I had hoped to sit here today, writing about an amazing live set by one of my favorite bands. I wanted to write about the set list, the energy of the band, the reaction of the audience. I wanted to share photographs I had taken, showing off the intensity and enjoyment that comes from a band doing what they love. But I cannot. I was unable to go to the show and the sadness surrounding that is still with me. What I can do, however, is review the debut album by this band - long overdue.
Anyone who knows me knows how essential music is to my life. If you've followed any of my music related blogs, you know that I discovered a band in 2007, opening for Kenna and She Wants Revenge, and was instantly fell in love with this new sound for my senses. I haven't looked back since.
"Ministry of Love" was the highly anticipated, long awaited debut album by Io Echo, led by the incomparable Ioanna Gika and Leopold Ross. With 12 songs, some new delights and a few longtime classics, it swims in a sea of serenity. Strong Asian influences and koto harps add to the auditory gratification.
Opening with the haunting "Shanghai Girls"and followed by "When the Lillies Die" the visuals that fill the mind are not soon forgotten. The title track, "Ministry of Love," as well as the song, "Ecstasy Ghost" showcase Ioanna's striking vocals. The remaining eight songs, from the classics "Stalemate" and "Addicted" to the newer "Draglove" and "Forget Me Not," hit the soul with pleasure.
I am heavily biased when it comes to the music of my favorite artists. But I also shoot straight if I don't like something. Here, though, I seriously can't find fault with anything on the album - except maybe that it took so long to get here. It was, however, well worth the wait.
Here is the entire track listing:
Shanghai Girls
When the Lillies Die
Ministry of Love
Stalemate
Outsiders
Tiananmen Square
Ecstasy Ghost
Draglove
Addicted
Berlin, It's All a Mess
Forget Me Not
Eye Father
If you have not yet picked up this gem of an album, visit iTunes or Amazon and download or buy the physical copy. Find your way to You Tube to watch videos and live clips. Log on to Twitter or Facebook and follow Io Echo. And if you get a chance - GO SEE THEM LIVE! You will not regret it.
Thank you for reading from Rdwnggrl's World!
Showing posts with label io echo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label io echo. Show all posts
Friday, June 21, 2013
Thursday, October 14, 2010
New Io Echo? Yes!
October 8, 2007 ~ Showbox Theater, Seattle WA ~ this is where and when I first heard the band Io Echo. They were the opening act for Kenna and She Wants Revenge. Having been a huge fan of both Kenna and SWR, and in the process of packing up my entire life of living in the greater Seattle area to move to Colorado, I was not about to miss this show. In my excitement to see Kenna again, I didn't even think to check out this band, Io Echo, that I had never heard of. By the end of their set I was a fan. A big fan.
October 11, 2010 ~ Io Echo, after having toured off an on for the last 3 years are working on an album. 2 of the new tracks from the forthcoming album are out and available for listening (and viewing w/Geisha themed videos) on their MySpace page. I'm beyond excited for the new music and can't wait to get a copy of the finished cd in my hot little hands - at this point in time, I do not know the release date.
I wanted to post quick reviews of the two new songs that Io and the gang have created for our listening enjoyment.
"When The Lilies Die" ~ If I were to rate this on a scale of 1 - 10, this would get an easy 10, hands down. From the opening squealing whistle sound I was drawn in. It's got a dance/pop, guitar driven base that is overlapped by Io's crisp vocals. On first listen I was prone to compare it to both old Siouxsie & The Banshees, as well as, Fuzzbox. And while I still get hints of both bands, or at least certain songs by both bands, this song in uniquely Io Echo. It will grab you by the ears and make you tap your foot, bob your head, and fall in love with this band.
"Blackout" ~ A reverberating echo, drums that get your attention, and driving guitars give this song its grinding dance club sound. A throwback to 80s club classics, a feeling of hanging out in my gothy black-wearing glory rushes through me. I feel like I'm back at the club, dancing with the other gothy boys and girls, strobe lights, video screens, and disco balls flashing all around. Another winner and another leaving me wanting MORE!
