Monday 3 July 2023

Warpaint, Hard Club, Porto, 30.06.2023.

© Mondo Bizarre Magazine/Telma Mota
 

words: Paulo Carmona (freely translated by Raquel Pinheiro); photos: Telma Mota


They are four. At times, when it comes to vocal harmonies, they seem like one. Other times they look like two blocks that complement each other perfectly. A rhythm section (bass and drums) and a melodic section (guitars and vocals). Bass and drums deeply mark Warpaint's songs given their density. Jenny and Stella are cohesive and impose very interesting dynamics on the different tempos of the songs. Emily and Theresa, for their part, are extremely melodic on the guitars in which the notes are distinguished one by one in the beautiful harmonies created by the instruments. Perhaps it is here, in Warpaint’s songs that the so-called dream pop has its most striking expression, all else is indie rock'n'roll in its softest essence.

The Californian band presented at Hard Club an increasing setlist: Stars, Champion, Hips, Bees, Krimson, Undertow, New Song. All in that atmospheric nostalgia so characteristic of Warpaint, like a hand rocking the cradle. The audience enjoyed it and applauded to the point where the band members felt at home with it, which made them loose more and open up into jokes and games. A hand fan came out of a saving hand from the middle of the audience for Jenny to cool off. Soon after, she waved it at Stella's face, who effusively thanked her for the gesture. The folks liked it, of course they did. How not to? It's fun!

Warpaint returned to the stage after a highly requested and sweaty encore to treat the crowd to Without; Nudes and Beetles drewing a valiant ovation. There is no doubt that the girls have a remarkable following of fans that shows itself.

The only thing that spoiled the party a little bit was the sultry heat reigning inside the Hard Club’s room. Almost unbearable. The exit door looked like a mirage in the middle of the desert.

The night air brought us the expected relief and the cold liquid of a drink running down the throat did the rest. Everything a Friday Summer night needs. What else …

© Mondo Bizarre Magazine/Telma Mota


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