Live Review: The Black Queen at The Regent Theater

The Black Queen are the real deal. Everything about this band oozes inspiration and passion. Their two full length albums Fever Daydream and Infinite Games are beyond stellar. Their live show is more than just a concert, it’s a full visceral experience that will leave you in awe. Last night at the Regent Theater in downtown Los Angeles, The Black Queen made an impact with a show that will be on my mind for quite some time. There really is something special about how The Black Queen’s songs translate from record to the stage. It’s a totally different experience. It’s like discovering these songs for the first time.

From the moment the lights dimmed and the video images began, the roar of the crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of Greg Puciato, Steve Alexander and touring member Justin McGrath (filling in for Joshua Eustis). Once they appeared on stage, it was game on. They opened their set with a subdued number “Thrown Into The Dark” then moved right into “No Accusations” from their new album Infinite Games. Both of these songs live took on a whole new life as the beats pulsated from the stage to the audience which then got everyone there moving. From there the set was impeccable as they feverishly played songs like “Ice To Never,” “That Death Cannot Touch,” “Silent Scream,” “Maybe We Should,” One Edge Of Two,” and “Strange Quark.” Closing out the night was the remarkable “Apocalypse Morning” which featured live drums courtesy of former Poison The Well drummer Chris Hornbrook. This song is not only one hell of an end of the set song, it emits a feeling that I just can’t put to words.

Throughout their entire set, singer Greg Puciato’s vocals were exquisite and drew you in word for word. The melodies and effects emitting from Steve Alexander’s guitar were right on cue with the beats and synth layers from Justin McGrath. The three of these gents delivered a show that had those in attendance in a trance and compelled to either dance and sing along. The Black Queen is a band for today and the future. There is something truly special about this band and the music. Just ask those that were there, they will tell you the same thing.

 

The Black Queen Set List:

01) Thrown Into The Dark
02) No Accusations
03) Ice To Never
04) Maybe We Should/Non-Consent
05) Distanced
06) Your Move
07) Taman Shud
08) That Death Cannot Touch
09) Secret Scream
10) The End Where We Start
11) Now, When I’m This
12) One Edge Of Two
13) Strange Quark
14) Apocalypse Morning (with Chris Hornbrook on drums)

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

Album Review: The Black Queen- Infinite Games

Ever since I first heard The Black Queen‘s debut album Fever Daydream, I’ve been hooked. The Black Queen are a revelation among a sea of imposter bands of the genre. Greg Puciato, Josh Eustis and Steve Alexander have created a sound that is inspired and deep. The lush ambient landscapes and 80’s synth wave driven music along with the exceptional vocals and lyrics have made The Black Queen a real force to be reckoned with.

Their new album Infinite Games is superb from start to finish. From the moment “Even Still I Want To” begins all the way to the closing track”One Edge Of Two,” you as the listener get the full album experience. Songs like “Thrown Into The Dark,” “No Accusations,” “Your Move,” “Lies About You,” and “Spatial Boundaries” will instantly grab you. Then there are other songs like “Impossible Condition,” “100 To Zero,” and “Porcelain Veins”  that really go deep and take you on a bit of a journey. The album is dark and brooding yet sensual and seductive at the same time.

The combination of the three of these men, Josh, Greg and Steve is astounding. What they have created not only extends on what they started with Fever Daydream but, on Infinite Games, they have created an album that transcends the norm of what synth wave music is as well as paying homage to the bands/artists that have influenced and inspired them without making it a straight derivative of those works. Greg Puciato not only is one of the best frontmen of the last century but he undeniably has one of the best voices as well. His ability to go from The Dillinger Escape Plan to The Black Queen not only shows his versatility as a vocalist but also as a lyricist. The lyrical content explores different emotions and themes that he wouldn’t normally get into while in Dillinger, thus making this a visceral and impassioned adventure.

The Black Queen is calling and you need to make it a point of delving into this album, as well as Fever Daydream.

Overall Rating: A

 
The Black Queen- Infinite Games:

The Black Queen- Fever Daydream:

Anticipated Albums: The Black Queen- Infinite Games

The Black Queen is one hell of a great band. Their debut album Fever Daydream is tremendous. That record has yet to leave my rotation. That shows you how good it is. Now on their second album, Infinite Games, The Black Queen, which is made up of Greg Puciato, Josh Eustis, and Steve Alexander, continue their sonic onslaught of lush synths, ambience and new wave. The first song released “Thrown Into The Dark” is seething with a sensual yet dark vibe. None the less, The Black Queen are going to leave a lasting impact with this new album.

The Black Queen- Thrown Into The Dark:

 

The Black Queen- Fever Daydream:

Live Review: The Black Queen

You know that feeling you get when you hear an album and after a few minutes of listening to it, you feel compelled to HAVE TO go see the band live? In early 2016 The Black Queen which features Greg Puciato (of The Dillinger Escape Plan), Joshua Eustis (of Telefon Tel Aviv) and Steven Alexander (former guitar tech for Dillinger and Nine Inch Nails), released their debut album Fever Daydream. The album is drenched in dreamy synth pop, with industrial tinges, and stunning melodies. There is a true sense of inspiration in these songs when you listen. There is something more to The Black Queen though, and for you to really grasp it all, you must see them live.

The Black Queen are quite spectacular live. There is a sort of hypnotic trance that comes through their performance. The normally very eccentric and wild card performances that most fans of singer Greg Puciato’s other band The Dillinger Escape Plan, are toned back and instead, Greg delivers a much more subdued yet empowering performance fronting this band. Not only does Greg have one hell of a voice, but you can tell in how he delivers his words, that there is more to him than you thought. Handling the electronics and synths is the very talented Joshua Eustis of the underrated Telefon Tel Aviv. His ability to create atmosphere and a vibe through the use of synths, adds another dimension to the band. Steven Alexander adds an extra layer with his guitar playing. His use of distortion and delay, really does add a lovely sense of heaviness.

Drenched with smoke and sparce light, the sounds of the beginning of “Strange Quark” filled the room, the smoke and lights beginning to shine, with each member appearing on stage. From there to “Distanced,” the set begins in an almost dramatic fashion, as though there is a story being told. Other highlights of the set came when “That Death Cannot Touch,” “Silent Scream, ” “The End Where We Start,” “Ice To Never” were played. The sheer volume of the audience singing along, took the show to another level. By the end of the set when they played “Apocalypse Morning” everyone in attendance was absolutely transfixed by the charm and sensations of the music.

Do yourselves a favor, pick up The Black Queen‘s album Fever Daydream and keep watch for when they come back around and play in your area. It will be a night you won’t forget, and it juts might leave you inspired and feel uplifted!

 

Review By: Brian Lacy

Photos By: Alisa Lacy

 

The Black Queen- Fever Daydream: