Project Pitchfork/ Ayria/ Spider Lillies @ Empire 6/2/2013

Went with John and Kate to see goth/electronic/industrial/whatever group Project Pitchfork ($20).  I was only somewhat familiar with Project Pitchfork ("Timekiller"), and not much or other with the others, but I've def been pleasantly surprised at these electronic shows before. There was some horrible on and off rain, and that kind of set the mood a little...darker. There were a good amount of people there, a lot of the same people from the Night Shift event the previous week- Joanna, Dar K Ness, most of Ego Likeness, among others.

We got there in time to hear the last 3 or 4 songs from Spider Lilies. It was the current band of the former singer of Cruxshadows- Stacy Campbell- apparently. It was here and then some dude on guitar. They sounded fine on the sound system- very clear, but I wasn't feeling their music, as it was bit too goth/slow for me. The crowd seemed to like them, and some people were on the floor dancing. I personally wouldn't be opposed to hearing more, but I wouldn't go out of my way. Not my thing, but I think if you really like more gothy stuff, you'd dig these guys.

There was a big merch table set up, with a TON of Ayria merch (CDs- 25 or 15, depending. I perhaps should have picked one up). Project Pitchfork had some CDs and shirts as well. There was a DJ- DJ Kangal- playing music in between sets, which seemed way less random than the usual songs over a PA between sets at a rock show. That was pretty cool, and def added to the feel of the evening.

Ayria came on next, and from the couple songs I got a chance to sample- I was interested in hearing more. The band was 2 keyboardists (1 looking like Avril Lavigne, the other looked like that guy from Prodigy), a drummer, and a vocalist. The vocalist had some sort of (p)leather dress, pink and blond hair, and a sparkly/chromed mic. She had the cheerleader moves and presence of (what I imagine) a pop star, but with a dark electro feel to it. Wikipedia refers to them as "futurepop/synthpop," but I'm not sure how to describe it other than electro-pop. Whatever it was- it was rather entertaining. The singer was full of energy and even during the not so good songs (the one where she started rapping apparently), she kept my attention with her jumping around the stage. I dunno what it was, but something about her band's  tightness also added to the experience. Some of the vocals, however, were a bit muddy at times, so that was the only real downer. I'd go see them again, definitely. The crowd was definitely digging her and was moving around a lot.

At this point, we perused the merch table, walking off the chicken tender special Empire was offering this week, and got pics with Sarah/Sara (cute keyboartist) and Jennifer Parkin (singer) from Ayria. They were both very amiable and now that I think of it I don't know why I didn't grab some merch. I think there were about 80 or so people there. Not a bad turnout for an early show on a Sunday night. Not great, but the bar seemed pretty busy :3

Project Pitchfork subtly took the stage after a short intro. We watched a couple songs before we headed to the decently crowded floor. They ALSO had 2 keyboard players, a drummer, and a vocalist. They had that dark electro sound to them- kind of like Type O Negative crossed with VNV Nation, but less positive sounding. But still danceable, as evidenced by the very mobile crowd. They were def the loudest and best sounding band of the night. The singer's look reminded me of a cross between Adam Ant, that guy from the Cure, and Stephen Pearcy from Ratt (with his hair over his face). Whatever effects he had on his rasping voice enhanced the dark feel that the band was going for. Their set flowed pretty nicely as well, with some lower tempo starting numbers, to other almost rivethead stomp inducing numbers. The energy was pretty constant, and there were not many breaks in between the songs- but on the last song they kind of just... stopped playing and started packing up their stuff. And then headed to the merch area I think.

Overall a pretty fun concert (and over early, for a change!), a very well behaved crowd- people just enjoying the music and the company. Dancing if they pleased, or observing if not. It just felt very relaxed.

Next show: A Sound Of Thunder Album Release at Empire! 


Photos:

Spider Lilies
Set times
Some alright Ayria pics (live)
Some blurry Project Pitchfork pics
 Me and Sarah from Ayria, who looks a lot like an even cuter Avril Lavigne
Kate and me with Jennifer Parkin from Ayria

Setlists:

Ayria (8-8:56)

• ?
• ?
• ? (break down / rap... gun song?)
• Girl on the Floor
• ? about clubbing
• Not the One
• plactice makes perfect
• ? (new one)
• Bad List
• My Revenge on the World

Project Ptchfork (9:15-10:40)

• Intro
• (Unknown)
• Lament
• (Unknown)
• Endless Infinity
• Timekiller
• Carnival
• (Unknown)
• The Queen of Time and Space
• Pitch-Black
• Rain
• Requiem
• Steelrose
• Beholder
• Existence
•  
• Fire and Ice
• Enchanted Dots of Light