Article and Photos by Andrés Alvarado
There is a sincere closeness one bumps into at a Speedy Ortiz showing. It is not necessarily during the musical pageantry, per se, although it is music that ties everyone in this room together. Instead, these warm fuzzies come about as Speedy Ortiz lead-singer Sadie Dupuis and her band-mates just roam around the room and hangout as fans, with fans, prior to showtime. This type of interplay has an important place in the night’s affairs. Without request, it compels fans to clap a little harder after each song, cheer a little louder with each passing riff, and brand Speedy Ortiz as more than just another band at any other concert.
Of course, then the performance begins.
There is a simplicity to the stage settings. Aside form the custom drum barrel sporting the Speedy Ortiz name and logo by artist Jaime Hernández, if you were a casual bystander, not much else would point to which act is set to play on this night. The clock works its way to about thirty past nine, as the Speedy four hit the floor on the Atlanta stop on their You Hate The Title Tour. Ms. Dupuis, in all festive white and green attire, amps her sizeable crowd with a simple “hey.” In support of their new LP, Twerp Verse, the evening steers as release-party of sorts. Of course, the quartet makes space to serve up those classic-anthems of yesteryear like “No Below” and “Raising the Skate” as well, but make no mistake, this night is all about those newer melodies.
As the evening carries on, onlookers find themselves swaying back and forth, side to side, chanting along to those alt-rock thumpers this Massachusetts foursome swing their way. Renditions of hit-singles like “Villain,” “Lucky 88,” “Lean In When I Suffer,” and closer “Buck Me Off” led the musical charge on this night. Each anthem performed with precision. Speedy mainstays drummer Mike Falcone and bassist Darl Ferm are their usual genius selves. While newcomer guitarist Andy Molholt fits the band’s style like a glove with strong string-work. Of course, then there’s Speedy’s first lady, Ms. Sadie Dupuis, who is as charming and rock-driven as ever. A real talent, a real professional in handling her crowd as she rifles off the best of her poetry-inspired jams. By night’s end, the Speedy Ortiz tetrad, once again, backed the notion of being one of the industry’s best kept indie-secrets.
If you are into deep thought-out lyricism, then make time to read-up on Sadie Dupuis. If you’re into deep thought-out lyricism and bad-ass tunes, then make time to listen to Speedy Ortiz. If you’re into deep thought-out lyricism, bad-ass tunes, and amazing live music, then make time to catch Speedy Ortiz on their You Hate The Title Tour. Luckily, there are plenty of stops left on their ongoing journey, as they trudge along through early August. Dates here. Cheers!
LoudSound Magazine 