Destroyer: One Night Only

Dan Bejar of Destroyer performing at the Belasco Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

LA STOP ON LABYRINTHITIS TOUR POLARIZED CROWD

Dan Bejar, vocalist and founder of Destroyer, brought an interesting vibe of concert experience on the band’s Los Angeles stop at the Belasco in downtown. The indie-folkish style of music gathered fans both on the floor and in the balcony to approach the stage as close as possible. I stood in the photo pit, getting to observe the artists with all the room in the world which was something I had rarely experienced doing live show coverage.

The line for merch blocked the main entrance to the dance floor, but I was able to wait and then the lights dimmed but never went fully out. The stage was illuminated with a soft blue color, as an instrumental snippet of latest album cut “It’s in Your Heart Now” played. The band appeared out of the right side curtain and picked up where the snippet left off, committing to a full abrasive turn of the song. Bejar often kept his eyes fixated on the floor, closing them and letting out the chorus of the track, as if he was reliving all the life lessons that inspired it. Artists showcasing that much depth and emotion always amazes me, so I was sort of not wanting to break the spiritual bond that was being created before my very eyes between the band and the crowd.

Destroyer performing at the Belasco Theatre, LA by Jacob Alvarez

A groovy baseline followed with another LABYRINTHITIS song, “June” which got the audience to begin dancing, and it was observed that Bejar had a few sheets of paper rolled together in his right pocket. The stage felt very stripped in appearance, with it resembling more of a studio recording session as opposed to a concert. There was more freedom and room for members to walk around in, mostly Bejar turning to the drums while smacking his tambourine. He also held his traditional style of microphone, not even having a stand to hold it onto; he kept it in hand always and just spoke into it as if only when he had something to say.

The band played “The Raven” to which Bejar took his notes from his pocket and began reading or at least acting like he was reading, tossing each paper after he finished it and letting them fall to the ground. It made for a spectacular intense scene that could have fit into a nice play or theater performance. Other favorites like “Kaputt” and “Tinseltown Swimming in Blood” were scattered throughout the set, with an encore following. Bejar at times made eye contact with the first few rows of fans, locking eyes with them to show gratitude but also perhaps for them to gain a little insight into what is going on in his mind. Destroyer ended with “Streethawk I” their most Bowie-esque track which brought on comparisons early in their career, but the audience loved it, dancing while each band member executed their artistry to full capacity: vocals, drums, keys, trumpet, and bass.

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!