review - LOWER DENS (GREAT SCOTT 4/29)
A crowd full of leather jackets gathered on a hazy Sunday night at Great Scott as the warm, low lights fell over Jana Hunter and her latest band, Lower Dens. No, this was not the place to be for people looking to see a wild, upbeat show. But rather, Lower Dens taps into something that is, on the surface, more muted and understated. But when given full attention, the bleeding layers of guitars coupled with the meek Hunter's unassumingly commanding voice draws in audiences on a more deeply rooted, emotional level. From the looks of the glassy, locked gazes of the eyes filling the room, it seemed that this was understood. The band's atmospheric sound truly lends itself to an intimiate live performance, as the heavy reverb filled the room. Lower Dens' placid attitude blends well with their "darkwave electronica" influences. They moved through debut lo-fi album Twin-Hand Movement tracks like "Hospice Gates" "Blue and Silver", as well as numerous tracks off their second critically acclaimed album, Nootropics. Hunter concluded the set with an anticipated encore that included 2010 favorite "I Get Nervous" before departing the scene a satisfied and awe-struck group of fans in Allston's Great Scott.
-Julie Weil
Photo Credit: Julie Weil
