Infinite Games

LIVE REVIEW: THE BLACK QUEEN AT CATCH ONE

After seven years away, The Black Queen made their triumphant return to the stage. The wait for this bands return was well worth it. It’s crazy to think too, that it’s been ten years since their debut album, Fever Daydream, was released. This tour is a celebration of the release of their debut as well as the unveiling of a new live lineup that is truly special.

Los Angeles is a haven for live music and home to some of the most fun venues in the country. The first time I saw The Black Queen ten years ago, was at Catch One. And now for their return they played there again and it felt just right.

As the clock struck midnight, the lights went down and the start of the intro music began to intoxicate the audience. Then Greg, Steve and Danny took the stage to a rousing applause and roar from the crown and instantly began with the great “Ice To Never.” From there it was just an incredible onslaught of banger after banger featuring “Secret Scream,” “The End Where We Start” and “That Death Cannot Touch.” The trifecta of those songs is enough to make one’s head explode with excitement. The crowd singing along too was astounding. “Maybe We Should/Non- Consent” and “Strange Quark” delivered a great sensual performance that fit the vibe on such a special way. “Distanced” was a treat too as that song has a really cool ambience that is moody in the best way. The songs from the bands second album, Infinite Games, sounded bigger than before, especially “Thrown Into The Dark.” Closing out their great set was the fantastic “Apocalypse Morning.” This song is one of my all time favorite end of album songs. The live version of this song is absolutely epic. You have to see it live to know!

The Black Queen’s return to the stage is one of those very welcoming moments. The time away has given their albums, especially Fever Daydream, to reach new heights and acclaim. The addition of Danny Lohner to the live lineup was such a great idea. He adds so much extra to the songs with the instrumentation, arrangements, as well as stage presence. Watching Greg Puciato sing his heart out next to Danny Lohner and guitarist Steve Alexander is a sight to see. The energy of all three on stage emits to the audience and makes for a complete show. Greg sounded great. The way his vocals hit is otherworldly.

Looking around the crowd throughout the show, you could tell there was an excitement in the room. Having The Black Queen back on stage is/was very much needed. I genuinely hope this live lineup stays together. There’s something special about this. And the addition of drummer Chris Pennie will absolutely put it over!

When The Black Queen comes through your town, I urge you to go. You’ll definitely thank me after!

Review/Photos By: Brian Lacy

The Black Queen Photos (I was experimenting with lighting, sorry for the quality. I was also enjoying the show too much):

The Black Queen Setlist:

01) Ice To Never

02) Secret Scream

03) The End Where We Start

04) That Death Cannot Touch

05) Maybe We Should/Non-Consent

06) Strange Quark

07) Distanced

08) Even Still I Want To

09) Thrown Into The Dark

10) Taman Shud

11) One Edge Of Two

12) Now, When I’m This

13) Apocalypse Morning

Live Review: The Black Queen at The Regent Theater

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The Black Queen are the real deal. Everything about this band oozes inspiration and passion. Their two full length albums Fever Daydream and Infinite Games are beyond stellar. Their live show is more than just a concert, it’s a full visceral experience that will leave you in awe. Last night at the Regent Theater in downtown Los Angeles, The Black Queen made an impact with a show that will be on my mind for quite some time. There really is something special about how The Black Queen’s songs translate from record to the stage. It’s a totally different experience. It’s like discovering these songs for the first time.

From the moment the lights dimmed and the video images began, the roar of the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of Greg Puciato, Steve Alexander and touring member Justin McGrath (filling in for Joshua Eustis). Once they appeared on stage, it was game on. They opened their set with a subdued number “Thrown Into The Dark” then moved right into “No Accusations” from their new album Infinite Games. Both of these songs live took on a whole new life as the beats pulsated from the stage to the audience which then got everyone there moving. From there the set was impeccable as they feverishly played songs like “Ice To Never,” “That Death Cannot Touch,” “Silent Scream,” “Maybe We Should,” One Edge Of Two,” and “Strange Quark.” Closing out the night was the remarkable “Apocalypse Morning” which featured live drums courtesy of former Poison The Well drummer Chris Hornbrook. This song is not only one hell of an end of the set song, it emits a feeling that I just can’t put to words.

Throughout their entire set, singer Greg Puciato’s vocals were exquisite and drew you in word for word. The melodies and effects emitting from Steve Alexander’s guitar were right on cue with the beats and synth layers from Justin McGrath. The three of these gents delivered a show that had those in attendance in a trance and compelled to either dance and sing along. The Black Queen is a band for today and the future. There is something truly special about this band and the music. Just ask those that were there, they will tell you the same thing.

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The Black Queen Set List:

01) Thrown Into The Dark
02) No Accusations
03) Ice To Never
04) Maybe We Should/Non-Consent
05) Distanced
06) Your Move
07) Taman Shud
08) That Death Cannot Touch
09) Secret Scream
10) The End Where We Start
11) Now, When I’m This
12) One Edge Of Two
13) Strange Quark
14) Apocalypse Morning (with Chris Hornbrook on drums)

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: The Black Queen- Infinite Games

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Ever since I first heard The Black Queen‘s debut album Fever Daydream, I’ve been hooked. The Black Queen are a revelation among a sea of imposter bands of the genre. Greg Puciato, Josh Eustis and Steve Alexander have created a sound that is inspired and deep. The lush ambient landscapes and 80’s synth wave driven music along with the exceptional vocals and lyrics have made The Black Queen a real force to be reckoned with.

Their new album Infinite Games is superb from start to finish. From the moment “Even Still I Want To” begins all the way to the closing track”One Edge Of Two,” you as the listener get the full album experience. Songs like “Thrown Into The Dark,” “No Accusations,” “Your Move,” “Lies About You,” and “Spatial Boundaries” will instantly grab you. Then there are other songs like “Impossible Condition,” “100 To Zero,” and “Porcelain Veins”  that really go deep and take you on a bit of a journey. The album is dark and brooding yet sensual and seductive at the same time.

The combination of the three of these men, Josh, Greg and Steve is astounding. What they have created not only extends on what they started with Fever Daydream but, on Infinite Games, they have created an album that transcends the norm of what synth wave music is as well as paying homage to the bands/artists that have influenced and inspired them without making it a straight derivative of those works. Greg Puciato not only is one of the best frontmen of the last century but he undeniably has one of the best voices as well. His ability to go from The Dillinger Escape Plan to The Black Queen not only shows his versatility as a vocalist but also as a lyricist. The lyrical content explores different emotions and themes that he wouldn’t normally get into while in Dillinger, thus making this a visceral and impassioned adventure.

The Black Queen is calling and you need to make it a point of delving into this album, as well as Fever Daydream.

Overall Rating: A

 
The Black Queen- Infinite Games:

The Black Queen- Fever Daydream:

Anticipated Albums: The Black Queen- Infinite Games

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The Black Queen is one hell of a great band. Their debut album Fever Daydream is tremendous. That record has yet to leave my rotation. That shows you how good it is. Now on their second album, Infinite Games, The Black Queen, which is made up of Greg Puciato, Josh Eustis, and Steve Alexander, continue their sonic onslaught of lush synths, ambience and new wave. The first song released “Thrown Into The Dark” is seething with a sensual yet dark vibe. None the less, The Black Queen are going to leave a lasting impact with this new album.

The Black Queen- Thrown Into The Dark:

 

The Black Queen- Fever Daydream: