Photo Review: Sri Aurobindo and The Violet Hour

Photos by Chrissy

Having heard The Violet Hour's compellingly beautiful debut and Sri Aurobindo's journey of a new disc going into Saturday, expectations were high. Without a doubt, high hopes were met with this show at the Metro Gallery.

Above are Chrissy's fantastic pictures of what was an all around spiritually moving affair. The mood was set with John MacDonald and Tom Owens of the Gamelan Mitra Kusuma, playing traditional Gamelan instruments and providing a moment to pause and reflect. The arrangements were incredibly complex considering both were using the same type of Indonesian instrument, a perfect way to begin the show.

Sri Aurobindo followed, and conquered. They psychedelically droned and blasted their way through a thirty (plus) minute improv, in similar spirits to what's found on Return into Earth. Utilizing various means of aural stimuli, these guys demonstrated their ability to elevate unique textures of nostalgic noise in perfect harmony with one another.

This was my first time catching The Violet Hour live, and it most definitely won't be my last. The same subtle beauties and extreme sonic bliss that can be found in their debut was present on Saturday. Beth's voice was somehow even more stunning live, filling the entire room with warmth. With such a fantastic debut and a solid live presence, I'm excited to see what the future brings for this very promising local duo.