MXMS and William Control w/ The Crying Spell    
El Corazon, Seattle, WA
11.22.16

From the transformative shadows comes relief in the form of “funeral pop” band Me and My Shadow – aka MXMS – whose first visit to Seattle came with all the feels. It was their last night of tour supporting Seattle’s own William Control, and the scene at El Corazon was riveting.

Alt-new wave band The Crying Spell opened the show, and from the minute lead singer Len Hotrum belted out the first note, their set was jaw-dropping. The Seattle locals don’t play very often, but their eclectic mix of throwback rock and proved a mesmerizing new wave sound.

Performing in a darker setting, with a projection screen providing haunting visuals, MXMS were mesmerizing. Their set was like watching a dark, moody performance art piece. Ariel Levitan’s introspective vocals mixed with keyboardist/bassist Jeremy Dawson’s ethereal instrumentation beautifully.

This was the band’s first time in Seattle, and they dedicated “Something In The Way” to Kurt Cobain. They had visited his former home earlier in the day, as Nirvana has been a longtime inspiration. And before you knew it, their dynamic set was over too soon and they were thanking the crowd. This LA/NYC duo are definitely a band to keep an eye out for.

Closing out the show in style was William Control, who is none other than former Aiden front man William Francis. A well dressed, sunglass-wearing vampire, he belted out “The Monster” from his new 2016 EP Revelations (The Pale EP). The electronic, gothic dance-like sounds kept everyone moving.

Energetic and upbeat, Francis never stopped moving and wass a constant source of energy on stage. His band was fantastic. Drummer Ben Tourkantonis was a human beat machine, while keyboardist/guitarist Kenneth Fletcher and keyboardist Ian MacWilliams rocked out.

Francis brought his young son Phineas on stage, and he appeared to be having a ball, smiling, watching his father perform. He greeted the crowd with high fives and “hello” when Francis handed him the mic. Francis grabbed him and then picked him up over his shoulders while spinning and singing. Such a touching father son moment.

Each of the bands completely blew the crowd away with their various work, from new wave to industrial rock, for a great overall lineup.

William Control Set List
The Monster
New World Order
Kiss Me Judas
Beautiful Loser
Strangers
Confess
When The Love is Pain
Mother Superior
Price We Pay
Razors Edge
I’m Only Human Sometimes

MXMS Set List
Rx
Anna
Afternight
Something in the way
Gravedigger
Omg

The Crying Spell Set List
5:18
Crash
Elemental
Sailors
Never Before
Dead War

Review and photos by Neil Lim Sang

MXMS, The Crying Spell, and William Control