Two Portland bands arrived in Lawrence on Monday, eagerly anticipating costumes, bright lights, and dancing. The Lawrence scene responded with full vigor, packing into the Granada on a chilly Autumn night, their dancing shoes laced up tight.
Onuinu
Onuinu delighted with quivering and wailing electronic sounds. They filled the Granada with spacey, elegant, and driving rhythms with a voice that soared effortlessly over the crowd.
Dorian Duvall makes beautiful music without even trying, and kept the fans swaying like waves of wheat glowing in the blue lights of the Granada.
Starfucker
The last time Starfucker played out this way was in 2008 at a Kansas City venue. But even with that much time passing, they grew a dedicated fan base that came to the Granada dressed to the nines.
The electronic and dancey band has a flair for the theatrics. One member sported a glitzy “Starfucker” cape, while another donned an eerie mask. But honestly, this probably wasn’t so much a Halloween gimmick as it was something they usually do at shows. They’ve been noted for sometimes wearing women’s clothing while they perform, and some of their excitable fans showed up wearing dresses in support.
Aside from their choice of clothing, the show was a sight to behold. A large LED screen blared colorful patterns and lights into the audience. Fans wove their fingers through the tiny little lasers that shot into the crowd. This was a show where instead of lighting up the band onstage, they chose to bask the audience in light instead.
Essentially, what Starfucker was doing was creating an ultimate dance party atmosphere. This was a gift for you, the fans (who stuck with them through all their experimental phases and name changes); and in return for this delightful present, the performers got to watch you enjoy every second of it. Concert-goers gleefully jumped and boogied, their hands constantly in the air, swatting at balloons or trying to grasp the energetic light all around them.
If you’ve wondered what an honest-to-goodness dance party at the Granada looks like, this was it.
Bonus videos! Starfucker is in the middle of recording a new album and treated fans to new songs, but also pulled out the old favorites.