So that's it, those are my quick reviews. One day soon I hope to be able to write a full album review. Until then, I suggest you check out these two songs, as well as the other treats this band have given us to sink our teeth into. Thank you Io Echo!
Please check them out on MySpace (linked above) and Facebook.
Thank you for reading from Rdwnggrl's World!
October 11, 2010 ~ Io Echo, after having toured off an on for the last 3 years are working on an album. 2 of the new tracks from the forthcoming album are out and available for listening (and viewing w/Geisha themed videos) on their MySpace page. I'm beyond excited for the new music and can't wait to get a copy of the finished cd in my hot little hands - at this point in time, I do not know the release date.
I wanted to post quick reviews of the two new songs that Io and the gang have created for our listening enjoyment.
"When The Lilies Die" ~ If I were to rate this on a scale of 1 - 10, this would get an easy 10, hands down. From the opening squealing whistle sound I was drawn in. It's got a dance/pop, guitar driven base that is overlapped by Io's crisp vocals. On first listen I was prone to compare it to both old Siouxsie & The Banshees, as well as, Fuzzbox. And while I still get hints of both bands, or at least certain songs by both bands, this song in uniquely Io Echo. It will grab you by the ears and make you tap your foot, bob your head, and fall in love with this band.
"Blackout" ~ A reverberating echo, drums that get your attention, and driving guitars give this song its grinding dance club sound. A throwback to 80s club classics, a feeling of hanging out in my gothy black-wearing glory rushes through me. I feel like I'm back at the club, dancing with the other gothy boys and girls, strobe lights, video screens, and disco balls flashing all around. Another winner and another leaving me wanting MORE!
So that's it, those are my quick reviews. One day soon I hope to be able to write a full album review. Until then, I suggest you check out these two songs, as well as the other treats this band have given us to sink our teeth into. Thank you Io Echo!
Please check them out on MySpace (linked above) and Facebook.
Thank you for reading from Rdwnggrl's World!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Grateful & Blessed - One Music Fan's Feelings
As a lifelong music junkie, I've often been envious of the people I hear about that can travel to and attend multiple concerts by my favorite bands/artists. Now, I'm not saying I haven't done that myself, to a point. In 1990 Depeche Mode could not play in Seattle because of the Goodwill Games, so I traveled to both Vancouver, BC and Portland, OR to see the World Violation tour. And in 2003, I traveled to Portland to see Dave Gahan's Paper Monster tour a night before also seeing him in Seattle. But to travel to multiple shows/states/countries to see an artist play is something that I can't do now - financially or as a parent of a young child.
I thought about it, though, after seeing She Wants Revenge and The Psychedelic Furs live last week, and realized that I have been incredibly fortunate and blessed to have been able to meet and have my picture taken with my favorite artists. This is big for me, as I care so much about music and the role it has played in my life.
In 1990, while in Portland for the DM show, a friend and I got the opportunity to meet and photograph Bon Harris from Nitzer Ebb (they opened for DM). Of curse we didn't think to ask if we could take pictures with him, so I don't have a picture of me with him, just a picture of him alone. He was very nice and later waved at us and pointed us out to Douglas McCarthy as they walked past us into the stadium during sound checks.
In 2003, at the Portland show of the Paper Monsters tour, I got to meet Kenna (who opened for Dave Gahan). At that time I just got to talk to him and had him sign my cd insert. But the next night, back home in Seattle, my husband and I got the opportunity to talk to him both before and after the show. At our encounter after the show, a friend of ours took a picture of us with Kenna. Jump forward to 2007 and Kenna opening for She Wants Revenge. To our great surprise, when we went to say hi to Kenna and have him sign my t-shirt, he remembered us. 4 years later, Kenna remembered us. How awesome is that? Again, we got to have our picture taken with him.
