One remarkable thing about their live sound from someone who used to play in a power trio is that they manage to take full advantage of the power trio format while overcoming all the weaknesses of not having a second guitar. This is a strong complement to each of the players - that the bass and drums keep things full-sounding during solos and that Patermoster's guitar style makes the dynamic shifts happen on purpose. Screaming Females are a band that appeals on their recordings and is explosive on stage.
And what a set it was. Powerful tunes played enthusiastically and solidly to an excited crowd. To say that Paternoster is a wicked hot guitar player is an understatement. Her mastery of the instrument and the passion with which she coaxes amazing sounds from it is incredible to behold. My moving from front of the stage where I captured these shots, to near the back where I took in the rest of the set, made me ask one question that I've noticed from various gigs - why does the guitar often sound better coming off the stage? Maybe it's because I'm a guitar player and like a very in-your-face guitar mix that comes from having the guitar amp pointed right at you.
If you like passionate vocals, great tunes accented by shredding guitar solos and held down by heavy distorted bass and solid drumming, check out Screaming Females and go see them live.
"A New Kid"
"Empty Head"
"Rotten Apple"
"Foul Mouth"
"It's Not Fair"
"Bell"
Main set closer "Leave It All Up To Me"
First song of the encore, "Hopeless"
