Live Review: Blonde Redhead - Sit Down for Dinner Tour 2023

Blonde Redhead - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Blonde Redhead - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine
Edited by Fiza Javid

Thalia Hall Chicago - October 31, 2023

Kazu, Amedeo and Simone of Blonde Redhead, playing Chicago's Thalia Hall on Halloween night.
A documentary film crew are on hand for the proceedings, to take in all the costume revelry from Thalia Hall, this being a special night to perform, even if Halloween falls on Tuesday.
And the overall mood is subdued, tranquil.
Yes- there are plenty of people in costumes throughout, along with the regulars who didn't play "dress up".
No matter- the band played the part for the festivities , decked out with Kazu adorned with long black rabbit ears, and the Pace brothers in what appears to be long and black hoodlum or burgler caps.
Not that Amedeo and Simone comes across as renegades- their music is anything but.
But still, nice to see all three get into character a bit for Halloween's sake.
As for their latest release "Sit Down for Dinner", and the tour that follows this gorgeous release-
They still have their magic, they still have their elegance in sophisticated and simplistic songwriting intact.

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Blonde Redhead - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Blonde Redhead - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Blonde Redhead - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Blonde Redhead - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

Blonde Redhead - Bobby Talamine (c) 2023

A true thinking man's band, with all things mysterious and surrounded by exotic melodicisms.
Hearing the actual album when it was released this past September, and then hearing some of these gorgeous songs performed live- just so memorable, justifying their rather lengthy absence since the last time they came through town.
Songs such as "Snowman", and "Sit Down for Dinner", parts one and two, along with "Kiss Her Kiss Her" to close out their set- new songs worthy of your attention and taking in the beauty of it all, let alone that immense back catalog of nuggets as well, opening their show with "Falling Man", followed by "Dr. Stangeluv", before even getting to their new songs.
And their earlier material still holds up, showing us all yet again that the power of beautiful melody, followed by the innocence of Kazu when she sings, and the same with Amedeo as well.
Nothing beats dense and exotic arrangements, done with intelligence and sophistication and flair.
Their whole set was over in a flash, leaving you in a dreamlike state when getting organized and prepared to vacate the premises- what's the rush actually, having waited this long to see them and hope they live up to your expectations.
They certainly did, capturing the magic and wonderment of it all, down to the campy tombstones on the front of the stage and along the drum riser, let alone the gothic cathedral like lighting backdrops, and purplish Halloween mood.
An unforgettable show, as delicate and meaningful as I ever witnessed- just so lush and genuine.
Blonde Redhead- "Sit Down for Dinner"- one of the best albums of the year.
Blonde Redhead- One of the best shows of the year as well.

Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago

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Blonde Redhead, Kazu Makino, Amedeo Pace, Simone Pace, Thalia Hall, JBTV Music Television, Fiza Javid, Bobby Talamine