The return of Allen Stone, after the break…
Allen Stone
with
Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas
at
The Echo
(02/20/14)
All I could keep thinking to myself as I waited for Allen Stone to take the stage last Thursday night at The Echo was, “It’s been a crazy 2+ years”. Allen Stone was one of the first artists who blew my mind when I first started music blogging. Never heard his soulful Seattle blues till I entered The Echo for the first time back in 2011. Arrived halfway through his set, watched the sold out room losing it to Satisfaction, joined in, and was spellbound by his truly powerful voice since. A truly remarkable experience that raised the bar for every live act I encountered following that night. “Yeah, they’re good…but not Allen Stone good,” I’d tell my friends. White Stevie Wonder in case they didn’t get my reference. That night at the Echo alone made me want to see him at every LA occasion in 2012. Then I took a break. Recharging my soul meter & allowing Allen to build a bigger catalog. Had a feeling Allen Stone’s upcoming third album would be his best record to date. All I needed was a taste.
Allen seems drawn to powerful sirens to open for him on tour (in my experience). First was ZZ Ward, then Yuna, and now Jessica Hernandez & her all boy band — The Deltas. She is Detroit dark soul gypsy rock. Blues born from gritty ruins & flames. Out of all the cities to kick off a soul revival none better than the Motor City. Don’t you think? For she sings about heartbreak to a unbelievable irregular beat. Her voice reminds me of Amy Winehouse & Gin Wigmore at times. It isn’t a perfect comparison. For there is something truly raw from Jessica’s howls. The clashing of drums, the weeping of guitars, and her punk rock sensibility is the essence of twisted soul. Perfect for a generation of bewildered youths. They played about seven songs before they were cut off. They were so in the zone that time that they felt like the headliners. And on any other night they probably could’ve sold out The Echo with their rowdy fans. Felt kind of bad when they were kicked off. If it wasn’t a school night, am I right? Their five track EP, Demons, is available now! Truly recommend it.
It’s kind of selfish of me to write that what I wanted most, out of the showcase, was hearing Allen Stone’s new material. He brought 4 new cuts & a fresh jazz take of Goyte’s modern day hit — “Somebody That I Used To Know” that closed the evening…so, got my wish. For this beginning leg of his 2014 tour felt more about Allen trying out his untested material at some of his favorite venues / crowds. We ate it all up, but the crowd lost it when he played the hits. So did I. “Unaware” sing along felt just right halfway through the set instead of the show closure. Allen, smiled, and let us harmonize. Perfect palate cleanser to the new & old.
The standouts of the new were “Voodoo” & “The Wire”. “Voodoo” hits as swiftly as “What I’ve Seen” or “Satisfaction” in its uptempo pace, enough to get the crowd swaying. Those lovers they got that Voodoo. Enough to make us all crazy. Full band. Fun. Catchy. Without overstaying its welcome.
“The Wire”, on the other hand, is quiet tour de force. Powerful lyrics from a passionate personal place. Plus, even more haunting as Allen performed solo without the band. Making the even more intimate Echo much more claustrophobic. The vocal range alone sends chills down my spine. If you watch the video below, prepare for a truly remarkable moment. Ice cold baby.
Outside, before the show, I ran into two young ladies who drove three hours to see Allen Stone. Their first time at The Echo. Unsure. Nervous. Beyond excited. Couldn’t help but smile at the future groupies. Their musical lives were about to change. Much like mine did back in 2011. For there is no other artist that can compare to seeing this soulful performer from Seattle give everything he has to total strangers on stage. Especially at The Echo. Once Allen hits “Beast mode”, all you can do is just wrap yourself up the music. Let it develop & melt through your skin with sheer pleasure.
This was the perfect show. My perfect show. No dull moments. Crowd interaction. New music. Classic hits. Pedigree of musical expertise. Didn’t expect anything less from Allen Stone & his soul brothers. They came correct. Unrelenting in their mission to make the world move with soulful music & lyrics. Bravo.
Look forward to sharing the new record in the months to come. Click the links below (in the Set List) to watch selects from The Echo show & Allen’s new video for “Million”. Again, “The Wire” is the shit.
Big thanks to Allen, Jess, their respective teams, and the wonderful Echo for another noteworthy concert experience. I’ll never forget it. That I won’t. More words later. Until then, enjoy our pictures!
Allen Stone’s Setlist:
- Momma Gonna Punish You
- What I’ve Seen
- “Electronic” **New Song**
- Unaware
- Contact High
- Million **New Song**
- Figure It Out
- Six Years (Tingsek cover)
- Voodoo **New Song**
- Sleep
- Tell Me Something Good (Chaka Khan cover)
- Satisfaction
- Encore: The Wire **New Song**
- Encore: Somebody That I Used to Know (Goyte Cover)