While slightly too loud for the set up, an uninhibited Stout Cortez held the mic, squinted and squatted to see the lyrics, and let his computer (with additional effects) go while he sang his heart out. Although not always in tune, you had to admire his conviction; he felt every single beat, only pausing to giggle during sound dysfunctions caused by his inability to stay behind his computer screen. He amused himself, and me, with repetitive and seemingly socially-conscience-heavy lyrics. I thoroughly enjoyed his energy, powerful vocals, and flirtatious attitude. It was a 100% appropriate performance to warm up the crowd, even if that isn’t your real name, Stout.
Although it remains unclear to me if their parents dropped them off or if they stole a van, Raindeer hopped to it with admirably quick transition. A few quick keyboard and mic checks, and they were delivering Baltimore experimental pop to a relatively large crowd for Velvet Lounge. They had an impressive Baltimore following who arrived to the upstairs of Velvet ready to dance.
During “Social Networking,” Raindeer commanded the audience to, “Dance! I don’t dance, dance! I don’t dance, dance!” Their traveling local crowd knew the words and supported the young trio by working their way to the front and “getting down.” As the show continued, I grew to like the adorable Raindeer but felt that other than the theme of dancing, darkness pervaded their lyrics. In the aptly named “Dark Place,” they promise that “Someday I’ll take you to my dark place when it’s time / Someday I’ll take you to my dark place deep inside,” in “Social Networking” they mention Halloween, and in “Juanita,” they predict that “Will we die / In the fall / Will we die / Diiiieeee.” Another song whose title eludes me mentions a monster. That all said, no matter my mood, I would smile and shake my shoulders to any song that these three chose to play, preferably in the month of October.
After a much longer transition (let’s call it Intermission), on came Painted Face, three women dedicated to electro-pop. After all of the build up, I was looking forward to picking up where Raindeer left off, but with a harder hit. (For example, “undreamt,” a track with genuine promise). The beats were decent, but when DC-based lead singer Allie Alvarado opened her mouth, it was cold. Hoping it was nerves or just tight vocals, I stuck around to no avail. She pressed on, forcing her voice through the small space and never truly warming up. Was I surprised… A little. Was I disappointed… Well, it was $8. The headliner should bring the house down, but the first two were so energized and excited to be performing that it was contagious, and this carried me through the evening. Thanks Newdust, for bringing that line-up to Velvet Lounge.
Painted Face – undreamt
