Show Review & Photos: White Lies @ Neumos

“We’re White Lies, and this is Death,” that’s how singer/guitarist Harry McVeigh ended White Lies’ set last Tuesday at Neumos in Seattle. The stage was stark, black and white with bits of fog drifting in and out and I felt like this was a bit like what Ingmar Bergman would have done with a rock and roll stage set. There’s that moment in the Seventh Seal where Max von Sydow’s character encounters Death in the flesh – that’s what it reminded me of and I mean that as a high compliment. To end a show with the pounding and relentless horror of Death’s That’s why everything’s got to be love or death/Yes this fear’s got a hold of me is a significant farewell.


Harry McVeigh and Jack Brown – photo by Dagmar

It may seem strange to talk about how a show ended before I talk about how it began but keep in mind this is a band concerned with emotional catastrophe and pain. Angst. And I love every part of it. White Lies, comprised of McVeigh, Jack Brown (drums), and Charles Cave (bass/backup vocals), released their self-titled debut this year and it’s my favorite of the year. The band came out roaring with the contemplative and danceable Farewell to the Fairground and To Lose My Life. To Lose My Life, already a major hit in the UK is a Chameleons-esque beauty with an unfairly infectious lyric of Let’s grow old together/ and die at the same time. There is not a weak song in their live set or their CD – the alternating gentle and lusciously prominent bass, the strapping and elegant drumming, the rolling baritone, the swift guitar and provocative lyrics – it’s all here.


Charles Cave – photo by Dagmar


Jack Brown – photo by Dagmar

Unfinished Business was a highlight for me, it’s probably my favorite White Lies song. Its pace is so appealing and the lyrics so dramatic: You’ve got blood on your hands and I know it’s mine. I would type more but it would be the entire song. Just listen to it. Plus it’s got what I think must be a nod to Duran Duran’s A View to a Kill: A sight for sore eyes and with a view to kill. EST was also really amazing: I hope you remember me/ I hope you never pretend for me.

Each band member has a unique and intense presence that attracted my attention the entire show. You just need to see this band, trust me. Added bonus: these are all handsome guys. The live performance is different from the CD and that’s another bonus for me – White Lies is all that is glorious about music.


Harry McVeigh – photo by Dagmar

Check out more photos of the show in my gallery: Page 1 and Page 2.

Photos: Travis @ the Showbox. Tuesday Night: White Lies

I took photos last night at Travis’ Showbox appearance. Many more to come and a few are over here too. I am also posting photos from new Back Beat Seattle contributor Nicky Andrews, who sent me some really lovely photos!

This was my third time seeing Travis and I can’t wait to see them again. I don’t think I could ever get tired of this band.


Fran Healy – Photo by Dagmar


Dougie Payne, Fran Healy and Andy Dunlop – Photo by Nicky Andrews


Dougie Payne – Photo by Dagmar


Fran Healy – Photo by Dagmar


Fran Healy – Photo by Nicky Andrews


Fran Healy and Andy Dunlop – Photo by Nicky Andrews

Check out more of Nicky’s photography here.

Tuesday April 7th sees Brits White Lies playing at Neumos. I have been waiting to see this band for nearly a year.

And if you missed it here’s White Lies on David Letterman:

Those rose petals are amazing. I hope they have those Tuesday night.