Sweet Sound Bites: Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019

Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

Since their 1988 debut, Belgium's edgy New Beat band, Lords of Acid have seen a lot of changes in terms of members and contributors.One of the things has remained the same for the last 30 + years is their raunchy, borderline hardcore rock with outrageous, sex-driven lyrics.

Last year they released Pretty in Kink, their first album in 6 years, which coincidentally is also their 6th album. A pioneer of the rave and hardcore scene, Lords of Acid founder and current keyboardist/ back up vocalist Praga Khan and the current LOA ensemble announced they'd be going on tour across The States shortly after the release of the album.

Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

The Pretty in Kink tour made it's way to the UC Theater in Berkeley on Sunday February 24th with Gabriel and The Apocalypse, Genitorturers and industrial techno favorite from the 90's, Orgy.

Sweet Sound Bites contributor Marc Fong was not familiar with Lords of Acid and their antics: here's his first hand experience of what the first time with LOA is like.

After three opening acts the nearly sold-out crowd was eager and more than ready to get their fill of the headliners. It was getting late for a Sunday night and just after 11:00, Lords of Acid finally took the stage. Lead by Marieke Bresseleers with Khan on keys, the whole band sounded great on the elevated staged as they shredded their sexy ballads. But what do you call a band like Lords of Acid? An Industrial band? Dark Techno? Acid House Dance? However you categorize them, they know how to give fans what they want.

Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

In a bondage fashioned one-piece, black fishnets and boots, Bresseleers, who's been with the band for about 8 years now, sashayed on stage like a prize winning fighter. Her alluring stage presence was theatrical and engaging as she interacted with her band-mates and fans. Everyone's energy was interchangeable.

Her powerful vocals remained strong as she belted out old and new favorites while writhing around like the rascal that she is. Khan held it down on keys, calm and steady like the pro that he is, really letting the rest of the band drive the show that went on well into the early morning hours of Monday.

Lords of Acid @ The UC Theater in Berkeley 2/24/2019
photo by Marc Fong

There's a reason why Lords of Acid have remained relevant over three decades: sex sells and they're ability to mix that fun with heavy industrial and techno beats has created a signature sound that keeps fans coming back for more. They say you never forget your first time and this introduction to LOA will not be forgotten.
Lords of Acid gave Berkeley a great show and they will continue to spread their love as their U.S. tour rolls on.