by Taylor Johnson
Lowell started the night off loudly at Johnny Brenda’s, providing a unique experience full of explosive beats and piercing guitar melodies. The musical style was not unlike Sleigh Bells, the notorious noise pop duo hailing from Brooklyn. Lowell’s music brought with it a euphoric burst of energy. In your face, but pretty too.
Lowell was definitely the center focus on stage, accompanied only by her silent friend on guitar. Both wore over-sized T-shirts with giant cat faces printed across their chests. The brief set consisted of a handful of songs for which Lowell looped her delicate voice and thrashed about the stage, urging everyone to dance.
(all photos by Taylor Johnson)
When the audience failed to reply, Lowell took it upon herself to get the party started; hopping off stage and dancing with select members of the crowd and rolling around on the ground. At one point, Lowell jumped up on the back of a spectator and swung her arm around in celebration. The crowd was shy at first, but Lowell’s persistence eventually turned her performance into an engaging and fun way to start the night.
As Lowell’s set came to an end, Generationals’ fans began to shuffle in at a steady pace. The venue filled up surprisingly fast, and before I knew it I was surrounded by attendees eagerly awaiting the duo. Generationals consist of Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer; both on guitar, vocals, and synth.
Soothing introductory music played as the pair took stage with their live bassist and drummer. You could hear the hearts throb as the duo took the front of the stage. Then the music was cut off abruptly when the band ambitiously jumped right into their first song.
Johnny Brenda’s noteworthy lightshow erupted behind the act, which was beautifully complemented by the band’s own iconic lights attached to Joyner and Widmer’s equipment (two equal signs shining bright). Together, the duo claimed the stage. At times, the tightness of the performance made one forget the size of the venue. They really felt like a big act, even on such a modest stage. The turnout suggested that the band would have no problem filling a larger room.
Joyner’s voice was transformative, higher than one might imagine, and it played nicely off of Widmer’s more familiar vocals and the dreamy contemporary tones that shaped their songs. Elements of Brit Pop seeped into their modern indie feel and each song felt fresh until the very end.
When the performance was over, the crowd shuffled out with a newfound energy; their spirits being sparked early on by Lowell and later fully ignited by Generationals impressive set list. Maybe a little beer too.
