The Violent Femmes. Oh boy, what a band. They really can’t be restrained to one genre or label, they’re just something you have to experience for yourself to understand. Their self-titled album was released in 1983, and this year’s tour commemorates the album’s 40th anniversary. Since forming in 1979, the Violent Femmes have inspired many pioneering folk punk acts with their edgy, unusual, and often depressing tunes. The band has released 10 studio albums featuring songs such as “Blister in the Sun,” “Add It Up,” “Kiss Off,” and “American Music.”
The Violent Femmes played at Chicago’s Riviera on October 5th with opening act Elizabeth Moen, whose performance I unfortunately missed. This was my first time visiting the Riviera, but I expect more opportunities to come. Much of the audience seemed to be between 30 and 50, and I might have been the youngest person to willingly attend the concert. The crowd wasn’t as energetic as I had hoped for, and it was pretty crowded. Still, it was nice to be able to dance, whereas at other shows I go to, the “dancing” would just be running around and throwing punches hoping nobody gets too hurt.
Instruments such as a fiddle, to a conch shell, and even a grill, made the performance unique and memorable. In all these forty-something years of performing, Gordon’s voice has not changed a bit. I was astonished that this talented band sounded the exact same live as they did in their studio recordings. The overall performance was good. The band played their entire first album front to back, as well as other hits. My favorite songs by the Femmes are Country Death Song, Color Me Once and Freak Magnet.
Overall Ratings
Venue: 7/10. Don’t have anything against it, it just didn’t have anything special/unique.
People: 6/10. Again, nothing special. Mostly older people, low energy, nobody I can really talk to or connect with.
Performance: 10/10. fantastic performance from a fantastic and iconic band.
Overall: 8/10. Enjoyable and memorable show.
