Shabazz Palaces

The first concert of the year that I actually loved? Hell yeah.

Accurate depiction of me last week

       Heck, most of last week was pretty damn good in terms of concerts: Audion, Shabazz Palaces, Kelela and Majical Cloudz, ending with Mark Kozelek. (The latter two I will be reviewing shortly). God damn I love Noise Pop, it's a lot like SXSW except not in the sweltering heat and it doesn't cost 600 chuckle fucking dollars for a badge.

But I digress. Review time.

Opener #1: Extra Classic

        The best way I can describe this band is a chilled out Stevie Nicks.

       By that I mean it's classic rock with a female singer and a chilled out groove. I'd call it reggae-esque, but that's pushing it. Cool tunes and the singer had a great voice. Would see again.

Opener #2: Cities Aviv

WHAT?! 

SAY AGAIN I CAN'T HEAR YOU

WH... WHAT?!

BRRRRRRRRRRRR

        I tweeted that this guy could've been the best rapper in the world but I couldn't understand him underneath the massive amounts of bass and shitty samples. Most of which he was struggling to maintain. After I sent that tweet, he actually rapped without the heavy beat and I was able to hear him and guess what: he wasn't that great. I even had a guy with his girlfriend walk in front of me while I was sitting down and mention "Man, this guy blows." before leaving.

Headliner: Shabazz Palaces

       Awesome.

He knows what's up.

 
       The thing that made this whole thing work was teamwork. Both of the guys worked perfectly off each other, dancing in sync as well as the beat. This was everything that Cities Aviv wasn't. Well put together, clear and concise, and they looked like they were having just the best of time. 

       Halfway through the performance, Tendai gestured to Butterfly and said "This guy. Best rapper alive." and he isn't half wrong. He sounds like the kind of guy who practiced and trained for the years between now and Digable and he even looks young. 

Overall:

       The last time I saw these guys was back in 2011 at Treasure Island when Black Up was just released and it was refreshing to see them in a much smaller venue where they belong. It was also great to know they are working on a whole lot of new material which will be on an album in June/July, and it all sounds just as good.

Score: 9/10