Cold Cave played to a sold out Mercury Lounge (photos never lie) on a very cold Thursday night. There was a line of eager fans waiting to get in as well as a severe fire that occurred two blocks down that resulted in the street getting closed off, media trucks, police diverting traffic, and plenty of fire trucks. The night was already shaping up to be an interesting one before the first note was even played. When Cold Cave finished up their set, the night lived up to all of the early anticipation and this promising Philadelphia band delivered the goods in the most chilling and introspective of ways; the perfect complement to the harsh winter.
Cold Cave set up a very sparse stage with three synths on stands that included plenty of hidden tools including a holstered iPod and a cassette player. It wasn’t a theatrical performance with dancing and routines; rather the energy and enthusiasm was internal. Although this may be a recipe for a boring show, the set was anything but. The quiet tension and soaring synth hooks brought forth a passion hidden just beneath the surface.
The lights were low setting the scene for a show that had plenty of energy despite initial appearances. Mercury Lounge was packed, turning around after Nite Jewel, there was hardly an empty spot to be seen and people crammed all the way in the back trying to catch a glimpse of the show
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Cold Cave - Life Magazine [MP3]
The audience was an interesting mix of youth and keen observers with discerning ears looking for the next big thing. It was a mellow crowd, not necessarily subdued or comatose. Rather, the attention and gaze was inward, the music onstage channeling an internal tension that oozed through each note. There are compelling undertones to the music that are layered throughout giving the songs a new life. There is plenty of pop to be found and digging through the songs offers up some great rewards.
Read more of the review after the jump
Lead singer Wesley Eisold was dripping with sweat, investing the songs with rawness and passion that was hard to ignore. It was an intense performance that was composed and blended well with Dominick Fernow and Caralee McElroy who were flanking Eisold and channeling their own muse through the music.
Cold Cave’s performance was as much about the music as what that music drew out of you. The swaying or intermittent dancing, the head nodding, there was a great current of energy that could be felt in each track. It’s easy to lump the band as a brooding industrial rehash with new wave leanings and an ear for pop but that’s easy. Love Comes Close was a great debut and one of the better albums of last year due to this unique blend that veers left when you think the song is going to the right. The band refuses to fall into the conventions and trappings of style.
The band received the best responses when first single “Love Comes Close” and new single “Life Magazine” hit. These two tracks were highlights with an infectious beat, beckoning synths and some driven vocals. When the band quietly left the stage and the set was over there was no encore. It may have been an opportunity missed but the band is young and the set was not disappointing. Cold Cave at Mercury Lounge was a gloriously chilly ride, like being in an open air carriage. It was brisk but refreshing, your cheeks are red but your blood is flowing leaving you with a surge of energy and night to revel in it.
Nite Jewel opened up for Cold Cave and they brought plenty of pop, energy, and personality. It’s a throwback to 80’s pop with some fantastic vocals, a busy beat and the live bass really helped. The trio had plenty of energy and the charm melted hearts.
Lead singer Ramona Gonzalez responding to a fan’s proclamation of love made mention of their Valentine’s Day show, her husband not being there, kisses, and how she makes promises that she can keep. It was sharp, quick and funny, adding a presence and creating a connection with the audience.
The songs were easy going, hazy night time club music that feels a bit like Lisa Lisa (as some have pointed out) with a Miami Sound Machine vibe; very mellow, very easy to get into. Gonzalez’ vocals were ethereal whispers that would float in and linger in the best way possible. Songs like “What Did He Say” and “Want You Back” were funky and fun. The band even added a cover of “Shadazz” by Suicide.
The set was good, including some of the best free form dancing by Emily Jane but there is still something missing. The band could definitely let their personality come out more or have another live element to enhance the show, despite these minor gripes the band did a great job and really set the mood for the night.
Cold Cave
Nite Jewel
