Blaqk Audio w/ Night Riots
The Crocodile, Seattle, WA
05.11.16
The line at The Crocodile started modest and early, but it didn’t take long before it outgrew the block, stretching around the corner. The early faithful to Blaqk Audio, the night’s headlining act, were unsurprisingly also huge fans of heavy rock band AFI. With their debut album release, CexCells, in 2007, Blaqk Audio is the electronic side project of AFI’s lead signer Davey Havok and guitarist (turned DJ, keyboardist, and mixer) Jade Puget. With the recent release of their third album, Material, BA set out on tour with openers Charming Liars and label-mates Night Riots.
Charming Liars took the stage first and got the crowd dancing with hits like “Out Of My Head.” Half of the band members are from London, and the other half from L.A. With an eclectic blend like that you get some impressive high-pitched vocals meeting a rocking sound. They were certainly entraining, as the drummer sprayed water over his kit, creating a visual misting effect that complimented their alt-rock sound. They ended with their new single “Soul,” which easily an up-and-coming radio hit. It’s just that type of energetic and heartfelt.
Night Riots commanded the stage next, starting their set with “Disappear” which soon blended into a rock version of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.” The five-piece band had the crowd on their toes all night as they ramped up the noise, only to bring to back down. And I really do mean down. They played as they laid on the stage. The energy kicked in again with an eclectic light show and upbeat sound complimented best by a disco ball.
The best visual description for the lead singer was a Loki or Fabio with a commanding vocal stage presence. Maybe it was the puffed, black Seinfeld shirt he was wearing that did not actually look half bad. Their moody, robust, and captivating performance had a Red Hot Chili Peppers vibe with vocals akin to Brandon Flowers of The Killers.
At long last, around 11pm, the beloved Blaqk Audio began. For fans having waited for over five hours, their arrival could not have come sooner.
Starting off with a fast and energy-filled opening song, “Again, Again, And Again,” the crowd cheered as each member walked on stage. Electronic sound filled the room and the beats felt like a drum inside your chest. There was absolutely no downtime, as the end of one song seamlessly led into the beginning of another, except when Havok would take sips of his coconut water. The same can be said for the energy level throughout the night. It was fast paced and exhilarating. Synthesizers and electronic drum beats, each song being unique in its own way, Puget kept each track coming, playing an even mix off their three albums all night.
Fans lovingly and enthusiastically chanted the lyrics and danced along. There was so much appreciation for BA, overwhelming the sold out venue. Fans kept their hands in the air, reaching out for Havok in the hope to touch him, as he played the edge of the stage and in a number of instances got right into their faces. The fans loved every second of it. The feeling must have been mutual as Havok paused from his set to proclaim, “Seattle, you are fucking amazing!”
Dressed in a white suite and fitted red shirt, Havoc quickly took off the jacket as he danced all over the stage. Puget kept the tracking music and backup vocals coming from behind two Apple laptops, mixing table, and synthesizer, leaving ample room for Havok to own the stage, his body and dance movements a gestural extension of each song. Known for his dramatic stage presence in AFI, he went to another level of theatrics with Blaqk Audio to bring the songs to life.
After returning to the stage for an encore, they started with a cover of Erasure’s “A Little Respect,” then ended their set with their most energetic, lively, and danceable song, “Semiotic Love”. The crowd erupted into cheering as they gave it all they had and so did Havok.
Review by Allie Leaf
Photos by Logan Westom
Blaqk Audio
Night Riots
Charming Liars
