Tuesday, October 27, 1998
PJ Harvey gives high-energy concert at Wiltern
MUSIC: Crowd signals approval for singer’s gift to execute
exciting show
By Teron Hide
Daily Bruin Contributor
The vast main lobby of the Wiltern Theater exudes a subtle,
classic ambience. From the engravings hanging on the solid oak
walls to the winding upper deck stairwell, each piece carries with
it a part of history. Last Saturday night, though, an eclectic
mixture of PJ Harvey fans turned the performance hall into their
own exotic listening ground.
Drinking capuccinos and wine spritzers, the crowd began to yell
and scream in barely contained anticipation of the approaching
musical exhibition. But before PJ Harvey could grace the stage, the
mood had to be set properly.
A relatively unknown band called the Rachels opened up for the
dark diva. The six members of the group offered an impressive
instrumental display consisting of viola, violin, cello, drums,
guitar and piano.
Combining slide projections (which showed metaphorical
references that would make Plato proud) with a modern, classic-rock
approach to music, the group created a mind-boggling experience.
Call it elevator music with an edge. When it was all over, though,
the fun had just begun.
Inching towards the front of the stage, wave after wave of fans
lined the walls and walkways to prepare for the main event. Filled
to capacity, the theater reverberated in the wake of the rising
noise, as the audience’s anxiety grew. Finally, fifteen minutes
past 9:00 p.m., hazy blue smoke filled the crowded set and a lithe
figure skipped up to the microphone.
Dressed in a black leather jacket, low-cut halter top and
navy-blue skirt, PJ Harvey emerged from the billowing cloud.
Despite the dark surroundings, the singer’s bright smile lit up the
stage and the crowd roared with approval.
Backed by a dim, gold-colored light, she wasted no time ripping
into the show. Accompanied by a bass that caused a temporary loss
in hearing, PJ Harvey used her deep, smokey voice to fiercely growl
through the first song of "I Think I’m A Mother." Setting the tone
for the night with this cut, the band rarely took more than a few
seconds to catch a breathe and continued to play their hearts
out.
Keeping in sync with her non-stop approach to performing, PJ
Harvey and company were a constant blur of motion. Drummer became
lead singer, bassist became drummer, lead singer became guitarist.
The group showcased not only their ability to vary the tone of the
music but handle their diverse range of talent as well.
PJ Harvey herself played the guitar, tambourine and castanets.
When not singing or holding onto an instrument, she busily thrashed
her hair about or wildly swayed from side-to-side. But the
highlight of the evening came from an unexpected source.
Running around the stage, the band appeared to be preparing for
yet another song, but to many a surprise, drummer and
percussionist, John Parrish, took over lead vocals for a spell.
Thoroughly entertained by the momentous occasion, the crowd showed
their gratitude by continuously hooting and hollering.
In the minutes following his stage exit, the Wiltern’s
foundation shook at the seams, as fans and ushers alike cheered and
stomped their feet demanding an encore.
Not one to disappoint, PJ Harvey stepped back into the harsh,
white spotlight and delighted fans with probably her most renowned
song, "Down By the Water." Heads bobbed, voices rang out in unison
and bodies danced to every last heart-pounding beat.
Although, there were no fancy pyrotechnics, elaborate background
sets or flashy costumes to be found at this venue, for one brief
moment, music became the focus for all. And as PJ Harvey exited
center stage for the final time that night, she left behind
something even more important and memorable: the image of a
recording artist who enjoys performing as much as her fans and
audience revel in watching her.Photo courtesy of Island Records
PJ Harvey delivered a mystical performance at the Wiltern last
Saturday.
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