Arena Rock: St. Vincent and Wildbirds & Peacedrums
Photo by Naomi Kavka.
St. Vincent and Wildbirds & Peacedrums
Element, Feb. 3
As a few wispy clouds of fog spewed out of the smoke machines in the basement-like environs of Element, two unassuming figures took the stage. Coming all the way from the frozen Nordic terrain of Sweden were openers Wildbirds & Peacedrums.
This husband and wife duo, Mariam Wallentin and Andreas Weliin, launched into their eerie and experimental set with alacrity and punch to spare.
To witness Wildbirds & Peacedrums live is to witness the reinvention of diva singing. That, combined with tribal percussive beats, resulted in an intense, searching, and joyously singular set—I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it. When they left the stage it was obvious by the stunned crowd that they’re a tough act to follow.
Up to the challenge and kicking off an extensive North American tour was St. Vincent (a.k.a. Annie Clark). With a reputation for quirky orchestral pop and a penchant for playing gnarly guitar, she didn’t disappoint.
Clark oozed charisma the second she glided onto the stage and her presence commanded the room, as was indicated by the constant crowd chattering her undeniable cuteness.
Her stage banter was charming almost beyond measure as she laughed and smiled appreciatively, her large, candid green eyes aglow as she informed the enthralled crowd that she was “feeling rowdy tonight, and a bit ruckus.”
Clark seriously shredded her guitar and—backed by a stellar band—charged like a freight train through emotional and telling songs. Her set consisted mostly of her latest album, Actor, and a standout solo rendition of the Beatles’ “Dig a Pony” made for a glorified piece of azure sky.
With her slight frame and dream girl visage, it almost seemed like you could knock Clark down with a feather. But when she breathed heavy into that microphone, her evocative and haunting voice made captives of us all.
It was one of the best nights out any music fan could’ve hoped for, and one almost without peer. Annie, come visit us again soon, and bring those stupendous Swedes back with you.
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