Words by Veronica Maier
Once again, the notorious Black Lips return to Heaven, London. Looking back on their wildest shows at the same venue from 2008 and 2011, this Tuesday night was bound to be one to remember.
After Joanie and October and the Eyes warmed up the crowd, the leather-clad rebels finally appeared on stage to meet their fans. As the band marched on stage and saxophone player Zumi Rosow greeted the public with a graceful bow, the first toilet roll begins to unfold from the stage into the crowd. This was a strange and humorous surprise. Black Lips dominated the stage and gripped the audience with a sense of energy and excitement that was palpable from the very beginning. They launched into their set with a series of high-octane, fast-paced tracks such as “Slime and Oxygen’’ and ‘’Holding Me Holding You’’ that had the crowd immediately jumping and dancing along.
Throughout the show, the band dazzled the audience with their exquisite musicianship. Lead singer Cole Alexander was delivering each line with a raw intensity that cut through the frenzied instruments. Jared Swilley’s distinctive bass lines offered a solid foundation that provided the thumping heartbeat to the set. With four out of the five band members taking turns on lead vocals and gang vocals frequently used to build up to crescendos, the songs were dynamic and complex.
The band’s ability to seamlessly trade off vocals and layer harmonies added depth to their sound. Scorching guitar riffs, thunderous drums and cymbals energised the songs, whilst Zumi’s saxophone added a smooth, hypnotic early rock and roll tone. During “Get It On Time’’, probably one of their most nostalgia-infused songs, Zumi takes charge on lead vocals, with her raspy, soulful voice reminiscent somewhat of Nico. If anyone could revive this lost Velvet Underground song, it is THE Black Lips.
The band also played songs from their most recent album, Apocalypse Love, such as ‘’Lost Angel”and “Tongue Tied”, diluting the strong country influences from their beginnings. Their sound ergo was an interweaved patchwork of different genres including punk, rockabilly, blues and country, creating a strikingly unique blend. This sound transcended the audience to a dystopian and theatrical realm, taking the audience on a journey through a harsh, dark, but beautiful world.
Even though we received a toned-down version of Black Lips, the energy was kept high, as well as their ability to connect with their fans in a way that few bands can. Overall, Black Lips put on a performance that was nothing short of incredible, not to mention their quirky toilet roll throwing antics. If you have the opportunity to see them live in the next few weeks, do not miss out!
Photographs by Veronica Maier @marezine
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