Sunday, November 21, 2010

Aural Vampire Concert Review

By Sean Cruz

On a very cold Seattle night under the full moon, Aural Vampire was the first of four acts to play at a small but packed Studio Seven in Seattle. To loud, thumping music, Raveman came onto the stage sporting blue jeans, a red leather jacket and one of his famous masks, black with a red slash and with blue digital writing above the eyes scrolling across. Moments later, to thunderous applause, Exo-Chika came onto the stage wearing a black goth-loli dress, and a tiara on top of her beautiful blond flowing locks. The stage setup itself was small and simplistic, Raveman with his Dj equipment on one side, a projector in the middle and Exo-Chika staying primarily to the middle-left of the stage.

Aural vampire got the crowd going with their bouncy electro-rock vibe and eclectic actions from the always masked Raveman, they proceeded with an opening beats from Raveman before heading into their first 2 songs Shonan Zoku –cannibal coast- and Darkwave Surfer without missing a beat. Exo-Chika, looking no worse for wear after being on tour for most of the month, exuded the very Japanese "ero-kawaii" quality which came to a head during a short break between songs.

During their tour Aural Vampire have been playing a "trade up" game (a la the red paperclip) and on their last stop traded up to a digital camera. This time around after playfully exclaiming "we would like to trade up!" (and after a more detailed explanation from a member of the audience) A very nice looking hooded leather jacket was given to Aural Vampire in exchange for the digital camera.

Into their 4th song they went.... not quite as Raveman was carefully searching the pockets of the group’s new acquisition while Exo-Chika looked at him and asked "next song please". Raveman eventually got the message and the next song was a Japanese cover/remix of the popular Kernkraft 400 by Zombie Nation (other wise know as that sports song), which got a surprised but very positive reception. Following that with one of their more popular songs Freeeeze!! As the night went on Exo-chika became more playful on stage, making finger puppets during Murealism, then proceeding to pop balloons with a toy handgun that Raveman was playing with then displaying her talents with the tambourine as their set drew to a close with Kumonoito.



As the first of 4 acts of the evening Aural Vampire was not the main attraction for most that evening but for the dedicated souls that braved the cold (and the snow for those driving from Canada) watching them perform (and having them go first) was the best part of the evening....
...or the 2nd best part. As the next set got ready to perform Aural Vampire came by to their merchandise booth to take pictures and sign autographs, where a small contingent - that gradually grew as the next act was playing - came to buy merch, talk, take pictures and show their support to Aural Vampire.

I only have one complaint. Their set was too short.

Set list:
①OPENING
②Shonan Zoku –cannibal coast-
③Darkwave Surfer
----------
④※secret (zombie nation - kernkraft400 cover)
⑤Freeeeze!!
⑥Murealism
⑦Kumonoito



More Pictures here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=576437&id=522485611&l=fdb577180d

For those of you unable to make it to Aural Vampire's remaining concerts they are streaming them via Ustream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/auralvampire

Also check them out at the following
www.auralvampire.com
www.myspace.com/auralvampire

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