Savages played Paradise – 4/1

London post-punk quartet Savages returned to Boston on Friday night, touring in support of their 2016 sophomore studio LP Adore Life. 

I caught the band at the Middle East Downstairs way back in July of 2013, just a few months after the release of their debut record Silence Yourself, and their live show has improved measurably from a strong foundation back then. Vocalist Jehnny Beth remains the focal point, commanding the stage and entrancing the crowd as only a truly gifted bandleader can, and the attack of bandmates Gemma Thompson, Ayse Hassan and Fay Milton has become more deadly-precise with time. Despite the barrier separating stage and crowd, Beth spent much of the show leaning in close to the front row, and the duration of “Hit Me” held aloft by the audience. Her stage presence felt less confrontational and more communal this time around, aligning with Adore Life‘s comparatively less dour outlook.

Savages’ new and improved live show included some dynamic, dramatic lighting of their own design, which made for an interesting if occasionally frustrating photography experience. An intensely expressive vocalist like Beth is an ideal subject in many ways, but the unpredictable light made it challenging to catch the moment. When said light was right, though, the results certainly worked to the band’s advantage. Full gallery, including a few of solo electronic opener Angus Tarnawsky, is below.