Studio B @ Skyway Theater in Minneapolis, MN
March 16, 2024
Photos by Brett
Review by Nick
NITA STRAUSS returned to Studio B at Skyway Theater to support her second solo record “The Call of the Void” in a full headlining capacity. NITA was opening for Mammoth WVH just as the record came out and had a very solid set at First Avenue a couple months ago but what could she do when she got to fully shine on her own?
NITA brought with the massive lighting set up she had with Mammoth WVH, as she’s just coming off the second leg of that tour finishing up the these solo dates getting her back to the West Coast. I kinda think they couldn’t put up ALL the lights on stage with having 6 band members on that kinda small Studio B stage but it was still blinding and impressive nonetheless.
NITA and the band seemed to really enjoy having the crowd up close and personal for the full hour set. No barricade and everyone was on their best behavior the entire night. The whole band really seemed to enjoy playing some songs that they didn’t normally get to play in their limited opening set time. There was more new material from Call this time with the first half still being instrumental and the second half with touring vocalist Kasey Karlsen. Kasey comes out swinging absolutely crushing “The Wolf You Feed” doing vocal gymnastics to stay true to Alissa White-Gluz’s version on the album. While no easy feat there, Kasey ran head first in to “The Golden Trail” and delivers the goods on “Through the Noise”.
Nita gives everyone equal time to shine live. While Nita’s shredding, her guitarist and bassist (forgive me, I couldn't find their names on the internet) are running around the stage as much as they can keeping the crowd hyped up. Keyboardist and background vocalist Katt Scarlett whips her hair around constantly while laying down the groove while drummer Josh Villalta is a monster behind the drums! Nita has a really impressive band with her look no further than the intricaices of tracks like "Our Most Desperate Hour" and "Marianas Trench".
I’m still at a loss on how to describe STARBENDERS and I’m good with that. STARBENDERS don’t easily fit in to any catagory or genre. Best I can do is think 70’s and 80’s rock and metal put together in a blender and updated for today’s time. The band really blurs lines with each song, when you think you got it, they throw another curve ball.
“Blood Moon” kicked off their set and I was confused and interested all at the same time – crunchy riffs and infectious grooves with vocalist and guitarist Kimi Shelter belting out these insane screams at the end of the chorus without opening her mouth super big like every other singer. Guitarist Kriss Tojkaji looks like Slash up on stage while bassist Aaron Lecesne gives a nod to Bowie. New drummer Qi Wei looks like she’s having time of her life up on stage with the band. Put all 4 together and you have a band you can’t look away from – they keep you engaged with great stage presence and then add in the electricity of knowing that you’re not quite sure what you’re gonna get next.
Kimi channeled some serious Stevie Nicks vibes with “Seven White Horses” complete with a tambourine. A slower tempo track that stood out from the rest of the set which flowed really well in to “Cherry Wine” showcasing the beauty in Kimi’s vocals before amping it back up to close out the set with “If You Need It.”
I’m glad I bought a record from Kimi as she was packing up the merch table during Nita’s set. I’m very intrigued that this band is very unique to the point where after seeing as many concerts as I have, there’s still a band that keeps me on my toes and keeps me guessing. Check out STARBENDERS live the next time they roll thru town and be entranced.
SEE MORE OF BRETT'S PHOTOS OF NITA STRAUSS and STARBENDERS HERE!
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