Faith and the Muse: Hollywood, CA 7-24-04

FAITH AND THE MUSE AT BAR SINISTER (HOLLYWOOD), 7/24/04

For Bar Sinister’s sixth anniversary, Faith and the Muse cut loose with one of the most aggressive sets I’ve ever seen them play. Sure, there were the softer moments, like the electronic-tinged “Shattered In Aspect” or the tribal Celtic flavor of “The Unquiet Grave,” during which lead singer Monica Richards managed to get the crowd not only to clap, but to clap in rhythm. The majority of their set, though, forsook their usual old world intricacy in favor of raw, driving power. From the angry incantations of “The Silver Circle” to the rock ‘n’ roll energy of “Relic Song” to William Faith’s nihilistic bellowing on “The Trauma Coil,” the packed house barely got a chance to breathe. Finally, things slowed down a little as John Koviak played violin for the band’s closing song, “The Burning Season” (from their latest release of the same title), but just when the audience started to relax, Faith and the Muse were back in high gear for their encore, a rollicking cover of the Damned’s “New Rose” dedicated to anyone “old enough to remember it.” After seeing Monica and William perform an acoustic set of their most intimate material last year at an album-release party, tonight’s performance really drove home for me how versatile this band really is. A great set, and a great party. Happy anniversary, Bar Sinister!