Song Spotlight: Band of Skulls' Sweet Sour (a night at the Troubadour)

A PR person I've worked with for over a decade happened to mention to me that she could get me into the Troubadour to shoot Band of Skulls. I have to admit that I did not know who Band of Skulls was. When provided the offer, I did a look at the Troubadour calendar and noticed that the show was sold out. That indicated something to me. I was a go for sure. I was actually probably a go anyways even if I didn't notice that it was sold out, because I don't get the opportunity to shoot the Troubadour that often. 

Band of Skulls at the Troubadour

If interested, I wrote a review of the night here for US Rocker Music, but I also wanted to post an article here on my personal blog site.

When I got to the venue around 15 minutes before doors, there was a row of people lined up to get in. I overheard someone at security saying that one person had gotten there 3 hours before doors. That is someone who really wanted to be front and center. Unlike my prior times going to the Troubadour, security allowed me to come in first, which was lucky because the front of the stage was quickly packed with those early arriving fans. 

At that point in time, I still hadn't done any research into the band. I was there because it was the Troubadour, it was sold out, and for those who read my blog posts regularly you know that I love seeing unknown (to me) bands. I had no idea what the band sounded like. I didn't even know they were from the UK. I knew nothing. As far as I was concerned, I might have ended up hating the band and thinking, "What can I possibly write about this band?" 

Band of Skulls at the Troubadour

I was immediately a converted fan as soon as the band played the blues rock song "Sweet Sour". Lead singer Russell Marsden made the stage all his own and the crowd responded with adoration while singing back "Sweet Sour." For me, when the performance and audience merge in such a beautiful oneness, it gives me an energizer push. 

Did you bite the hand that feeds you
Do you feel the need to talk about it

I take those lyrics as indicating that the band was backstabbed by someone who started to trash talk them. 

Band of Skulls at the Troubadour

Two of the original trio have left the band. From what I can tell, everyone left on good terms. In fact, I noticed a recent Instagram post where Marsden gave a shout out to original bassist Emma Richardson who is joining the Pixies. Providing the female vocals currently is Swedish native Iona Köhler Alvén. It was fun watching her as she danced with her tambourine, balancing like a ballet dancer. She fronts her own band glashus. It has a ska-pop sound with vocals in Swedish. Check it out.

Band of Skulls Setlist: Sweet Sour, You’re Not Pretty But You Got It Goin’ On, Love Is All You Love, Rip It Up, Friends, Bruises, Himalayan, The Devil Takes Care of His Own, Bitter Dream, Fires, I Know What I Am, Light of the Morning, Death by Diamonds and Pearls. Encore: Cold Fame, Asleep at the Wheel.