When 2021 tours started being announced a few months ago, electro-folk, synthpop act
Sylvan Esso announced their Shaking Out the Numb tour. They had released their third album,
Free Love in the middle of the COVID quarantine featuring the single "Numb" which is an appropriate name for a North American tour rolling through the country as it comes out of quarantine. It's also a clever homage to their 2020 single "Numb" in which the chorus features the lyrics "shaking out the numb".
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Sylvan Esso at The Greek Theater in Berkeley 9/9/2021
photo by Nikki DeMartini |
I couldn't wait to see them play their new music so of course I was so excited to see that they were scheduled to play at one of, of not my favorite out door venues in the Bay Area, The
Greek Theater in Berkeley on
September 9th with supporting act Local Natives. I can't even remember when the last time I saw a show there but the last time I saw Sylvan Esso live was there.
Currently, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test are required in order to attend
Sylvan Esso shows as well as all Another Planet Entertainment shows but that didn't stop fans from buying tickets. Their show in Berkeley that night was sold-out as are a lot of shows on the "Shaking Out The Numb" tour.
I was just one out of the 8,500 people at The Greek that night and I was as happy to be there as everyone else was. People are always happy to be at a concert but there is a noticeable difference at post lock-down shows. The air almost seems lighter with an indescribable magnetic euphoria of deja vu.
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Sylvan Esso at The Greek Theater in Berkeley 9/9/2021
photo by Nikki DeMartini |
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Sylvan Esso at The Greek Theater in Berkeley 9/9/2021
photo by Nikki DeMartini |
In a day glow green two piece under a baggy two piece blue cage style jumpsuit and fishnet stockings that matched her skin tone, Amelia's look was very different from Nick's. With his long wavy locks blowing in the breeze his look was very modern day hippy, wook if you will: flowy black and white checkered pair of skirt looking shorts and an oversized pink tye dyed shirt. Their on-stage look that night in Berkeley matched their sound: psychedelic electronic dance.
After opening gently with the serenely poignant "What If" from 2020's Free Love, they went on to play something from every album including classic fan favorites "Hey Mami" and "Coffee" from their self titled debut. About four songs in they took a moment to express gratitude for being able to tour and play live music for fans again in this on going pandemic. I imagine that sentiments similar to these will be shared from stages at concerts for some time.
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Sylvan Esso at The Greek Theater in Berkeley 9/9/2021
photo by Nikki DeMartini
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Sylvan Esso at The Greek Theater in Berkeley 9/9/2021
photo by Nikki DeMartini |
Sylvan Esso have a charismatic energy that they exude on stage every time I have seen them no matter the setting. Whether it be at an outdoor arena, an indoor venue, a festival set or a smaller intimate show their all inclusive, chill, dance party vibes magically transcend across them all rather effortlessly.
It was great to be back at The Greek, it was great to see Sylvan Esso play their new stuff live and it was great to see them at The Greek again.
