Warning: This Show is NOT Suitable for Epileptics
The first time I saw Jucifer play, I was astounded. Going on the advice of a couple of friends who said I "had to" see them live, I conducted none of my own research, and therefore had no idea what to expect. I was completely unprepared. In retrospect, I should have taken along earplugs, sunglasses, and a sturdy chair to steady myself against.
Backed by a retina-dazzling light show, and a literal "wall of sound," Jucifer is comprised of lead vocalist/guitar virtuosa Amber Valentine, and psychopathic beat monger Edgar Livengood. At first glance, the pair appear to be almost certainly insane. Upon second glance, all suspicions are confirmed.
Their songs were brilliantly woven into one massive orchestral noise arrangement, thus sparing their audience the trouble of deciding how best to react to something so frightfully moving. Somehow, applause does not seem appropriate. Valentine and Livengood storm through their set, each of them completely lost in the gruelling performance. Guitar Girl Goddess Valentine twists, leaps, and writhes (in a dress and heels), while Livengood engages in a heated verbal exchange with an unseen antagonist as he beats his drum kit with his bare fists. Clearly, this is some wild, heavy shit.
Jucifer's performance is an art which eludes capture, as their studio recordings bear little resemblance to the live experience. As the Jucifer.com bio proclaims: "See them while you can still get close enough to be spit on." Just be sure to bring your earplugs. And sunglasses. And a sturdy chair to steady yourself against.
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Jucifer Live in North Carolina (January, 2009)
2 comments:
On a scale of 5 I give this review 4 big busted earplugs WAAAAAY UP! (Would've been 5 but I needed an extra earplug point for my eyes, clearly sunglasses aren't enough!)
MEWWWWCIFER REWLS!!!!!
This was the best clip I could find on the Toob, and it doesn't even come close to doing proper justice to their wicked-bad set!
From what I gather through looking at archival footage, they've really honed their sound over the years. Were they a lot different when you saw them back in your Cali days?
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