Promoting their 2014 release Himalayan, Band of Skulls brought their stunning live show to the stage of DC’s premier music venue, the 9:30 Club for a tremendous performance and an unforgettable night.
What can be said about Band of Skulls that hasn’t been said before? They are known for their heavy-blues style, their retro guitar tone, and their solid musical hooks. One could also note their catchy, memorable lyrics and melodies, all accompanied by a drummer who plays the kit like he’s driving it into the ground. Since their formation in 2004 this pulse pounding, electrifying blues rock trio from Southhampton, England has been churning out their own hard-hitting, groove induced brand of garage rock for the masses and have been doing so to much critical acclaim.
With three full length albums, a 2010 EP, and a few live releases under their belt, the band has been steadily embraced by fans as well as mainstream audiences. Band of Skulls, whose music is unmistakably recognizable, have worked their material into commercials, movies, television soundtracks, and video games. It was 2009’s Baby Darling Doll Face Honey that initially caught that public’s attention with hits like “I Know What I Am” and “Death by Diamonds and Pearls.”
The album’s first track, “Light of the Morning” was even used in a commercial for the Ford Mustang in 2011. Ford is not the only name to use the band’s material. In fact their music has been leaking its way into our lives and has made appearances on popular shows and movies like Gossip Girl, The Hangover Part II, Friday Night Lights, and True Blood. Their song “The Devil Takes Care of His Own,” one of my personal favorites, even appeared in a Miracle Whip Commercial. How many bands can list this on their resume?
Gratefully, if you set aside the television scores, the soundtracks, and all the commercials, Band of Skulls is not just cool background music to fill up our virtual screen obsessed pseudo-lives—they are a band that rocks hard. So much so that they demand the full attention of their audience from the start of the show to its final moments.
Monday night’s show at the 9:30 Club was no exception and proved once again that Band of Skulls is not only a group who can write amazing songs for their studio albums and projects, that they are truly a live experience. With a minimal setup, just three round silver lights behind them, two microphone stands, and an open stage, Band of Skulls’ left no distractions and no frills. They only had their sound—which was infectious.
SACCO opening the evening’s festivities.
SACCO
