Remember that scene in Beetlejuice where they’re all forced to dance to “Jump In The Line”? Well, that’s what the Fever Ray show in Seattle felt like, except we were less forced to dance than compelled to dance. It was unexpected, but not unwelcome. The Showbox was packed with gyrating goths, singing along to the most upbeat rendition of “When I Grow Up” there ever was. All the while, cartoonishly-dressed Fever Ray members and a zombie baby doll-looking Karin Dreijer were doing choreographed dances on stage. It was such a dramatically different experience than what I had built in my mind. What I expected was a dark, demented show full of vocal pitch-shifting and spidery fingers and masks. I did not anticipate a hot, sweaty, Latin dance party! Highlights included simulated sex acts on stage by a grotesque body-builder and a decayed-face baby doll; choreographed dancing; a conga drum solo by a wood nymph; and an encore that included an acoustic rendition of “If I Had a Heart.”
Also surprising was opening act Bunny Michael. Despite performing to what could be easily called an unresponsive audience, she still performed as if everyone were there just to see her. And while they weren’t, I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t come to her next Seattle show, should there be one. At one point, she swung a stuffed bunny above her head, then repeatedly slammed it into the ground, which was definitely the pinnacle of drama in her act. But perhaps her most outstanding moment was during her final song, when her backing track had to be reset. Instead of losing her cool or getting angry, she took it in stride and smiled at the audience. It was nice. And nice isn’t always expected.
Check out photos from the show below, followed by Fever Ray’s setlist.
Fever Ray
Bunny Michael
Fever Ray setlist:
An Itch
Play Video
A Part of Us
Play Video
When I Grow Up
Play Video
Mustn’t Hurry
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This Country
Play Video
Falling
Play Video
Wanna Sip
Play Video
I’m Not Done
Play Video
Red Trails
Play Video
Concrete Walls
Play Video
To the Moon and Back
Play Video
Triangle Walks
Play Video
IDK About You
Play Video
Keep the Streets Empty for Me
Play Video
Encore:
If I Had a Heart
Play Video
Mama’s Hand
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