LOS ANGELES, CA- In the ever-shifting soundscape of music, few artists grip the zeitgeist with consistent allure that spans generations. Beck and Phoenix, two such musical juggernauts, recently descended upon the Moody Center, serenading us with a blend of vibrant tunes and memorable stagecraft.
For more than two decades, Beck has been a staple in the music world. His relentless collaborations with a myriad of artists have not only bolstered his stature but also enriched those he has worked with. He’s an avant-garde savant, constantly pushing the envelope while ensuring each tune is as infectious as the last. When news broke about his co-headlining tour with Phoenix, it felt as if the cosmos had aligned. As a fervent admirer of both the French quartet and Beck since my college days, their music has always been a ticket back in time, rekindling memories of a more youthful me.
Phoenix, with their arsenal of seven albums, paints a picture of youth that is nostalgic but never dated. Their artful storytelling, coupled with pristine production, always strikes a chord.
The night kicked off with Sir Chloe, whom I regrettably missed, but was soon followed by the ethereal harmonies of Weyes Blood. Natalie Mering, hailing from Pennsylvania, graced the stage in a luminescent white dress, its sheer detail accentuated by the kaleidoscope of lights. While I’m acquainted only with a fraction of her work, her set was an ethereal journey—a blend of haunting melodies and gothic allure. Her growing recognition within the industry and among fans is truly well-deserved.
Phoenix’s segment opened dramatically. As the stage illuminated, they belted out the fan-favorite “Liztomania”, with its backdrop evolving into a mesmerizing interplay of pink and purple shades. Their performance, oscillating between their iconic ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’ and their recent ‘Alpha Zulu’, was a sensory overload—dazzling visuals complementing the electrifying energy of frontman Thomas Mars and the ensemble. A particularly theatrical moment saw a character resembling the Phantom of the Opera join them on stage, brandishing a macabre replica of a decapitated Mars.
Then, as anticipation reached its zenith, Beck exploded onto the stage in a riot of colors and neon, strumming “Devil’s Haircut” on his Silvertone guitar. His set was a masterclass in musical storytelling, navigating seamlessly through his expansive repertoire, from the nostalgic beats of “Midnight Vultures” and “Mellow Gold” to the invigorating rhythms of “Colors” and “Modern Guilt”.
The pièce de résistance? The encore. Beck and Phoenix united, their combined energy on stage being nothing short of electric. Their duet on the collaborative track “Odyssey” was pure sonic magic, a melding of their distinct musical personalities.
As the evening neared its conclusion, it transformed into a jubilant fiesta. Bands, openers, and crew flooded the stage, dancing amidst a sea of inflatables. It was not merely a concert; it was a celebration, and I felt privileged to be a part of it.
Follow Phoenix on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Follow Beck on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.*********************
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