Io Echo: Concert Review

Although Io Echo has played The Troubadour many times, Tuesday night was creating quite the buzz. For this was the first time the band would be headlining the venue themselves. Every social platform was expressing excitement and there were especially a lot of retweets that mentioned the show on Twitter. Everyone seemed to include this amazing LA band in their plans for the night.

Why am I re-living the hype? Because it was all definitely justified. Io Echo headlining was one of the best things that has ever happened to LA.

The night started out great with the tongue and cheek hip-hopster, Har Mar Superstar, psychedelic duo, Rainbow Arabia and punk rockers, Funeral Party. It was a great lineup smoothly transitioning from eccentric beats to dance rock anthems to an explosive ending. By the time Io Echo was about to take the stage the venue was packed.

Then with a very sincere introduction from Har Mar, himself, Io Echo came on stage to do what we had been waiting for all night.

From beginning to end, their set was chilling, suspenseful, and action packed. Not many bands take advantage of crescendos and diminuendos and this band does them so beautifully. I must also give props to whoever was in charge of the lighting. Strobe lighting perfectly complemented the band’s energy when they performed “Addicted” and “Enter the Exit” and the fog machine enhanced the eerie lyrics of “I’m On Fire.”

Leopold was, in fact, on fire with his guitar licks and it was especially entertaining when the leading lady ended up on the floor. (I do miss the zombie arms and bunny hop though.) With Joanna in a white satin dress lined with black crosses, her vocals, alone, shook the venue. It would be a shame to compare her to Yeah Yeah Yeahs‘ Karen O, because this gal has got such incredible stage presence that it doesn’t need to be enhanced by outrageous costumes.

New songs were also well-received by the audience. “Severance” has given Io Echo more of a dance edge but their stunning ability to rock our faces off has created an entirely new genre. I’ve said it before but I will say it again: Io Echo has made “goth” music so deliciously good! With their edgy arrangements and haunting vocals, they are a MUST to see live. They are a mesmerizing group of musicians who have the skills to put on one of the most magnetic shows anywhere (and any time slot) they play.

Photography by Nikki Ecklund