Savages

This band put on one the best shows I've ever been too and I frequently go to concerts of all kinds. The band was tight and the singer's energy was infectious. My friend and I were basically speechless after the show. If Savages comes to your town I suggest you go!

Savages surpassed my high expectations. A brilliant performance. I've rarely seen a front-person as intense as Jehnny Beth.

There were plenty of moments prior to last night's sold out Savages show at Webster Hall that made me wonder if the hype and/or buzz was going to lessen the event/experience itself. The post punk English girl rockers (singer Jehnny Beth, guitarist Gemma Thompson, bassist Ayse Hassan and drummer Fay Milton) has erupted onto the alt rock scene following the release of their debut, Silence Yourself. They have been touring non stop and both selling out each gig and gaining a reputation as a venerable live act. They have already booked Terminal 5 later in the fall and will likely sell that massive house out too. When I got behind Rolling Stones music critic David Fricke in line yesterday I was even more skeptical. So I asked him, "Have you seen these ladies yet?" "Oh yes, several times" he quickly answered. "In London, and other places." "Are they really that good?" I wondered. "I would trust your judgment." "Yes" was all he said. A simple one word review that pretty much sums up the machine that is Savages. Poised. Talented. Well. Worth. Your Time! Beth (real name: Camille Berthomier) is a fierce and volatile presence on stage. She prowls and pumps her fists like Billy Idol. She looks a bit like Lori Petty (Circa Point Break)but sings a lot like a Patti Smith. She is a bona fide rock star and commanded every bit of Webster Hall's historic stage. She is a manic pixie in the best kind of way! After they opened with the powerful "Shut Up" and boldly announced their presence with authority Beth glanced over at the engineer. For a few moments she gestured with her thumbs way up and pointed to the bass. Really? More bass? Hassan's instrument was already jacked up. Dare we have more? Soon the floors at Webster Hall were moving and chests were being pounded with fierce bass lines. Power chords played all night and Beth's vocals played along nicely. She was tough when needed yet able to hit the high notes accordingly when called for. The highlight of the evening, the potty mouthed "Fu*kers", showcased the bands advanced skills. Note, these ladies formed the band 2 years ago and are all in their early 20s. They do not lack confidence and have more balls than many more established acts. The song does not appear on their record. If it did it would probably never sound like it did last night anyway. It is roughly eight minutes of female empowerment played with youthful machismo. Beth, who kept the between songs banter to a bare minimum, simply announced it's title. "Don't let those fuc*kers get you down" she roared as her bandmates pushed full throttle. The epic jam that ended the song brought down the house and converted all non believers. Truth be told by that point the crowd was in their beyond component hands. It should be noted for an up tempo punk show the audience was very well behaved. They took the hard charging tracks with a reverence not usually associated with this type of show. Alas, the rumors are true. These girls rock! You could go the simplistic route and make fun, but ultimately unnecessary comparisons. Are they an all chik Joy Division? Or perhaps Sinead O Connor meets Smashing Pumpkins? New Order with a dash of Bauhaus? Leave that nonsense for David Fricke and his peers. Before we ended up at the show we had a few beers. Don't judge! We are all adults here. We got to talking about how much we tend to "over-analyze" a show. We often expect too much and are often times let down as a result of unrealistic expectations. Sometimes you have to put the note pad down and listen/watch. Last night Savages provided perfect execution for that well thought out plan. As guitarist Gemma Thompson said earlier this year about the critical acclaim they have gotten: "It's music to break sh"t and fu*k on the floor too." Who doesn't like that? And these days who doesn't need it???

Had a really good time, nice venue, and the band was great.

If you have never heard of this band, then you need to check them out. If you've never seen them live, I would highly recommend it! Incredibly high energy, super friendly, and simply talented. The vocalist came out into the audience, crowd surfed, and made sure she got everyone involved, especially those in the very front. I took a friend who had never even listened to this band, and she was absolutely blown away by their performance!

Savages was truly epic, even in the small room of ONC Deluxe! Such a great live show.

One of the best live bands around. They play with such passion and precision. Jehnny Beth has really come into her own as a lead, fluctuating seamlessly between fierce and endearing. Fay Milton is a monster on the drums. Ayse Hassan grooves both on the bass and to the tune playing in her head as she continues to keep the beat even between songs. Gemma Thompson adds the perfect atmospheric squall of strings. I really hope this band continues to grow and evolve for years to come.

Sick show. The Savages killed it. Everything was perfect.

An hour and 15 minute sonic assault. Bands like this help restore my faith in music.

Savages show was maybe the best rock show I have ever seen. The opener was good. The dancing at the beginning was okay. I don't like when I show up and the time has been moved back for the headliner to appear, but it all moved along in a timely manner, so that part wasn't too bad.

All around great performance by the band. But I could barely hear anything over the bass drum. Bottom was so loud you couldn't make out the notes on the bass. This was disappointing given the spareness and economy of the songs.

This was the 2nd time I've seen the Savages live, the first being at the Middle East in Cambridge MA just a few months back .I found the ferocity of their music at the Middle East to be intoxicating. The venue changed, but my impression of them didn't upon experiencing them at the Paradise. I find Savages to be a remarkable young quartet, intensely focused on their craft. Their approach to making their music is quite refreshing, a blend of echo /distorted guitar chords, pulsating bass , a drummer that is relentless and keeps the band together, and a lead singer with a wonderful voice and a presence that immediately gets your attention and captures you. I recommend Savages to anyone who truly loves Rock and Roll. You won t be disappointed.

Savages totally rocked from minute 1 till the end.

Fantastic energy. Rocking band. Jehnny Beth is a very charismatic vocalist, and sounded great. I liked most that they seemed to be having a really good time, especially drummer, Fay Milton who laughed and smiled throughout the show. Looking forward to hearing/seeing more from this band.

proving their album is for real, savages impressed the house with thundering recreations of the tunes off the debut LP

I am an old-school punk rock fan. This band brings back memories of the Nymphs, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and L7. Actually, it's like they were a morph of the three sounds, with lots of feedback, melody, and feminism blended with the occasional thrash. While all four members are amazing, I really was floored by the bassist. I've never seen anyone look so cool with fingers flying that fast!

Intense concert! Great performance, great music...No interaction with the public at all though.

The opening act was Ok, and most people in the crowd were not engaged. Then Savages came on and it completely changed. Charismatic lead singer, fantastic punk music, cool gothic styling. It was a great show and great music.

I've never experienced an opening show like that but it was the perfect tease. Each member of savages is amazingly talented which makes for a great/ live show from the start. I love and had fun with all the energy given. Can not wait to see them again.

Savages put on a great show. Opening act not so great