2023-11-14 09:55:22
November 20th, Blonde Redhead will perform at the Factory as part of the album presentation tour Sit down for dinner.
Beginnings
Formed in 1993 in New York, Blonde Redhead is an indie rock band consisting of Kazu Makino (vocals, guitar), twin brothers Amedeo (vocals, guitar) and Simone Pace (drums). Makino had left Kyoto to escape his parents’ attempts to sabotage his musical ambitions, while the Pace twins had left Italy behind to study jazz at Berklee College of Music in Boston. They then moved to New York, where they played regularly in a restaurant and a nightclub. A mutual friend thought the trio should play together. The band’s name is inspired by a song from the album A Taste of DNAfrom the group of no wave from the early 1980s, DNA.
L’influence de Sonic Youth
Blonde Redhead’s beginnings were strongly influenced by the artistic and musical movement of the noise scene of the 1990s. The most perceptible influence is that of Sonic Youth, both in terms of sonic experimentation, ambiance and music. multidisciplinary artistic engagement. Both groups experimented with dissonant chords, unusual tunings and unconventional playing techniques.
Like Sonic Youth, the band focused on creating complex, tense, and emotional sonic atmospheres through prepared guitars and manipulated strings. However, Blonde Redhead has developed her own style over the years. Oscillating between noise experiments and pop melodies, the group’s sound combines elements of alternative rock, shoegaze and art rock.
In an expression of the inexpressible
The first two albums, Blonde Redhead (1995) et My violent life (1997), strongly influenced by noise rockare published on the label Smells Like Records by Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelley. Blonde Redhead then recorded three albums for the Touch And Go label: Fake can be just as good (1997), In an expression of the inexpressible (1998) et Melody of certain damaged lemons (2000).
In an expression of the inexpressible marks a turning point in the band’s career with a remarkable change in sound. Hailed by critics due to its creativity and new musical direction, the album presents more accessible pieces with more melodic sounds than its predecessors. It is often considered the most important of their career and as a reference in the independent music movement of the 1990s. It testifies to the group’s ability to reinvent itself while retaining its identity.
An asserted sound identity
Blonde Redhead then continued her musical journey exploring various styles, while maintaining her signature sound and experimental approach with albums. Misery Is a Butterfly (2004), 23 (2007) et Penny Sparkle (2010), all on the 4AD label.
Misery Is a Butterfly is often considered a turning point in Blonde Redhead’s sound. A skillful blend of elements of indie rock, dream pop and shoegaze, the album is characterized by its richness and emotional aspect. It features complex arrangements, sumptuous orchestrations and a cinematic atmosphere. Songs such as Elephant Woman highlight the captivating voice of Kazu Makino, while the compositions explore melancholic and sometimes dark themes.
23 continues in line with the musical evolution of the group. More experimental and electronic than its predecessors, it explores larger sonic territories, with complex sound textures and innovative rhythms. The album features a balanced combination of experimentation and catchy melodies.
Penny Sparkle takes the listener towards more electronic and atmospheric sounds. It features more stripped-down production and minimalist arrangements. Makino’s voice, placed on subtle electronic layers, is highlighted on titles like Here Sometimes et Not Getting There. The contemplative and introspective tone of the album surprised some of the public. However, this change in direction speaks to Blonde Redhead’s constant desire to explore new horizons.
In 2014, the group self-produced the album Barragan, whose title pays homage to Mexican architect Luis Barragán, known for his expressive use of color and light in architectural design. On this album, Blonde Redhead returns to a more organic aesthetic, with stripped-down songs that emphasize simplicity. The lyrics explore themes of loneliness, nostalgia and the search for meaning. We feel a certain maturity in terms of composition and emotional expression.
Sit down for dinner
Sit down for dinner (2023) is among Blonde Redhead’s best work. The resurgence of the group is remarkable when it was thought that Kazu Makino had definitively turned his back on the Pace brothers, following the release of his solo work, Adult Baby in 2019.
However, following an absence of nearly a decade, the immersive and meticulous latest album is a testament to the internal logic that Blonde Redhead has honed over its three decades of existence. The time apart has engendered a respect for what they can accomplish together and individually. Amedeo speaks admiringly of Makino’s determination on this album while Makino praises Amedeo’s craftsmanship. The result is a suite of melancholy pop that speaks to very adult concerns, problems without easy solutions, with their characteristic honesty.
Having toured around the world, Blonde Redhead has earned a reputation for her captivating stage performances. In concert, the band manages to recreate the emotional intensity of their studio recordings while adding a distinct energy. Blonde Redhead’s concerts are often described as atmospheric and powerful, captivating audiences with their characteristic blend of styles. The setlist varies, covering different periods of their career and providing a diverse experience for their fans. In short, the Blonde Redhead concert promises an immersive and dynamic musical experience.
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