Despite a disappointing crowd, Warpaint still take their SF fans on an introspective sonic journey

By Diana Cordero //

Warpaint //
The Fillmore – San Francisco
October 12th, 2016 //

It’s always nice to see a band do well and have success. I have seen Warpaint perform since they opened for The XX back in 2011, long before they could sell out shows like the one they played in SF at The Fillmore last Wednesday.

Like everything in life, change is undeniable — both for the performers, but also the audience, which, sadly, was a huge letdown. It is the downside of a band reaching commercial success, though.

Even though the Los Angeles four-piece took us on an introspective sonic journey, not many people in the audience joined in. In fact, most of the attendees seemed to be there because it was the cool thing to do that night, which of course affected the atmosphere of the show. And while intimacy was craved, it kept being overshadowed by the “normie” population that kept drunkenly speaking out loud or scrolling their Facebook feed. Needless to say, what a way to disrespect those who wanted to actually be there.

Granted, Warpaint’s music is slow and introspective, especially their latest album Heads Up, which depicts the downfall of a love relationship between two people (quite possibly one of the women in the band, although no comments have been made publicly in that regard). All the more reason to wish for a quiet, respectful audience.

Keeping the aforementioned in mind, it does make sense that the women of Warpaint have gone through some difficulties, which is reflected in the songs they write. But it also shows the proximity that they have with each other — and that’s what completely sets them apart from any other outfit that wishes to sound like them. They work in unison, which is hard to achieve in a band and what ultimately makes them powerful and relevant.

Warpaint do seem more focused and less playful (I do miss the jokes bassist Jenny Lee and drummer Stella Mozgawa tell in between songs), but they are all still quite charming and engaging — well, at least to those of us who care anyway. Together, they are a super-tight band that has grown not only in terms of commercial success, but also musically.

Setlist:
Bees
Heads Up
Composure
Hi
Intro
Keep It Healthy
No Way Out
The Stall
CC
Whiteout
Beetles
Elephants
Love Is to Die
New Song
Disco//Very

Encore:
So Good
Biggy
Krimson