In 2005 the most amazing thing happened - thanks to my husband, my friend Stephanie and I got to go backstage to meet Depeche Mode at a meet & greet before their Touring The Angel Seattle show. Steph and I were amazed enough to have gotten 4th row seats to the show. But to get to meet the band - I don't think you could wipe the shocked smiles off of our faces the whole day/evening. It was brief, but magical. Dave, Martin, and Andy are even more beautiful in person and were very warm and friendly. Stephanie and I even got hugs from Andy!
In April of this year, I got to have my picture taken with Io and Leo of Io Echo. I've been a huge fan of them since 2007 when I saw them open for Kenna and SWR. I got to briefly meet Joanna (Io) at that show and she signed my cd cover. I've followed them since, and was given the wonderful gift (by Joanna) of being put on their guest list when they played in Denver, opening for A Place To Bury Strangers and The Big Pink. After their set, I went up to the merchandise booth and got to talk to Joanna for a bit. She is such a sweetheart and seriously one of the nicest people I've met. She and Leo took a picture with me, which was awesome.
Finally, last week, after missing out on seeing She Wants Revenge for years (yes, even though I saw Io Echo and Kenna open for SWR in '07, I missed their performance because we had to leave - crummy, I know), I FINALLY got to see them live, thanks to Adam from SWR. He, like Joanna, gave me the most amazing gift of putting me on the guest list. After being completely in awe of their live set, I got to meet and thank Adam in person for putting me on the list. And, of course, I got a picture with him.
I think I've finally gotten over my envy of people with money, who have the ability to save money, and have the time, or the ability to make time, to see their favorite artists multiple times on a tour. Because, quite honestly, I'm proud of opportunities I have had and am more than thankful for each and every one of them. I'm sure to some out there, the meetings I've had are miniscule to what they've done and who they've met. But to me, they mean the world and I couldn't be happier with the experiences I have been blessed with. I loved all of these artists before meeting them, so they were all special moments that I will never forget.
If you don't know these artists, here are some links for them all:
Depeche Mode
Nitzer Ebb
Kenna
Io Echo
She Wants Revenge (who also have a shop on Zazzle, btw - She Wants Revenge)
I thank them and the other people involved in our meetings and photo ops. You won't find a more grateful or devoted fan.
I thought about it, though, after seeing She Wants Revenge and The Psychedelic Furs live last week, and realized that I have been incredibly fortunate and blessed to have been able to meet and have my picture taken with my favorite artists. This is big for me, as I care so much about music and the role it has played in my life.
In 1990, while in Portland for the DM show, a friend and I got the opportunity to meet and photograph Bon Harris from Nitzer Ebb (they opened for DM). Of curse we didn't think to ask if we could take pictures with him, so I don't have a picture of me with him, just a picture of him alone. He was very nice and later waved at us and pointed us out to Douglas McCarthy as they walked past us into the stadium during sound checks.
In 2003, at the Portland show of the Paper Monsters tour, I got to meet Kenna (who opened for Dave Gahan). At that time I just got to talk to him and had him sign my cd insert. But the next night, back home in Seattle, my husband and I got the opportunity to talk to him both before and after the show. At our encounter after the show, a friend of ours took a picture of us with Kenna. Jump forward to 2007 and Kenna opening for She Wants Revenge. To our great surprise, when we went to say hi to Kenna and have him sign my t-shirt, he remembered us. 4 years later, Kenna remembered us. How awesome is that? Again, we got to have our picture taken with him.
In 2005 the most amazing thing happened - thanks to my husband, my friend Stephanie and I got to go backstage to meet Depeche Mode at a meet & greet before their Touring The Angel Seattle show. Steph and I were amazed enough to have gotten 4th row seats to the show. But to get to meet the band - I don't think you could wipe the shocked smiles off of our faces the whole day/evening. It was brief, but magical. Dave, Martin, and Andy are even more beautiful in person and were very warm and friendly. Stephanie and I even got hugs from Andy!
