Concert review: Pushing boundaries of live music, St. Vincent elegantly performs stunning set
St. Vincent points out to the crowd during a performance on Aug. 16 at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre. The indie rock and pop artist’s setlist primarily featured songs from her album “All Born Screaming,” released earlier this year. (Courtesy of Natalie Somekh)
“All Born Screaming Tour”
St. Vincent
Greek Theatre
August 16
By Eric Sican
Aug. 17, 2024 3:38 p.m.
St. Vincent gave LA a “Los Ageless” night to remember at the Greek Theatre.
The Grammy-winning artist’s “All Born Screaming Tour” ignited in Los Angeles on a balmy evening Friday. The anticipation was palpable as the crowd eagerly awaited the enigmatic artist’s performance, fueled by the buzz surrounding her April album of the same name. Openers Eartheater and Maiah Manser set the stage for a night of sonic exploration with their bewitching and experimental soundscapes, preparing the audience for an avant-garde approach to music.
As the sky darkened and St. Vincent arose in a cloud of gray smoke, the crowd erupted in cheers. The iconic guitarist delivered a tantalizing set that showcased her virtuosity, eclectic style and captivating stage presence. From the haunting melodies of tracks like 2017’s “Los Ageless” to the raw energy of her new material such as “Flea,” St. Vincent – whose real name is Annie Clark – put on a performance that served as a testament to her continuous artistic evolution. The Greek Theatre, basking in a sea of black and white lights, became a space for pop rock fans where the boundaries between genres dissolved and the power of live music was undeniable.
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Clark’s setlist offered a carefully curated blend of old and new, keeping the audience on their feet with the punchy rock harmonies of “Masseduction” and the jazz-infused melodies of “All Born Screaming.” Beyond her musical prowess, St. Vincent’s charisma was nothing short of captivating. Dressed in a striking black ensemble, she commanded the stage with her every move, each gesture lending itself to robot-like motion. Her enthusiastic interactions with the audience crafted a sense of intimacy through direct eye-contact and fan acknowledgment.
A masterclass in maintaining thematic cohesion, Clark’s show brewed a sundry ensemble of sound. The setlist, while diverse, was carefully chosen to align with the apocalyptic theme of “All Born Screaming.” By including tracks like “Pay Your Way In Pain” and “Candy Darling” from her 2021 album “Daddy’s Home,” she reinforced the eerie and unsettling atmosphere that permeated the entire show. These songs, with their haunting melodies and dark lyrics, complemented the tragic tone of the newer material, creating a symmetric and immersive experience for the audience. The inclusion of these tracks not only showcased St. Vincent’s artistic evolution across different genres and lyrical content, but also demonstrated her ability to seamlessly blend her work into a compelling narrative.
With a masterful blend of musicality and theatrical expression, Clark’s demeanor was magnetic, delivering a meticulously crafted, high-energy set that kept the audience thoroughly engaged. Throughout the evening, she artfully wove elements of performance art into her act, with fluid, almost choreographed movements that ranged from daring stage dives to graceful runs across the stage. Her physicality was both intense and deliberate, as she harmoniously transitioned from rolling on the ground to immersing herself in the crowd, amplifying the emotional resonance of the music. These visual and physical dynamics added layers of depth to the performance, transforming the concert into a multisensory experience that left a lasting impression on all who attended.
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In addition to the dramatic elements of her performance, Clark demonstrated her commitment to musical innovation through the use of selectively-designed instruments and advanced technology. She played a selection of custom guitars, some of which featured exaggerated geometric designs that not only stood out visually but also allowed for a distinct tonal range. One of the most captivating aspects of her set up was a mouth-controlled dynamic effects processor and synthesizer, which she used to manipulate her vocals in real time, creating a range of otherworldly sounds that added depth and complexity to her music. An extension of this innovative approach was her use of unconventional tunings and intricate pedal work that allowed her to push the boundaries of traditional guitar sounds. These elaborate musical choices contributed to the overall richness of the concert, making it not just a visual spectacle but also a feast for the ears, with each song offering a new layer of auditory intrigue.
As Clark transitioned into the upbeat pop tracks “Sugarboy” and “All Born Screaming,” the energy in the venue escalated. Fans responded with renewed enthusiasm, dancing and singing along. The lighting design intensified, casting vivid red and white flashes across the stage and audience to create a vibrant and immersive atmosphere. Each meticulous beat and riff added to the growing intensity, building up to a powerful and memorable finale that resonated throughout the crowd.
With a boundary-pushing spectacle that seamlessly fused music, performance art and emotional depth, St. Vincent’s “All Born Screaming Tour” solidified her status as a visionary artist.
Email Sican at [email protected] or tweet @EricSicanDB.