The line was wrapping around the block on a beautiful Beltane Eve. It bloomed of flower crowns, flowing garments, and colorful people (both inside and out) as my boyfriend and I arrived at The Bellwether to see The Crane Wives perform. I didn’t know what to expect as, to my mind, they were a fun and folky band that ended up on my playlists with hits such as “Allies or Enemies” and “Curses.” I had no clue that they, or their fans, would go so hardcore – but I was pleasantly surprised and infected by the pure joy radiating in the room that night.
Before the band even took the stage, screams erupted for the stage tech that came out to place water bottles by each microphone. To be fair, though, he did absolutely milk it… and how! The screams grew even louder as The Crane Wives‘ drummer, Dan Rickabus, came on stage to introduce the opening act – Lilith Max. She presented as a small ethereal creature with a large backdrop behind her depicting a powerful shieldmaiden. Dressed in a gown that looked as though she stepped out of a Edmund Blair Leighton painting, she commanded the stage with power and grace. I admit that I had never heard of her before this night, but most of the audience had, as they were screaming and singing along (most notably, the little girl to my right who was also in a flowing gown and flower crown).
She absolutely embodies a piece of myself who likes to come out to play from time to time. That inner girl who loves beauty, nature, harmonious melodies, bell sleeves, history, and legends… but who will also go feral to protect those she loves. Hearing the audience singing along, “I will always choose the bear, I will always choose the wolves, no matter what they do they wouldn’t blame my clothes,” on Beltane Eve was quite the treat! Lilith Max will definitely be added to my listening rotation for whenever I need a little magic and fire.
The Beltane magic continued in between acts when a mystical dark figure in a deer mask appeared on stage to place lanterns for each performer of The Crane Wives while some haunting music played. The crowd was restless for the show to continue once this figure left the stage, and kept that energy going by singing along with “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield just before the band took the stage. The screams that pierced my ears as Rickabus returned to stage, joined by Ben Zito, Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury, made my Apple Watch give me warning that I may be somewhere with loud noise. It wasn’t wrong – but it was a joyous noise.
This was the Grand Rapids birthed band’s first show in Los Angeles since the release of their newest album, Beyond Beyond Beyond, the sixth full length album they’ve released since 2010. The show was heavy with songs from the new album, which feel a bit darker and heavier in tone, with some excellent rock riffs combined with the band’s signature vocal harmonies. I will admit that I came to this show expecting a more “chill” folk-style show and I was taken aback, in a good way, by the energy that was brought to the performance. Petersmark and Pillsbury compliment each other vocally in a stunning manner, despite the vast contrast in their fashion styles. Petersmark had a classic “rocker chick” look, with her bleached front hair streaks and peek-a-boo short skirt, and her guitar playing styles match her vibe – even finding herself in a fully reclined hero pose (for the yoga folks out there) at one point. Pillsbury looks more like a “girl next door” in style visually, but her body language and curls bouncing whilst performing would say otherwise. In my mind I dubbed their collective style (in look and sound) as “Cottage (Hard) Core.” Both Rickabus and Zito, considered the pulse of the band, seemed happy being more in the background while the ladies took the stage front and center, but their contributions to the energy of the show did not go unnoticed. Rickabus often joined the girls vocally, adding a nice three part harmony into the mix.
The band was sure to play many fan favorites off of past albums alongside their new stuff, and the fans were sure to sing along at the top of their lungs in gleeful response. They filled the floor, piled into the balcony, and even watched from the stairs to get a good view. Upon arrival I was told that the show was, “beyond sold out,” and a big part of the joy of this show was being there amongst the fans and feeling their sheer excitement at being in attendance. They had me smiling, bopping and humming along, and the time flew by. Before I knew it, the band was saying that they only had two more songs left. Thankfully, they were sure to return for a well received encore.
While The Crane Wives are taking a break from touring for the month of May, they are hitting more spots in the Western United States in June and the Midwest in August, so make sure to check their tour calendar to see if they are coming to a venue near you! Whether they are or not, you can check out their new and previous albums on your music streaming service of choice, or you can pick yourself up some physical media in the form of vinyl or CD from their shop on their website (also, their enamel pins are gorgeous, if you are an enamel pin fan like myself).
Thanks for an amazing Beltane eve, The Crane Wives. From one former Michigan girl to a Michigan born band – *high mitten-five*.
The Indy Review 