Live Recap: Beabadoobee with Christian Leave and BlackstarKids
One of my favorite things is hitting a show and finding that there really is no “headliner” and that all the bands on the roster are freaking fantastic in their own right. That’s what happened at Pittsburgh’s Stage AE last Saturday night.
First in line was Blackstarkids who, I admit, I was not prepared for and maybe that helped to make their brand of crunchy, punk-rock guitar and beats so damn amazing. Or maybe they just are amazing. Let’s go with that. Their entire 30 minute set was full of energy and movement. It was the last night of the tour and they clearly weren’t going to pack up and go home early. They’ve just released a new album this fall, Puppies Forever, and it begs to be checked out.
Next up was another pop team with a nice dash of noise, sweetness and punk rock, courtesy of Christian Leave. Another act that was so much more than I was anticipating. The group had great energy and fantastic tunes that make you want to dance or maybe just lose your mind. The music feels clever, witty and above all, catchy and fresh. Christian and the band really set it up for the headliner.
Beabadoobee. What can you say? Her understated look and demeanor belie the depths of the lyrics she writes and sounds she crafts to compose her music catalog. She, and her amazing band, just hammered the audience with sound and emotion. From her anthem “Care” to the crunch of “Back to Mars” to the sweet soft of “Cologne,” the show was just incredible. I left wanting another 30 minutes or so!
These three great bands provided very different takes on similar musical styles with acute differences. Overall, it was a great night of bands you know are going to be good going in, but are just thrilled to find they’re that good.
Check out photos from the evening below, and keep up with beabadoobee here.
All words and photos by Sarah Wilson