In April of this year, I got to have my picture taken with Io and Leo of Io Echo. I've been a huge fan of them since 2007 when I saw them open for Kenna and SWR. I got to briefly meet Joanna (Io) at that show and she signed my cd cover. I've followed them since, and was given the wonderful gift (by Joanna) of being put on their guest list when they played in Denver, opening for A Place To Bury Strangers and The Big Pink. After their set, I went up to the merchandise booth and got to talk to Joanna for a bit. She is such a sweetheart and seriously one of the nicest people I've met. She and Leo took a picture with me, which was awesome.
Finally, last week, after missing out on seeing She Wants Revenge for years (yes, even though I saw Io Echo and Kenna open for SWR in '07, I missed their performance because we had to leave - crummy, I know), I FINALLY got to see them live, thanks to Adam from SWR. He, like Joanna, gave me the most amazing gift of putting me on the guest list. After being completely in awe of their live set, I got to meet and thank Adam in person for putting me on the list. And, of course, I got a picture with him.
I think I've finally gotten over my envy of people with money, who have the ability to save money, and have the time, or the ability to make time, to see their favorite artists multiple times on a tour. Because, quite honestly, I'm proud of opportunities I have had and am more than thankful for each and every one of them. I'm sure to some out there, the meetings I've had are miniscule to what they've done and who they've met. But to me, they mean the world and I couldn't be happier with the experiences I have been blessed with. I loved all of these artists before meeting them, so they were all special moments that I will never forget.
If you don't know these artists, here are some links for them all:
Depeche Mode
Nitzer Ebb
Kenna
Io Echo
She Wants Revenge (who also have a shop on Zazzle, btw - She Wants Revenge)
I thank them and the other people involved in our meetings and photo ops. You won't find a more grateful or devoted fan.
Thanks for reading from Rdwnggrl's World!
Monday, April 12, 2010
White Light Spins Through the Fog
Last night, April 11th, was date night for me and the hubby. It's been a long time since we've had a date night. And last night gave us a great reason for one. One of our favorite bands, IO Echo, was playing in Denver at the Bluebird Theater, opening for A Place To Bury Strangers and The Big Pink.
We first saw IO Echo in Seattle in October of '07. They and Kenna were opening for She Wants Revenge. I had never heard of IO Echo, but by the end of the set I was a fan. I bought the cd they were selling at the venue and soon became my own street team for spreading the word about this incredible band. I had done the same with Kenna after hearing him for the first time in '03. When I fall in love with an artist who doesn't get the radio airplay or media attention that others get, I tend to go into uber-fan mode and do what I can to get people to notice them. It's the music-addict-geek in me, I guess, that makes me do it...
Anyway, since moving to Denver, I wasn't sure if and when I would get to see IO Echo live again, and once I saw that they would be playing here, I knew I had to go. I wasn't sure how we would do it as every penny we have is watched pretty carefully these days. But then by pure chance and luck, an opportunity came to me that I could not and would not pass up. We were going to see the band! Thank you Joanna for that gracious gift.
We got to the theater early-ish and got a spot dead center in front of the stage, not on the floor as it's about 4' below the stage, but on the first tier up - maybe 5 feet from the stage. Perfect. When the band came out I was one of just a few people to scream and whoop, but by the end of the set, the whole audience was clapping and cheering. And it's not a surprise.
Starting out with some new songs that will hopefully find their way onto a cd in the near future, I was totally impressed. Then Joanna announced that she had been battling bronchitis - you would have NEVER guessed, she sounded great. Soon came "While You Are Sleeping" which started with Joanna down on her knees on the stage and worked her way up to bouncing around. "I'm On Fire" started and my hubby said to me, "this is where she wins over the crowd." And she did. This song starts "quiet, they're all so quiet." It lingers and then like a kick to the face the drums and guitars assault the senses while she wails "I'm on fire!" - only to go back to the soothingly soft sounds of the beginning of the song. The set ended with "Doorway" which is one of my favorite songs. Still no signs of the bronchitis Joanna had been fighting - she sounded spot on. They left the stage to a cheering crowd, as it should be.
