Author: Ella Rustin
In February, UK post-punk band Squid embarked on their United States tour, following the release of their latest album “O Monolith”. Their show at the historic venue, The Crocodile, in Seattle, served as proof that they are more than worthy of the acclaim they have received as a part of the current post-punk scene. As a frequent listener of the band’s material, I was extremely excited to have the opportunity to cover this show.
About Squid
Known as one of the most energetic bands of the underground UK scene, post-punk group Squid has been making waves in the industry for years. Known for their eclectic sound, Squid blends elements of post-punk, jazz, and experimental rock into their material. Founded in 2015 in Brighton, England, Squid easily gained the attention of many music lovers as they distinguished themselves from other post-punk bands. With a lineup consisting of Ollie Judge (vocals, drums), Louis Borlase (guitar, vocals), Arthur Leadbetter (keyboards, strings), Laurie Nankivell (bass, brass), and Anton Pearson (drums, percussion), Squid brings together a diverse range of influences to create music that is both captivating and unpredictable. It is difficult to categorize Squid’s music, and with a growing discography and an ever-evolving sound, Squid continues to captivate audiences around the world and solidify their status as one of the most exciting bands to emerge in recent years.
Water From Your Eyes
Kicking off the Sunday night show at the Crocodile, New York band Water From Your Eyes set the stage with high expectations, as their set was easily one of the best opening performances I have seen in quite a long time. Their performance at The Crocodile was an electrifying display of experimental energy. I had never heard the group’s music before, but since seeing them live, I have listened to their material almost every day.
The first thing I noticed upon walking into the venue was the intricacy of the stage setup. On the stage were one elevated drum kit, another to the right of the center, synths, keyboards, a handful of guitars, and microphones at almost every “station”.
A heavy distorted backtrack could be heard as they entered the stage, settling before they began their opening track, immediately captivating the audience’s attention. Throughout the set, they played with altered vocals, adding an intriguing dimension to their sound and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the performance. Alongside their live instruments, Water From Your Eyes incorporated unique background production, seamlessly blending synths and other electronic elements into their music. The band mentioned their consistent presence in the city on almost every tour they’ve been on, earning them a dedicated local following. Towards the end of the set, the guitarist and drummer left the stage, before the remaining members played the final song of their set, “14”.
The Show
Hearing that a band is well renowned in an underground scene can easily set unrealistic expectations for a show, but Squid’s performance in Seattle was proof that the attention and acclaim they have received is legitimate.
The band’s set commenced with a robotic and electronic intro, setting the tone for Squid’s continual musical experimentation. Concertgoers were able to immerse themselves in the music, including me, as I started the night in the middle of the crowd, and later found myself in the second row from the stage after spending some time in the pit. Throughout the performance, Squid showcased their dexterity in improvisation with live production, seamlessly transitioning between songs like “Undergrowth” and “G.S.K.” This fluidity incited energy from the crowd as it continuously increased, creating a sense of excitement and connection. The atmosphere displayed a sense of familiarity and comfort, underscoring Squid’s role as a true cornerstone of the current post-punk scene.
Squid delivered a setlist that balanced new material with older favorites, ensuring a captivating experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Not a single person in the crowd remained still, as the infectious rhythms and melodies created a space for dancing and moshing, with most of the crowd singing along as well.
The highlight of the evening came with the performance of “Paddling,” a fan favorite that ignited the crowd more than any other song had.
Ending their set with “The Blades” off of their latest album, O Monolith, Squid left the audience buzzing with excitement and anticipation for what the band’s future may have in store.
Many thanks to the Crocodile for allowing me to attend and cover this show.
Ella Rustin | KXSU Program Director| I am my own narrator