Omar Rodríguez-López Group - Bosnian Rainbows @ The Corner Hotel, Melbourne (02/12/2012)
Omar Rodríguez-López does not know the meaning of the word stop. In addition to his much-celebrated work with cult band At The Drive In and more recently in The Mars Volta, Lopez has also released nearly two dozen solo albums, collaborations and soundtracks.
Lopez’s latest project, Bosnian Rainbows is an outlet for Lopez, wanting to focus on a more democratic project. Despite the band not yet having released any material, reputation alone saw the group fill the Corner Hotel on a Sunday evening.
Lopez is joined on stage by current The Mars Volta drummer Deantoni Parks, keyboardist Nicci Kasper and vocalist Teri Gender Bender from the Mexican garage-punk band Le Butcherettes.
As the band begin their set, an animated Bender walks to the front of the stage and looks to eyeball the crowd, almost as if she were sizing up the room. It was obvious from the outset that each member of this remarkably gifted group was going to work hard to ensure that they too, along with Lopez, would earn the crowd’s fixation.
Bosnian Rainbows scarcely paused for breathe between songs, at times it was hard to define when one song finished and another started however at any moment of silence the crowd was forthcoming with approval.
The hour-long set was bountiful in variation and exploration, taking the audience on a cosmic journey. Bender’s presence was completely entrancing up front, her ardent reverb soaked vocals a real feature. The electronic styling of ‘The World Is Worthless’ was driven with the most impossible grooves, each kick drum beat feeling like a shot to the chest. Other set highlights included the manic, ‘Why Do You Smile’ and the desperate ‘I Cry For You’.
Of course the man everyone came to see was in astonishing form. The guitar looks and feels like an extension of Lopez’s arms, his movement feverishly responsive to every note. A rare delight was Lopez providing backing vocals to the night’s final two songs.
Before the curtains closed, an observably shy Lopez introduced each band member and thanked the crowd for their support of live music. Strangely Lopez chose to address the crowd without the aid of a microphone. Testament to the respect Lopez commands, a pin drop could have been heard in the room as he softly spoke.
Though Bosnian Rainbows are yet to release their debut album, this commanding performance could not have been a more glowing endorsement. Those that entered the room curious about the upcoming release will now most certainly be anticipating it.
David Noordhoff
Check out our photos from the night here!
Lopez’s latest project, Bosnian Rainbows is an outlet for Lopez, wanting to focus on a more democratic project. Despite the band not yet having released any material, reputation alone saw the group fill the Corner Hotel on a Sunday evening.
Lopez is joined on stage by current The Mars Volta drummer Deantoni Parks, keyboardist Nicci Kasper and vocalist Teri Gender Bender from the Mexican garage-punk band Le Butcherettes.
As the band begin their set, an animated Bender walks to the front of the stage and looks to eyeball the crowd, almost as if she were sizing up the room. It was obvious from the outset that each member of this remarkably gifted group was going to work hard to ensure that they too, along with Lopez, would earn the crowd’s fixation.
Bosnian Rainbows scarcely paused for breathe between songs, at times it was hard to define when one song finished and another started however at any moment of silence the crowd was forthcoming with approval.
The hour-long set was bountiful in variation and exploration, taking the audience on a cosmic journey. Bender’s presence was completely entrancing up front, her ardent reverb soaked vocals a real feature. The electronic styling of ‘The World Is Worthless’ was driven with the most impossible grooves, each kick drum beat feeling like a shot to the chest. Other set highlights included the manic, ‘Why Do You Smile’ and the desperate ‘I Cry For You’.
Of course the man everyone came to see was in astonishing form. The guitar looks and feels like an extension of Lopez’s arms, his movement feverishly responsive to every note. A rare delight was Lopez providing backing vocals to the night’s final two songs.
Before the curtains closed, an observably shy Lopez introduced each band member and thanked the crowd for their support of live music. Strangely Lopez chose to address the crowd without the aid of a microphone. Testament to the respect Lopez commands, a pin drop could have been heard in the room as he softly spoke.
Though Bosnian Rainbows are yet to release their debut album, this commanding performance could not have been a more glowing endorsement. Those that entered the room curious about the upcoming release will now most certainly be anticipating it.
David Noordhoff
Check out our photos from the night here!