By Odeisel
It’s not often that you can hear a band and actually get to say they don’t sound like anyone else. West Coast duo IO Echo, with their motley mix of pop, industrial rock and a hint of trance with Japanese Koto and Chinese violin have created a new sound from disparate influences. Comprised of members Leopold Ross and Ioanna Gika, IO Echo is always on the cutting edge of what’s artsy and the indie darlings have opened for No Doubt, as well as Nine Inch Nails.
We got hip to the group a while ago when we posted one of their latest singles “Berlin, It’s All A Mess.” The track was a haunting calm, with a video that strung together some pretty spooky imagery for a surreal cherry on top. The Planet got a chance to catch up with the duo in person as they opened for British rock band Bloc Party (more on them later) at Charlotte’s Fillmore this week.
We didn’t get to see a full on performance for IO Echo as they were the openers but their set was very interesting. The stage was bathed in purple light amid a decidedly Eastern backdrop with Japanese accents. Gika, the lead singer, is sultry and sophisticated, but with a pinch of grunge; a higher brow less sexed Gwen Stefani. They had much more energy than Berlin would suggest and IO Echo really held the crowd’s attention although it wasn’t readily apparent that they were familiar with their music.
IO Echo made some new fans and their aesthetic was very alluring and striking. They were a perfect yin to the yang of the headliners Bloc Party. Bloc Party consists of lead singer Kele Okereke, lead guitarist Russell Lissack, bass guitarist Gordon Moakes and drummer Matt Tong. If you haven’t heard of them, then get familiar because this indie band has sold over 2 million records worldwide.
You ever see that commercial where the rock band says the wrong city name out loud? Not this time. Lead singer Kele shouted out Charlotte many times, much to the delight of the crowd. With all pleasantries dismiss, Bloc Party rocked it to the effect of two encores. Strobe lights and elaborate light sequences as well as a well-paced show kept the audience invested. But don’t take my word for it. Peep the pics and the vid. Here’s the Bloc Party Set list.
Bloc Party setlist
Octopus
Trojan Horse
Hunting for Witches
Kettling
Real Talk
Song for Clay
Banquet
Blue Light
Children of the Future
Leaf Skeleton
One More Chance
So He Begins to Lie
Encore
Truth
Signs
Flux
Helicopter
Encore 2
Ares
This Modern Love
