Laura Jane Grace @ Cloudland Theater - January 3rd, 2024
This intimate encounter at Cloudland Theater and Laura’s incredible performance will forever be etched in my mind. I have immense admiration for this woman and the profound impact her music has had on my life. I’m sure many of us can relate…
I had the honor of seeing her electrifying stage presence with Against Me! Back in 2014. In addition, my father attended. With his limited knowledge about the band, he approached them with skepticism — considering his upbringing on glam metal and classic rock. However, given that his father took him to see KISS in his youth, he showed much interest in joining me at a live concert featuring one of my favorite bands. As the show unfolded, I couldn’t help but gravitate towards the pit while my dad observed from the sidelines. After the show, I eventually made my way back to him, and he welcomed me with excitement, exclaiming, “Wow, you know what... Against Me! Fucking rock!!” Hahaha! Even after several days, his excitement for them remained unwavering, and I will always hold that memory so close to my heart.
Being able to participate in this intimate performance and catching sight of Laura’s staggering talent evoked a wave of nostalgia. I couldn’t help but be moved to tears. I am truly grateful for your ceaseless dedication to doing what you were evidently destined to do. Thank you for your unyielding commitment and for consistently rocking all of our fucking asses off!
Grace clears the air with the subtlety of a wrecking ball on the title track, one that still summons a grin from me on repeated listens; and at a lean 29 minutes, we’re talking 20+ spins here easy, which will only grow in the next few months.
Sometimes you just can't turn back no matter how much you would like to. Days come where change is necessary for survival. I've spent the past two years denying the fact. Trying to find myself in a person that I struggled to be, but just wasn't. There are many ways to achieve dreams, this just isn't the way. I can still remember every last look, as I acknowledged that while this may only be good bye for the moment, nothing will ever be the same. I've tried to rebuild relationships countless times to no avail. The bags I've accumulated from pushing everything down inside time and time again always proves itself too heavy to cope with. Screened thoughts are passed out, not on purpose, victim of habit. Celebrated tradition of denying release.
- Vivida-Vis! track listing page in the lyrics and other associated writings booklet
Image source: Discogs
Laura Jane Grace & The Devouring Mothers' 2020 cover of Vancouver Divorce from a 24-hour Bandcamp Friday exclusive charity compilation album that raised $250,000 for Fair Fight and Color of Change
Audio source: jimjob on Internet Archive
More information on the compilation (and it's sequel) on Pitchfork