin Shadow's performance was a neon blend of live rigid drums, accompanied with a scattering of electronic beats. Crunchy, but subtle bass line's tie up the soft cornered rhythm section; while synths, electric keys and organs blend together Lewis' broody and compassionate electric guitar. Twin Shadow's songs are open and honest, touching on a' R'n'B sincerity but with the integrity of more poetically developed artist such as Jeff Buckley and perhaps even Prince.
Lewis' confidence in selling these stories and experiences through his music is seamlessly delivered to make you dance and feel good, the performance allowed for pace and the 90 minute show provided a well balanced set. Solo performances from Lewis, and also an instrumental interlude with poetry added a bohemian vibe to the proceedings, but the band don't dwell on such ponderous frequencies for long, slapping the audience back into shape with another bright and charging number.
The night almost seemed like a double header, with support from Haim, the "3 sisters and a mister" from the San Fernando Valley. Bringing with them their sultry, but sweaty, broody, but slick songs, together with an on stage sense of enjoyment and comfort; owing to being in their home town. At one point lead guitarist and vocalist Danielle, had a teary moment of overwhelmed achievement, just after they performed their grooving dancer "Forever" a track reminiscent of Michael Jackson's "Wanna be startin' somethin'" but with a fresh airy charm, and a ballsy staccato vocal performed with a Julliette Lewis-esque fury.
An all round great show, the kind of music you can take in your stride, a flavor of something not so sickly or intense that it deems the rest of the night irrelevant. A casual, but specific slice of music and art.