Photos by Michael McGrath, words by Laurie Polisky – Feb. 24, 2020
Colored balloons were kept afloat by a crowd full of eager hands as Julia Shapiro sung the all-too-fitting lyrics, “We are having a party / I think they’re having fun.”
It was a party, albeit bittersweet. Chastity Belt’s Sunday night show at the Bluebird theater marked the band’s second to last stop on their 2020 US tour, and “it’s been such a fun tour,” Julia Shapiro reminisced.
After meeting in college and playing together for over nine years, it is no wonder that this 4-piece group feels so connected on stage. Knowing smiles and inaudible jokes are exchanged between songs. Timed, exaggerated strum motions are in sync between Annie Trusscott (bass) and Lydia Lund (guitar). Chastity Belt aren’t just bandmates… they’re best friends.
As evidenced by roses thrown onto the stage by audience members, fans are ecstatic that Chastity Belt is back. This tour follows the release of 2019’s LP “Chastity Belt,” and their subsequent European tour.
There’s a certain democracy with Chastity Belt. Everyone sings, at least sometimes. Sunday night, Gretchen Grimm (drums/guitar) exchanged places with Julia Shapiro (guitar/drums) to sing lead for two songs. In a marked highlight of the set, guitarist Lydia Lund took lead vocals for their new single “The Process,” and though Julia Shapiro may feel ridiculous while finger tapping, her screaming guitar line carries the song to its end. Their mutual respect, democratic spirit, and talent, enable them to subvert expectations about what role a band member must play.
This spirit was further reflected in their relationship with tourmates Nanami Ozone (Phoenix, AZ) and HughF (Melbourne, Australia). Being that it was their last show together, Julia, Gretchen, Lydia, and Annie of Chastity Belt all sported Nanami Ozone t-shirts during their set, thanking the band multiple times for joining them on tour. And, during Nanami Ozone’s set minutes prior, they stripped sweaters off to reveal Chastity Belt t-shirts, one homemade (and quite good!) by drummer Chis Gerber. “They are our favorite band,” said Sophie Opich (vocals/guitar). “It is always hard to end a tour with your friends” remarked bassist Jordan Owen.
One of those friends was opener HughF, whose solo set was of particular mention. With just a guitar, the engaging Aussie captivated the audience with his soulful voice and lyrical songwriting. “Life Goes On My Furry Friends” is a melancholy tune about life, death, and a cow named Curly Fries. He’s an artist worth keeping on the radar, and is currently working on an album of all one-minute songs: “Some are just little thoughts… I make songs about animals, food, and family.”
Chastity Belt will finish their tour at the end of this week in their home state of Washington with Versing and HughF.
I ran into Sophie Opich of Nanami Ozone outside the venue as I was leaving. When asked to describe the night, she said “just way too much fun!” Lots of happy folks streaming out of the Bluebird seemed to agree.