You know that feeling you get when you hear an album and after a few minutes of listening to it, you feel compelled to HAVE TO go see the band live? In early 2016 The Black Queen which features Greg Puciato (of The Dillinger Escape Plan), Joshua Eustis (of Telefon Tel Aviv) and Steven Alexander (former guitar tech for Dillinger and Nine Inch Nails), released their debut album Fever Daydream. The album is drenched in dreamy synth pop, with industrial tinges, and stunning melodies. There is a true sense of inspiration in these songs when you listen. There is something more to The Black Queen though, and for you to really grasp it all, you must see them live.
The Black Queen are quite spectacular live. There is a sort of hypnotic trance that comes through their performance. The normally very eccentric and wild card performances that most fans of singer Greg Puciato’s other band The Dillinger Escape Plan, are toned back and instead, Greg delivers a much more subdued yet empowering performance fronting this band. Not only does Greg have one hell of a voice, but you can tell in how he delivers his words, that there is more to him than you thought. Handling the electronics and synths is the very talented Joshua Eustis of the underrated Telefon Tel Aviv. His ability to create atmosphere and a vibe through the use of synths, adds another dimension to the band. Steven Alexander adds an extra layer with his guitar playing. His use of distortion and delay, really does add a lovely sense of heaviness.
Drenched with smoke and sparce light, the sounds of the beginning of “Strange Quark” filled the room, the smoke and lights beginning to shine, with each member appearing on stage. From there to “Distanced,” the set begins in an almost dramatic fashion, as though there is a story being told. Other highlights of the set came when “That Death Cannot Touch,” “Silent Scream, ” “The End Where We Start,” “Ice To Never” were played. The sheer volume of the audience singing along, took the show to another level. By the end of the set when they played “Apocalypse Morning” everyone in attendance was absolutely transfixed by the charm and sensations of the music.
Do yourselves a favor, pick up The Black Queen‘s album Fever Daydream and keep watch for when they come back around and play in your area. It will be a night you won’t forget, and it juts might leave you inspired and feel uplifted!
Review By: Brian Lacy
Photos By: Alisa Lacy
The Black Queen- Fever Daydream:
