#qoj

One whole month without seeing a show! That’s a rare occurrence! But I am back and what a show to kick off my return with!

 First order of business: the openers. Frame and Mantle and The Real Sea. Both strong contenders to the Queen of Jeans crown. Frame and Mantle brought the ethereal instrumentals coupled with powerful and emotional vocals. The Real Sea had the flowey and gorgeous sounds and some intense strumming since the guitarist broke a guitar string right before their final song and had to borrow another guitar. Both a testament to the range of the local music scene. 

And of course Queen of Jeans. This band has been a favorite of mine for a few years since I first saw them open for Balance and Composure and From Indian Lakes. I was a fan when they only had an EP out and my love has only grown with the release of their two albums. Their whole show consisted of songs off their newest album, If You’re Not Afraid I’m Not Afraid. That is with the one acceptation, being a lesbian cover of Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus. Queen of Jeans is an experience to see and hear. Their songs and vocals swell and ebb like one would expect a churning stormy ocean to do. The vocals and harmonies are as gorgeous as the sirens that would lure sailors into those swirling waters. The love and range behind the words were enough to bring me to tears a few times. The lighting and ambiance only lent more to the mood of the whole show. If any of you ever get a chance to see Queen of Jeans I couldn’t recommend it enough. Weather opener or headliner, these women (and Pat) will steal the show every time and leave you breathless. Let’s go lesbians.

Bonus setlist + cassette tape