Live Review: Bad Moves @ Union Stage, 4/18/18

Intrepid mysterious Special Guest Star The Paper went in search of good live sounds, and the following is what transpired when he took in Bad Moves at Union Stage.

I don't typically comment on a band's attire unless they're wearing some kind of costume, but I would be remiss not to mention the tee shirt Katie was wearing when I saw Bad Moves at Union Stage. This was no ordinary tee. It read, "Your Condos Will Not Protect You." It's a Coup Sauvage and the Snips shirt, and I knew when I saw that shirt that it was going to be a great night.

In between enlightening the crowd about the existence, popularity, and significance of YouTube where we can find the latest music video from this local four piece (featuring Emma dressed like Carmen Sandiego), Katie and company propelled us into feet-tapping, head-nodding, arm-waving enthusiasm that left you out of breath but in a happy way unlike a run-on sentence.

Near the onset, Daoud experienced technical difficulties on the snare before their song about global warming. It was somewhat ironic to try to delay the probable demise of our planet, except in this case, it was delaying the dance party everyone showed up early for. Driving drums and rhythm guitar paved the road for a powerful lead guitar from Katie. Even more compelling was the crisp bass line Emma plucked with aplomb. Their sound was a combination of The Unlovables and Worriers, and I am all for it.

The coolness of trading vocal duties among all members generated immense poppy catchiness. I was on a nonstop trampoline of fun, bouncing from Katie's assertive voice to Emma's excited delivery to David's sunny vibes. Then there were the precious moments where all three joined in a harmony that came close to achieving world peace.

Clocking in at ten minutes over Maria's declaration, the set was far too short. Definitely a bad move that should be rectified next time.

[words and photo of Bad Moves by The Paper]

[posted 5.3.18]