Live Review: Drab Majesty - The Riviera Theatre Chicago

Drab Majesty - Bobby Talamine (c) 2022

Drab Majesty - Bobby Talamine (c) 2022

Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine
Edited by Fiza Javid

Tuesday - November 15, 2022

The problem with not being the headliner in a show, and being the opener?
A rather limited set.
45 minutes to be exact.

Such a shame that they couldn't go on a bit longer- say even an hour total tops.
And for a band such as Drab Majesty, who swim circles around ethereal dream pop, and transport you right from their opener "The Other Side"- their sonic weave can rise majestically, on an instant, wishing you could just sit back and stay in such a revelatory state for the entire night.

And they make it look all so easy, taking a deep dive into their catalog, into "Oxytocin', and then the deliciousness of "Dot in the Sky".
And it says lots that the main floor of the Riviera Theatre, and the proceeding levels up to the main bar at the back of the house was rather packed for the opener, knowing full well that through word of mouth, these guys are the real deal.
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The mysteriousness and allure with Deb Demure on guitar and vocal, and Mona D on synths and vocal says lots about cool detachment, looking sophisticated in there suits, with complementary white wigs and dark shades adding more to their overall aesthetic and approach to performing.

Have seen them multiple times in this manner, and variations of, down to their bright white chest lights, in full display fro their closing song "Not Just a Name".
All of it, in a limited setting such as tonight at the Riviera Theatre, never grows old.
I'll take 45 minutes of Drab Majesty- which is better than not seeing Drab Majesty.

To some degree, they've become a cult phenomenon, with their sense of detachment, and basically letting their music do the talking, and let you do the talking in describing their music around the water cooler.
And to be able to consistently do this on the up and up, building upon the release of "Modern Mirror', which came out back in 2019, says lots in my opinion, considering that no matter the fan base- metal, goth, dark wave, dream pop, whatever- these guys are loved.
Just look at me as an example.
When asked what I've been listening to when the topic comes up- I always bring Drab Majesty up.

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Drab Majesty - Bobby Talamine (c) 2022

Drab Majesty - Bobby Talamine (c) 2022

Drab Majesty - Bobby Talamine (c) 2022

Drab Majesty - Bobby Talamine (c) 2022

Have been doing this for years on end.
And to the unkown, and they have no clue- I relish in filling you in on the details.
Can say this about quite a few bands- Wovenhand, Actors, Weyes Blood, Idles, and so on.

But the smile on my face when bringing up Drab Majesty... it's like a forgone conclusion that I'll command your attention.
Back to their performance- and having the pit to myself for most of their set- have to say once again just how magical it was.
All their songs hold such a magical power, shifting seamlessly throughout, with "Ellipsis", and the iconic "Cold Souls", then "Kissing the Ground", and of course ending once again with "Not Just a Name".
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The unfortunate thing- it was over before you know it.
Just such a potent and vibrant band, even for a two piece.
Hopefully we'll see them soon once again, in a headlining role, even if it's a smaller venue.
Anything beyond a 45 minute set is fine by me, no matter where they decide to play.

Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago

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Drab Majesty, Deb Demure, Mona D, JBTV Music Television, Bobby Talamine, Fiza Javid, Live Music