For those who yearn for the theatrics in music which are so often dismissed in live shows today, Chelsea Wolfe is the artist for you. Her music is described as doom folk, inspired by the somber state of the world and the connectivity we all share, she animates her depressed discography onstage and the results are mesmerising and chilling all at once.
The gloom is set as the lights are kept incredibly low and the stage is covered in smoke which settles like a morning fog, Chelsea and her band amble onto stage, not acknowledging the crowd but retreating into their musical zone before the moody chords of 'Movie Screen' begins. 'Feral Love' is particularly dramatic when brought to life, the disjointed notes that make up the sparse intro hang around like a shadow as Chelsea whispers into the mic and the air becomes cooler in the room. This new album 'Pain Is Beauty' sees a move in territory to the indie rock and it works really well onstage, the haunting productions translate really well and the almost hammer horror like style is incredibly exciting to watch.
The Natasha Khan style wailings on 'We Hit A Wall' resonate around the room and it feels like Chelsea is summoning dark spirits onstage, leaving the atmosphere pensive but electric. There's something about the band that can put the whole audience on edge in a similar way to if you were watching a horror film, you don't want to look yet you cannot look away.
Phoebe Bridgers
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