_Concert Review: Neon Indian & Sleigh Bells

 

Last week I spent my pre-birthday night at the Neon Indian and Sleigh Bells concert at Starlite Room. Unfortunately I missed half of Neon Indian’s set but my friend Krizia caught me up and wrote about their set.

 

Neon Indian composed of Alan Palomo, Leanne Macomber, Jason Faries, and Lars Larsen are a chillwave band hailing from Denton, Texas. Performing their latest album Psychic Chasms at the The Starlite Room, I found myself intoxicated not only by the liquor but also by the harmonious melodies coming from the stage. It’s no wonder why they received rave reviews from the likes of Pitchfork, Spin, and Rolling Stone. Their demeanor and stage presence screams out Terminally Chill with each member carrying himself with sobriety and ease.

 

 

Their psychedelic and dance inducing sounds proved to be infectious, having the entire crowd swaying, tapping, singing, and dancing along with them. If you are a bit skeptical, their infectious lyrics and mellow beats lure you in, with such favorites as “Deadbeat Summer” and “Should Have Taken Acid with You”. Once the set was over, I found myself wanting more! With them completing their North American tour, performing at the OFF Festival in Poland, and releasing their new album soon, I am sure we will be seeing more of Neon Indian. – Krizia Victoria

 

 

Sleigh Bells are known for their massive, exploding sound. It’s no surprise that they have been picked up by M.I.A.’s label, N.E.E.T and have used as inspiration for M.I.A’s new album (there are no direct references, however you can definitely hear the change of her music). If you like them, then there’s no question that you’ll love them live. Of course, if you love them, it’s probably because of the raw pounding, slamming effects from their music, which i s emphasized to the extent of your body wanting to move, arms flailing, and soon enough there’s a mosh pit in the middle of the crowd.

 

“Crown on the Ground” was the first song to be played after teasing us (they appeared on stage a couple minutes after the Miller’s intro guitar solo) Right away, you knew the show was going to be a blast. Accompanying their music were many colourful strobe lights. I mean, they were almost blinding. (Of course, in a good way) They put in at least some effort for theatrics and contributed to their entertainment, one thing that some bands lack.

 

 

One of my favourite songs was the Funkadelic-sampling “Rill RIll”. Apart from the talking (I mean – she doesn’t really sing that much), Alexis has a naturally smooth, soothing voice that is highlighted in her solo. Fast forward a couple of songs later, the duo starts walking offstage and you’re left wondering if the show was over just 6 songs in. Alexis walks back on, breathing the intro to “Rachel” without Derek. Soon enough the song blends into the mosh pit, head banging “Straight A’s”. The crowd went insane, and I was in the middle of it all.

 

The last song they played before abruptly walking off stage was “A/B Machines”, which was a good ending song to get everybody pumped but disappointed that the show was over. The lyrics are simple enough for people who don’t know it to scream on the top of their lungs.

 

 

I tried to get a good picture of Derek but that was deemed impossible by his constant moving around the stage and fist pumping hands by all the tall people around me (and I’m not even that short!). He was wearing a cool plaid shirt, while Alexis was wearing their ‘Slay Bells’ jersey tank with galaxy print leggings and a fuckload of bad-ass black glittery (I thought it was) eye shadow. If you’re deeply in love with Alexis, then you’re in luck if you go to their shows because she even stage dives a couple of times. – Text & photos by Willis