As STRFKR took the stage, the first thing that immediately took my attention was the way the stage lights refracted light of the band member’s sparkly dresses. In fact, three of the members were clad in such auspicious garb. And they were all skinny, tiny-framed men. This sight pretty much dictated the course of last Tuesday’s STRFKR show at the Crescent Ballroom.
The ambient, textured, energetic pop music from their newest release, “Reptillians,” got the sold-out crowd all shades of riled up from both a visual and aural perspective. Albeit, it was a tad late getting started.
The band’s openers didn’t grace the stage until well past the initial show time, but gave it a good try and succeeded in a great musical performance. Painted Palms, hailing straight from San Francisco, were a nice ambient-pop appetizer to the STRFKR main-course delight. Alas, the ever-growing crowd remained restless (but appreciative) and anxiously waited for STRFKR to grace the ballroom with their grand presence. Strolling the stage just past 10 p.m., the crowd finally got what they wanted -- a terrific show.
STRFKR opened with a delightful cut from some of their older material. The rest of the show proved to be a blend of new and old material for the Portland natives. From instrument switching to various vocal-lead taking, the musicianship was never in doubt. Along with copious amounts of energy, synthesizer, stockings and sweat, these boys worked their hardest to give the crowd something they could move their body to. Or bliss out to, depending on the state of the individual. There were definitely plenty of the latter. But to make a short story even shorter, these guys definitely bring a presence to their live shows. They’re much musically stronger live, and infused with way more personality than that damn Target commercial could ever bring to light!
Watch the video for STRFKR's "Julius" here.
Starfucker/STRFKR is currently on tour; for more information check out their Facebook.
