Gothic, neo-folk Queen, Chelsea Wolfe sold out the Bluebird and got moved to the Gothic this Halloweekend, and what a pleasure it was!
Photo by Jess L. Paul
Youth Code, opener and duo from Los Angeles was an important addition to this bill, and not only because of the female front person. The group has been described as industrial music with hardcore angst, and they are on the forefront of genre EBM. EBM stands for electronic body music, which is simply a mix of the industrial and electronic genres. The group had an electric energy, and started off the show with an angsty bang.
The ambience was eerie enough for the spirit of the season, but so beautiful it could evoke tears out of those of us emo enough. Industrial, electronic, folky, and gothic, Chelsea Wolfe’s music is hard to define, and I take it she likes it that way as her albums showcase an ever changing style. With lyrics that are obviously very personal, but still somehow manage to speak to her fans, she manages to evoke her experienced emotions out of her crowd. “16 Psyche”, “Vex”, and “Carrion Flowers” were all awesome, although I can’t be the only one who wishes more of her older work had been incorporated into the set.
Local photographer Jess L. Paul said, “My highlight was definitely when Sara Taylor from Youth Code came out and did Aaron Turner’s parts for the song “Vex”. It was killer to see that song live and to see the interaction between Wolfe and Taylor.”
Chelsea Wolfe and Sara Taylor from Youth Code perform "Vex". Photo by Jess L. Paul
Hiss Spun, the album Wolfe is currently promoting on tour came out this September and showcases her beautiful voice, along with the talents of Troy Van Leeuwen (guitarist from Queens Of The Stone Age), and long-time collaborator/floating band member, Ben Chisholm. I can’t wait until this songstress seduces us once more with her melodically mashed sludge metal.
Try saying that five times fast. hehe