Concert Review + Photos: Chastity Belt @ The Rickshaw Stop
As I was walked towards the doors of the Rickshaw Stop on Thursday night (3/9), I smiled as I noticed a line of people eagerly waiting outside for the doors to open. Chastity Belt, Seattle-based band, was making their second appearance at the Rickshaw Stop and it was clear this was the place to be. Known for their sense of humor on and off the stage, Chastity Belt put on a great performance that made the people laugh, gave them the feels and kept them dancing through the night.
Before Chastity Belt took the stage, Stephen Steinbrink and Lisa Prank started off the night with solo performances. Stephen Steinbrink, currently based in Oakland, has a minimalistic style on stage that really leaves lasting impressions on the audience. Lisa Prank, based in Seattle, is a charming performer who’s backed by a drum machine. She jokes throughout the performance, thanking her “band” for all the support. Her lyrics are strong, her guitar sounds smooth, and her sense of humor throughout the show put the crowd in the perfect mindset before Chastity Belt took the stage.
As soon as Chastity Belt took the stage, the crowd erupted with applause. The excitement and enthusiasm flowing throughout the Rickshaw Stop is electric. The band starts the night off with “Black Sail” and promptly I feel the crowd slowly nudging their way closer to the stage. From the front of the stage, I look back to see a completely packed house jumping up and down with hands in the air. As Chastity Belt finished “Black Sail,” the band looked at each other, exchanged some mischievous smirks, and from that moment it became apparent they were there to have fun.
Throughout the performance Gretchen Grimm (drums) would give playful smiles to Lydia Lund (guitar) and Annie Truscott (bass), encouraging them to have some fun on stage. Julia Shapiro (guitar, vocals) would get in on the action from time to time, placing her boot on the bass drum and rocking out with her bandmates. Although the band is playful and energetic on stage, its so easy to get lost in the lyrics or the smooth sounds of the guitar.
Early in the set, Julia Shapiro announces that they will be playing some songs from their new album I Used to Spend So Much Time Alone, which is set to release in June. Those songs included “Different Now,” “It’s Obvious,” “Stuck” and “This Time of Night.” Of all the songs performed that night, “Joke” and “Cool Slut” seemed to have the most influence on the crowd. “Joke” was played about halfway through the set and the band smiled with awe as the entire crowd sang the chorus. “Cool Slut” was their encore song and while the crowd was visibly sad to watch the band walk off stage, it was the perfect song to end the night to.
Together, the chemistry on stage is unmatched. The band frequently goofs off on stage, they are constantly cracking smirks at each other, and yet they are so charming. There’s an unusual intimacy that happens throughout the performance that makes you feel like you are watching some of your closest friends on stage and that is so cool to experience first-hand.
