PETER SAGAR CHILLED WITH LOS ANGELENOS AT THE WILTERN

The night was quick and loud, which is something not typically expected from Montreal-based indie musician HOMESHAKE. It was now my third time I attended one of Peter Sagar’s shows, this being his largest in LA for myself.

My friend Luis and I made it in after a laborious search by the Wiltern’s security (to the point where my wallet was opened and checked in each of its pockets). We only caught about five minutes of opener Salami Rose Joe Louis performing her one woman show with vox, keys, and singing. The audience applauded heavily upon her exit, showcasing just how much of a talent she is and what we can expect for her future.

I don’t actually enjoy taking photos all that much when it comes to the Wiltern. Before, you could walk up to the photo pit and be dead center with your hands touching the stage like most smaller clubs. However, maybe about three years ago, most photographers that aren’t directly connected to the artist must shoot from the ADA ramp that sits behind the general admission pit. It’s that much tougher to get decent photos, with people walking as well as the ramp being at a slant of course. This show was particularly challenging due to Sagar’s use of dark lighting. He tends to be shy, opting for stage left as opposed to the center, and even tampers with his voice, making his normal vocals higher or lower pitched when addressing the crowd.

HOMESHAKE opened with latest LP Under The Weather cut “Feel Better.” I was happy to hear “She Can’t Leave Me Here Alone Tonight” which brought me back to the Observatory in Orange County way back in 2016 when I first saw him live. That track I believe started the night and left a great impression on me. Even In the Shower track “Chowder” was dusted off for this tour; a sweet surprise. My friend and I watched the remainder of the show from the VIP area located at the BOH where I caught Eyedress rocking out with his family.

These glitter-like white lights sparkled at moments onstage, as opposed to the blue and red vast lights that allowed Sagar to be somewhat hidden under his fishing hat. Other favorites like “Every Single Thing” and “Call Me Up” were featured as well as a pitch-perfect performance of “Give It to Me.” The guitarist slowed the track down, taking his time with each solo as the song ended. Sagar stopped mid-set to check on some fans that were in distress, breaking away from the voice modulations which showed the seriousness of the situation and how concerned he was. The fans were escorted by medical personnel and the remaining group gave thumbs up to Sagar so he could continue. Right as the encore started, the band asked what the fans would like to hear, and were instantly shut down by a joke about how Sagar and co. already knew what the next song would be. What was unexpected thought, was a rendition of Deftones’ “Change (In The House of Flies) which he had performed on NTS Radio before. It was rough, louder, and Sagar’s vocals matched perfectly to the soothing but abrasive track. Loved it.