I got some pictures from the set, here are a few of them:
After the set we headed up to the merch counter, in hopes that they would be there. Leo was behind the counter, and the other band members, plus a few others were there talking. Finally, Joanna came up. She talked to the boys for a minute, then as I was going to go say hi, she turned around, saw me, said hi to me by name (uh, yeah, super cool that she knew who I was), and gave me a hug. We talked for a bit, I bought a limited edition t-shirt, then I got a pic with Joanna and Leo. We then went and watched A Place To Bury Strangers (which was good, albeit too loud - the guitars were way too loud and the vocals way too quiet - but still good music and a good set), and then headed home.
I had the best night - out with my wonderful hubby, an amazing live show in a great little venue, chatting with Joanna - couldn't have asked for more from date night! Thanks to IO Echo for their great performance!
Check out IO Echo on Facebook and MySpace. Listen to the music, become a fan. And if you get the chance to see them live, do!
Thanks for reading from Rdwnggrl's World!
We first saw IO Echo in Seattle in October of '07. They and Kenna were opening for She Wants Revenge. I had never heard of IO Echo, but by the end of the set I was a fan. I bought the cd they were selling at the venue and soon became my own street team for spreading the word about this incredible band. I had done the same with Kenna after hearing him for the first time in '03. When I fall in love with an artist who doesn't get the radio airplay or media attention that others get, I tend to go into uber-fan mode and do what I can to get people to notice them. It's the music-addict-geek in me, I guess, that makes me do it...
Anyway, since moving to Denver, I wasn't sure if and when I would get to see IO Echo live again, and once I saw that they would be playing here, I knew I had to go. I wasn't sure how we would do it as every penny we have is watched pretty carefully these days. But then by pure chance and luck, an opportunity came to me that I could not and would not pass up. We were going to see the band! Thank you Joanna for that gracious gift.
We got to the theater early-ish and got a spot dead center in front of the stage, not on the floor as it's about 4' below the stage, but on the first tier up - maybe 5 feet from the stage. Perfect. When the band came out I was one of just a few people to scream and whoop, but by the end of the set, the whole audience was clapping and cheering. And it's not a surprise.
Starting out with some new songs that will hopefully find their way onto a cd in the near future, I was totally impressed. Then Joanna announced that she had been battling bronchitis - you would have NEVER guessed, she sounded great. Soon came "While You Are Sleeping" which started with Joanna down on her knees on the stage and worked her way up to bouncing around. "I'm On Fire" started and my hubby said to me, "this is where she wins over the crowd." And she did. This song starts "quiet, they're all so quiet." It lingers and then like a kick to the face the drums and guitars assault the senses while she wails "I'm on fire!" - only to go back to the soothingly soft sounds of the beginning of the song. The set ended with "Doorway" which is one of my favorite songs. Still no signs of the bronchitis Joanna had been fighting - she sounded spot on. They left the stage to a cheering crowd, as it should be.
I got some pictures from the set, here are a few of them:
After the set we headed up to the merch counter, in hopes that they would be there. Leo was behind the counter, and the other band members, plus a few others were there talking. Finally, Joanna came up. She talked to the boys for a minute, then as I was going to go say hi, she turned around, saw me, said hi to me by name (uh, yeah, super cool that she knew who I was), and gave me a hug. We talked for a bit, I bought a limited edition t-shirt, then I got a pic with Joanna and Leo. We then went and watched A Place To Bury Strangers (which was good, albeit too loud - the guitars were way too loud and the vocals way too quiet - but still good music and a good set), and then headed home.
I had the best night - out with my wonderful hubby, an amazing live show in a great little venue, chatting with Joanna - couldn't have asked for more from date night! Thanks to IO Echo for their great performance!
Check out IO Echo on Facebook and MySpace. Listen to the music, become a fan. And if you get the chance to see them live, do!
Thanks for reading from Rdwnggrl's World!
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