by Donte Kirby
Gold and Youth, a four piece from Vancouver opened the night to a sparse crowd. That didn’t stop the band from playing with the energy and enthusiasm of a full room.
The band’s sound was dark, yet uptempo and danceable to the degree of a genuine two step. The band frequently alternated instruments between songs, the guitarist would switch to bass, the lead singer to guitar, and the bassist to the keyboard. Through all this their sound was never faltered or drastically changed. They played songs off their latest album, Beyond Wilderness, which they describe as introverted, one where you “take a bath, have a joint, and listen to the album.”
The Jezabels (photo credit, Donte Kirby)
When The Jezabels hit the stage Johnny Brenda’s show floor was packed. They were clad in black and looked like consummate professionals and the band acted as such. The Jezabels show had that crisp quality and captivating aura of a headliner. Hayley Mary’s charisma on stage was undeniable. She danced freely, her movement invited the audience to do the same and they danced together the whole set. The Jezabels is a cult following waiting to happen, if it hasn’t already.
Gold and Youth and The Jezabels were complementary to one another. Together they put on a show that from start to finish engaged the audience. The Jezabels so much so they came out for an encore. I for one am looking forward to the next time these two bands perform in Philly.
