PARLOUR TRICKS & GREAT CAESAR CAPTIVATE WEBSTER HALL

Flint Eastwood opened for Parlour Tricks and Great Caesar Thursday night at The Marlin Room at Webster Hall. When Jax Anderson, who plays under the pseudonym “Flint Eastwood,” took the stage, she introduced her “friends” that would be playing with her. Like a master storyteller, she beckoned the crowd forward and launched into a set riddled with dramatics, deep messages and cunning characters.

For each song, the Detroit native took on a different persona.  She played the electronic pop-singer, the runaway western bandit, and wise crone.  Her outlaw swagger and high-energy were evident during songs, “Glitches” and “Monster,” when she paced across the stage inciting the crowd. Flint Eastwood released its second album, “Small Victories” in October 2015.

Flint Eastwood

Flint Eastwood

Flint Eastwood

Flint Eastwood

Flint Eastwood

Flint Eastwood

Flint Eastwood-4

Flint Eastwood

 

At times, one will see a band live and his/her experience is no different from listening to the group’s music at home. This was not the case with Parlour Tricks, who followed Flint Eastwood. The New York City based sextet entrances audiences when they play.  Like an unwritten formula, three strong women take the stage, backed by three talented men, and then there’s a pause before the performance begins.  The anticipation rises and you immediately think what is going to happen next. Lead singer, Lily Cato, gives a knowing glance to Morgane and Darah and the three women start the side-stepping and finger snapping. Then the vocal harmonies hit your ears.

P-TRICKS

P-TRICKS

Parlour Tricks

Parlour Tricks

P-TRICKS

P-TRICKS

P-TRICKS

P-TRICKS

 

Viewers who had not seen a Parlour Tricks’ set before did not know what to expect, but after the show, everyone believed the group deserved the title that The Village Voice bestowed on them for Best Pop Band in 2014.  The women completely dictated the energy in the room by channeling their release to perfectly timed beats and string support from the men. The group played songs, like “Requiem” and the title track, off of their EP Broken Hearts/Bones. And then the close came.

P-TRICKS

P-TRICKS

P-TRICKS

P-TRICKS

P-TRICKS

P-TRICKS

 

Before Parlour Trick’s last song the three vocalists walked to the back of the stage and faced the men.  One viewer tried to calm the crowd saying “Shh, shh. This is their thing. You gotta watch this.” Those who were Nine Inch Nails fans recognized the first few cords.  The band launched into a 60’s/70’s harmonized version of “Closer” to finish the set.

Parlour Tricks

Parlour Tricks

P-TRICKS

P-TRICKS

P-TRICKS

P-TRICKS

 

Great Caesar followed Parlour Tricks and closed out the night. The Brooklyn-based, chamber rock band was celebrating their EP release of Jackson’s Big Sky.  The sextet played a series of powerful songs that were riddled with every emotion from jubilation to sorrow.  One woman began to cry during “Kiss Me Again.”

Great Caesar

Great Caesar

Great Caesar

Great Caesar

Great Caesar

Great Caesar

Great Caesar

Great Caesar

 

All six members contribute to the inherent wisdom that the band’s music carries.  John-Michael Parker (guitar, lead singer) recites tales of harsh realities, which are accentuated by Niki Morrissette’s compelling vocals and energy.  In “Hey Mama,” Thomas Stephens (drums) hammers a slow and steady beat, while Adam Glaser and Mike Farrell play delicate cords to capture the lamentations of a new convict. Trumpeter, Tom Sikes adds a soulful element to the group’s indie vibe.

Great Caesar

Great Caesar

Great Caesar

Great Caesar

Great Caesar

Great Caesar

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Article: Alx Bear

 

 

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