Photos and review by Heather Sampson
If you’ve ever wondered what an intimate, all-goth-vibes tour looks like in today’s music scene, The Rasmus, supported by Death Valley Dreams and Saint Agnes, might just be the epitome of it.
The all-indie, alternative lineup has something for everyone, with influences and sounds ranging from synthwave to punk, industrial to melodic, melancholic and dark, and metal to catchy and energetic. The setting in a small club in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood only adds to the experience. A small, backlit stage just a couple of feet off the floor offers the audience close proximity to the bands during their performances. For those who prefer a little distance and height, El Corazón has that covered, too. A separate bar area, where patrons can enjoy their adult beverages while still having a view of the stage, helps prevent accidental beer spills. In typical club fashion, the walls are dark, the lighting is low and sparse, and skull designs can be spotted here and there.
Death Valley Dreams opened the night. I only caught the very end of their set, but what I saw was solid. They rocked the stage dressed head to toe in black, including one member sporting a wide-brimmed fedora. Their performance was tight, with a beat that made you want to move and helped set the tone for the night. I wish I had been able to catch their entire set.
Up next came Saint Agnes. A quartet hailing from the UK on their very first US tour thanks to The Rasmus. At the helm is Kitty who may make you think of a more Gothy than Punk Joan Jett. On the mic she not only has powerful vocals, and commanding presence, but also offers insight into their music. Songs covering personal grief, social division, written for best friends, about not letting others control you, all packaged in heavy, hard hitting, edgy, high energy music and performance that pulls you in, gets you moving and offers something cathartic. The ragey, rebellious nature of their music really brought an overall Punk vibe to the performance.
With bassist George roaming the stage, leaping into the air, and even manning a keyboard; drummer Andy tucked behind and to the side, his long blond hair flashing through the air as he skillfully played; guitarist Jon using a darker corner of the stage as his backdrop; and Kitty commanding everyone’s attention, the band delivered a powerful performance alongside some great music. Being bored or disinterested was not an option. Hands down, this is a band to catch live.
The band has been enjoying its time touring the States, pleasantly surprised by how welcoming people have been. They’ve enjoyed Philly cheesesteaks while in Philadelphia, continued their search for a good cup of coffee, and are closing in on enough hours driving the van to equal 10 days. They hope to return next year and do it all again. I would welcome that wholeheartedly.
Finally, it was time for The Rasmus to take the stage. The crowd moved in closer, the intro started, and we waited in the darkness for the band to appear. As the lights came up, they opened with the high energy of “Break These Chains,” which indeed broke the chains of anticipation. The moment many had been waiting for all night had finally arrived, and the crowd was thrilled.
Though El Corazón is a small club, which, in my opinion, offers some of the best concert experiences, The Rasmus have a way of making a show feel even more intimate. You feel invited into something personal, and maybe even sacred.
Something I appreciated, even if not every audience member caught it, was seeing Lauri stop here and there to smile as he watched Empu play guitar. At times, he seemed to be taking a moment to appreciate being onstage and performing, too. There is a deep camaraderie between the members as they perform. It’s evident in how they riff off one another verbally and musically, and in how they move around the stage to engage with each other in ways that feel more organic than showy. It’s obvious they’re seasoned performers who know their craft and have honed their ability to work together into an art. They are confident and comfortable onstage.
Each member contributes to the connection with the crowd, not just through the music. Whether Empu is creating a competition between her side of the room and Eero’s or Lauri is sharing how this is his first time in Seattle and how he dreamed of performing there since he was 10, the band invites the audience into a more intimate experience.
Balancing that intimacy is the high energy they bring as performers. Empu brings intensity and energy, Eero has a grounded but powerful presence, and Aki, though in the background, is the band’s bold, powerful beating heart. Meanwhile, Lauri is up front, head thrown back as he energetically sings his heart out.
They brought that energy to every song, and the crowd loved it, especially during “F-F-F-Falling,” “In My Life,” and “Weirdo.” The whole floor shook as much of the crowd jumped up and down at the band’s request. After “Weirdo” came “In the Shadows,” a truly beloved song. The entire room shook as the audience jumped along, and the drums sounded even louder and fuller, sweeping you up in the rhythm. What a way to wrap up the show!
The band exited the stage as the crowd clapped and cheered, but they weren’t quite done yet. Lauri returned with an acoustic guitar, backlit in red, for a solo performance of “Sail Away.” To truly bring the night to a close, they amped things up again with “Love Is a Bitch” before taking their final bows.
In my experience, a Rasmus show is never a letdown, regardless of the crowd size or where it takes place. Maybe it’s not just because the band is that good and so much fun live, but also because of the exchange between the band and the crowd. That connection is what makes the show what it is: an intimate, unforgettable experience where mutual appreciation is shared.
The Rasmus Photo Gallery
Saint Agnes Photo Gallery
