Secondhand Setlists

I’ve spoken before how I enjoy the Roxy’s small space. A little less room often allow for better interaction between artist and audience. It was here, not at the zoo, where I got to see a jungle cat up close.

Tidal waves of bass slammed me during opener Nicolas L. Perez’s set, a sensation I ultimately embraced thanks to well-planned earplugs. That way, I could still experience both the sonic aspects of the music, though a bit softer, along with the more Beethoven-like awareness of musical vibration. He was a bit difficult to hear over it all, but the sonic booms mixed with smoke combination won me over. As the curtain fell to prepare for Lion Babe, my anticipation conversely grew.

When the curtain rose, Lion Babe front-woman, Jillian Hervey, laid upon the stage in a blue kimono, sporting a garland of bright, gold curls. The duo’s other half, producer Lucas Goodman, set his tables directly behind the center of the stage, giving it over to the lioness in front. Hervey, who majored in dance during college, uses that degree quite adeptly in her persona. She frisked along the neon lit stage, striking all the right poses. The strength and purpose of her movement reinforced from the get-go that Lion Babe stands for complete female self-control.

Much of their music displays that sentiment as well. On “Impossible,” immutable individuality parades itself over a beat reminiscent of early Disclosure, while “Wonder Woman” openly revels in the glory of female empowerment. Hervey did this all the while releasing hi-kicks in massive platform heels, the mark of a dedicated showgirl. When she emerged for the finale “Treat Me Like Fire,” she reduced the crowd to shrieks in a sequined leotard and glittering silver platforms.

After this show, I perceive Lion Babe in an entirely new light. Seeing Hervey as the main face for so long really underscored how fantastic Goodman and their live band are. Each member provides key elements to each song, both the older favorites and the new additions like “Where Do We Go” and “Satisfy My Love.” At the concert’s end, Goodman actually took the final bow, one I felt he deserved.

Ultimately, they are lion and tamer in one, but in this partnership the lion leads just as much as the tamer.