Soulsavers @ Blender Theater at Gramercy

I went to see Soulsavers last night featuring Mark Lanegan. I'll admit that I wasn't really sure what I was getting myself into. I just ended up going to the show to hang out with Mike, but I was pleasantly surprised. I had heard a little on MySpace and loved the dark, serious nature of Mark Lanegan's vocals over the dramatic music.

The crowd was like half industry, half fans. It was my first time at the Blender Theater, and I didn't like the $7 beer. Ouch. Where's the $3 PBR? I am poor and thirsty!

I didn't realize there was an opener, and it turned out to be Wild Light, who I have been curious about -- especially because they've been touring with Arcade Fire. During their set, I was trying to figure out who they reminded me of -- but it was really hard to pinpoint. I guess they've been compared to Arcade Fire, but I kept thinking of bands like The Cure and The Jam... maybe even sometimes emo, especially on the vocals. On a lot of the songs, three singers would harmonize. It didn't seem to be their night however -- a fan from the crowd yelled "Call it an early night." I guess they were anxious to see Soulsavers. The band just replied with something like "suck my dick" and moved on to rock the rest of their set. I like when bands can work through hecklers. Hecklers are so rude.



Before the Soulsavers crept up on stage, there was a hypnotic purple light show and some ambient mood music. As the band walked on stage one by one, there was a certain sense of drama and suspense. Mark Lanegan's deep voice and sturdy stance was so... masculine. Kind of a turn on, honestly. He sort of reminded me of a mix between the dark sexiness of the late Mark Sandman from Morphine and the soulfulness of John Doe from X with a brooding attitude. The combination was intoxicating to watch.

See for yourselves... More Soulsavers dates below:
November 28 @ North Star (Philly)
November 29 @ Black Cat (DC)
December 1 @ The Independent (San Francisco)
December 2 @ Troubadour (Los Angeles)