Last night me and my friend experienced the incredible Claire Boucher aka "Grimes" at the Hard Rock Cafe. She was amazing live as expected! Kind of surreal actually. Grimes is an epitome of real talent. I think artists like her deserve a big extravagant show with fire dancers, circus animals and flying unicorns. You know, normal stuff.
Eyedress opening for Grimes (I need to know that song that sounded like 'Midnight City')
She played a quick set of 8 songs which I'm glad I knew 7/8. She opened the show with "Symphonia IX"
Awesome crowd, elf music, trippy lights, some go-go dancers(maybe not), and a great view of Claire Boucher. That's all you need on a well-spent Thursday night.
Setlist:
Symphonia IX
Vanessa
Circumambient (Dancers appeared out of nowhere. I kinda wish that didn't happen..)
Oblivion
Nightmusic(Favorite from the 'Visions' album! So good live!)
Be A Body
Genesis (Didn't really appreciate this song on its first release but views changed after hearing it live!)
Phone Sex(Most anticipated track! I was surprised I was the only one singing along in my area.)
I was hoping she would play"Urban Twilight"though. That would be so amazing! But overall, the setlist was a good mix.
Don't miss out on this! If you get the chance to see her, go! You won't regret it.
When I heard The Pains of Being Pure at Heart were heading to Manila, I knew I couldn't miss it! I went with my friend Nicole who I haven't seen for ages! We saw Peggy, Kip and Alex outside! Who knew we would meet them right away and the show hasn't even started. Good thing we were a bit early!
Spotted Kurt (drummer) a few minutes upon entering the venue!
Bee Eyes were the first opening act. I've seen them play before but only last night that I realized how good they sound.
The Camerawalls(fronted by Clem Castro of Clementine/former guitarist of Orange and Lemons)went on stage next. I don't know any of their songs except for"A Beginning Of Something Wonderful"which was an Orange and Lemons cover. Looks like I'm downloading a few EPs tonight...
Attending gigs always lead me to a discovery of great songs. Double whammy.
Finally, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart went on stage with"This Love Is Fucking Right"for song number one.
So the rumors that Connor Hanwick of The Drums will be playing with them was confirmed when a fifth member hit the stage. He plays drums for The Drums. The Drums plays him for drums. Plays drums him for The Drums. Okay, I'll stop...
He was smooth on guitar as he is on the drums! Despite the technical difficulty...
I got a few favorite tracks on video. Forgot "Say No To Love"though. I was too busy being in awe...
"Heart In Your Heartbreak"
"Falling Over"
"Young Adult Friction"
Peggy Wang is a hipster Cousin It on keyboards! I love it.
Pop dance party!!!
Kip did a mini solo segment of "Contender" in between the encore... Funny how I created this "prediction setlist" playlist on my iPod (of course based from recent previous shows) and it's the exact set! Hah
After the show, I looked for Connor. Even though it was a Pains of Being Pure at Heart show, I wanted to seize the opportunity and meet at least 1/4 of The Drums.
Me:"Hi!!!"
Conner:(Looking unsure why this girl is waving at me)"Hiiiii..."
Me:"Can we have a picture with you?"
Conner:(Still looking unsure)"Oh, sure…"
Conner:"Let's hide here so no one will see."
He's not a big fan of mingling with people obviously but he was kind enough to chill and talk to us backstage.
We stayed and chatted with him while Kip was being raped by fans outside.
I asked him when are The Drums planning to visit Manila and he said he doesn't know but they've been to Jakarta so maybe they'll stop by Manila too someday. He was so beautiful I ran out of things to say good thing my friend Nicole kept the conversation going.
Check out Connor (on drums) in one of my favorite The Drums songs!
Watching that, now that I've met him makes me giddy all over! (plus goosebumps)
(Top and leather shorts from Forever 21, Vintage denim vest, Bag from Bangkok, Loafers from H&M)
Over all, it was a pretty awesome show. Another check off my"Bands I need to see"list!
