Juliette Lewis and The New Romantiques – The Lexington – 14 July 2009

Support from Solid Gold

Words and Photos by Marcus Maschwitz

I am going to start off by saying that I was only meant to photograph this show and not write about it but due to a personal emergency I was asked to do both at last minute so I am stepping up to the plate and because my workload is currently overflowing I am letting you know this so that I have an excuse for all the mistakes that this article might end up having.

My interest in Juliette Lewis began back around 10 years ago when she began dating Steve Berra and being a skateboarder it was really cool and enough reason to want to follow her career. It just so happens that after all the years, and me growing up, she has given me more reason to follow her work than just being in a relationship with a skateboard hero back in the day. This would be my first experience of Juliette’s new project but I had seen her by accident about 2 and a half years ago performing as Juliette and the Licks and I was absolutely gob-smacked at her live stage energy. When I saw her name on the list that night I thought it would be some kind of a joke and I remember clearly her running around the stage like she was “mental” smashing the drums and going off which resulted in my purchasing 2 of her albums the very next day. I have since craved to see her again on stage and shoot photographs but things got in the way until now.

Arriving at the venue just as Solid Gold take to the stage and immediately I like them. I have never heard of them before tonight and I never expect anything from an opening band (bad on my behalf and I am often shocked) but I enjoyed what I was hearing and really enjoyed their set and their experimentation between instruments. It sounded good, it sounded sweet and it sounded tight which is a definite check in my good books. Normally I make my way to the bar or wait outside but I drew closer and closer to the stage so I could enjoy my experience and I found myself saddening at the thought that their set was getting nearer to the end. In saying this, the band was joined in for the last two songs by someone who completely ruined it for me. I know it’s cool to have friends join you on stage and play along but this guy was drunk and way too cool, loud and full of himself for the band I had just grown intimate with and immediately I was done. Now my focus was directed again at Juliette. I know I wasn’t the only one but we will try get our hands on a copy of their stuff to review for you.

Anyway, the lights came on, the stage was quickly cleared and setup. The lights dimmed and The New Romantiques entered with Juliette following shortly after. As the last time, she was dressed for the occasion and began shocking rocking from the word go. I love that she plays the part and I love even more that she plays it so well. She is quirky, really quirky but she is good and it definitely feels as though she is feeling what she is doing. She interacts with the crowd, every part of the crowd, even making her way off the stage into the tight pack singing along with die-hard fans for almost half a song before making her way back on stage to continue with her SHOW.

The set is a mix up of old and new and I am, from the start, excited about the new album Terra Incognita which will be out soon. Juliette really is made for the stage and I feel special for being a part of the intimate crowd that was lucky enough to witness her magic in such a small venue as I know it is only going to get bigger and bigger from here. Not only is she spot on but her band is really cool too and after tonight I cannot wait to get my hands on the new album as soon as it drops.

They announced that they will be playing a bunch of shows in the UK again to promote the release in September and I can only recommend that you make a plan to see them live. You will be hooked, not necessarily to their album but without doubt to their live performance. Definitely a good night out.

We just got this video and you have to watch it. Amazing ……

This post is tagged Juliette and the Licks, Juliette Lewis, Juliette Lewis and The New Romantiques, Solid Gold, Terra Incognita, The Lexington, The New Romantiques