A concert-going experience is usually defined by two factors: the musicians themselves, and the venue that is hosting them. Rarely do the two sync- either the band could be having an off-night, or the equipment could be taking the plunge, but it’s a rare moment when both the artist and the acoustics bond to create a harmonic experience.
The Casbah is one of the most famous venues in San Diego, but as with any long-standing fixture, it has its fans and its detractors. A quick look-up on Yelp indicates an overly positive response, but the comments split evenly on whether it has the best or the worst sound in San Diego. Regardless of one’s feelings on the matter, this particular evening, the audio was assuredly on point.
This was a two band show, with an opening DJ for ambiance. Normally these guns-for-hire would be content to spin their iPod on random, but DJ Blacq Shampoo hosted an exemplary set. Aside from having the best name in the business, he kept the crowd bobbing with hip-hop, electronica and ambient music, while resisting the urge to make mash-ups or let Girl Talk do it for him.
Once the time came, opener Pollyn took the stage and put on a lovely 45 minute set, with their brand of ambient electro-pop being punctuated by the delightful and siren-like voice of singer Genevieve Artadi. She is a commanding presence, and had they been the headliner, definitely an evening to remember. Her voice weaved naturally into the rhythm, but also offered a distinct pitch that made their performance extraordinary. Artadi also possessed a wonderful sense of humor, at one point joking that they were holding open recruitment in the audience for the remainder of the show. She had all the qualities a good songstress should possess, including charisma and a slight air of mystery, but also a human element, as she was very appreciative of the fan response to all her songs, quietly mumbling a “Thank You” within sets. Pollyn thanked the crowd, and then Little Dragon took the stage.
Hailing from Gothesburg, Sweden, Little Dragon is a band composed of (by their looks) three Vikings and their Japanese commandress, with the most ferocious beard belonging to keyboardist Håkan Wirenstrand. The band has been slowly gaining attention since their eponymous 2007 debut, but currently they are touring in support of their 2009 album Machine Dreams. The band had a spotlight grabbing aesthetic, especially lead singer Yukimi Nagano. In the shadow of Artadi and Pollyn, Little Dragon has a daunting task to accomplish. Nagano appeared possessed, shaking her hand-held instrument and spasming up and down the stage as the band provided her an electronic platform. Highlights of their performance include a version of single “My Step” that managed to make a superior cut from their album into an energetic and vibrant live performance, that inspired the mostly stoic audience to sway and move along. Little Dragon’s performance was superlative, and a lot had to do with their work ethic.
Nagano was energetic throughout, despite showing signs of sickness and a strain in her throat. At the 45 minute point, the band thanks the audience and departed. Amid catcalls, the band came back on and asked, “Do you want to hear one more? Just one more?” Met with unanimous approval, one song turned into a 45 minute encore, complete with more sing-a-longs and dance offs, and the smile never left Nagano’s face as she moved like lightning across the stage. Perhaps she knew something the audience didn’t, but based on her ethic, she loved the crowd as much as the crowed loved her. Little Dragon came on stage as a slumbering beast, and with the support of their audience, they set the stage of the Casbah alight.
by Rafael Gaitan
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