Mazzy Star w/ Psychic Ills – Mill City Nights, Minneapolis (11/12/13) concert review

Mazzy Star still like to do it in the dark.



For a band that recently reunited after a long absence and haven’t properly toured since 1996, you’d maybe think that they would have become more accessible to their audience, or at least less shy about it… nope. Their purposeful aloofness, silhouetted stage presence, and playing in almost darkness did however, suitably set the mood for a delicate, yet stirring 80 min. performance at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis.

NYC-based experimental psych-rock band Psychic Ills opened with a 45min. set, showcasing their latest release, One Track Mind (Sacred Bones Records) with an equally aloof performance in limited lighting. Tom Gluibizzi (guitar/keyboards) droned and soundshaped while Tres Warren (vocals) sang songs like ‘One More Time’ and ‘See You There’ with tall, lanky Elizabeth Hart (bass) stepping out of the shadows occasionally, smoke from incense on the keyboard wafting throughout.

In that sense, they proved a perfect opener for Mazzy Star, and sounded at times like The Velvet Underground and Jesus and Mary Chain; so much so, that I was wishing Hope Sandoval would appear to duet on ‘Sometimes Always’ with them.

photo of the ‘no photo sign’

There was a strict no-photography rule in place for the evening, so you’ll just have to visualize the stage set up for Mazzy Star, but it’s exactly as you probably imagined it- near darkness, save a few well-placed candles, with on-screen images of monochromatic slow motion nature scenes, stars, and circa 1890’s stereoscopic photos. Singer Hope Sandoval had a multi-tier wrought iron stand next to her that held her harmonica, percussion, a few candles, and a glass of red wine. Gothic lounge music piped in between songs, as the players re-tuned their instruments and Sandoval casually flicked through her mounted tablet, for lyrics to the next song. Guitarist David Roback was perched in a corner, alternating between acoustic and electric, and seated and standing.

Photo of Setlist

The band covered all periods of their catalogue, beginning with ‘Look On Down from the Bridge’ and ‘Cry Cry’ from 1996’s Among My Swan. ‘In the Kingdom’ followed, the first of several new tracks from their latest, Seasons of Your Day (on Rhymes of Your Hour) and held the mostly hushed audience captive. Sure, there was the usual rude/drunken yelling for favorite songs and more lighting, but most of the crowd stayed primarily silent (with electronics off) in reverence for the duration.

‘She Hangs Brightly’ soared with angelic vocals from Sandoval and trademark guitar sound from Roback, a key element missing from her other band, The Warm Inventions, and the crowd settled in during their biggest hit, ‘Fade Into You’. ‘Blue Flower’ and ‘Disappear’ were even more mesmerizing than on record and the main set ended on an atmospheric high note.

The encore began with the new album’s first single, ‘California’ and continued with an extended ‘So Tonight That I Might See’ , Roback and four-piece band swirling with trippy hypnotic notes while Sandoval’s spoken word and captivating vocals enthralled until the end, with Roback resting his guitar on amp as the feedback continued for their exit.

Though the band has been away for a long time, vocals and technique have all seemed to have stayed intact and the mood concert setting only reinforces what they desire, as the ideal vision for their songs. So, assuming you can get a ticket to any of their remaining shows; expect to immerse yourself in the total scope, of all that is still very much Mazzy Star.

john
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