LIVE REVIEW: Cold Cave @ The Getty, LA 10/20/12

October 22. 2012 | By Miguel Escobar

It almost seemed like the weather in Los Angeles, overcast and threatening rain, was preparing itself for an epic Cold Cave show on Saturday at the Getty Center. The rain never came, but Cold Cave played a perfect set nonetheless. Seeing them play live at a world-renowned museum was a very special treat. The art history nerd in us couldn’t help but geek out in having what we consider a living, breathing art performed in front of us while surrounded by pieces of art that are 500+ years old.

Cold Cave @ The Getty 10/21/12

Cold Cave @ The Getty 10/21/12

This juxtaposition of new and old, current and past, worked on many levels; especially when we think of all the past bands and genres that influence Cold Cave and how the band uses these influences to create something new. Cold Cave, the brain child of Wesley Eisold, melds influences from genres and bands of the past and brings something new to the table. You can hear hints of industrial and darkwave bands like Nitzer Ebb and Front 242 on certain songs while other songs with a lighter touch are more in line with the ’80s synth pop of Depeche Mode. This, coupled with Wesley Eisold’s history in hardcore band American Nightmare, meld together to bring something fresh and new to the table. For us, it is more than just the music that is special.

Cold Cave @ The Getty 10/21/12

Cold Cave @ The Getty 10/21/12

Eisold’s dark, brooding lyrics, joined with pulsing synths, are the key to our love for this band. When Eisold sings with conviction “you can seldom count on love / you can often count on hate / you can always count on death as your fate,” we don’t just hear it – we feel it and believe it.

Cold Cave @ The Getty 10/21/12

As a live band, Cold Cave goes above and beyond. The newest incarnation of the band really brings the recordings to life. Songs like “The Great Pan is Dead” and “Alchemy and You” have bite and are harder live. Other songs like “Confetti” and “Underworld USA” come to life in the hands of the live band, ultimately getting the crowd at the Getty to dance. Whether you are a long time devotee or a new fan, Cold Cave live delivers in spades. We cannot wait for the next full length Cold Cave record. Wesley, please don’t make us wait too long.

Cold Cave @ The Getty 10/21/12

Cold Cave @ The Getty 10/21/12

~Set List~
Villains of the Moon
Pacing the Church
Underworld USA
Love Comes Close
Little Death
Rats
Youth & Lust
Catacombs
God Made The World
Confetti
———–
Young Prisoner
Alchemy and You
The Great Pan is Dead

For more incredible pictures of Cold Cave at The Getty, click HERE.

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