The Knocks w/ DJ Skylar Spence
Neptune Theatre, Seattle, WA
02.04.17
New York duo The Knocks – comprised of Ben “B-Rock” Ruttner and James “J-Patt” Patterson – burst into Seattle’s Neptune Theatre on the second stop of their “Feel Good Feel Great” tour. On the heels of a massive European stadium tour with Justin Bieber, the guys were out supporting their February 3rd release, Testify, a compilation EP that sees the duo team up with some of the best and brightest in electro-pop. With their hybrid electronic music in tow, they certainly brought the beats, rhymes, and funk to the dancing Sea-Town faithful.
Opening the night was DJ Skylar Spence. With a dynamic light show of oranges, blues, and purples backing him up, Spence mashed together some of today’s biggest hits. Even when the sound cut out on him (on a few occasions), he kept a smile on his face and took it in stride. Those who made it to the venue early certainly warmed up with some serious dancing.
The Knocks’ set was a simple one. An apparatus that looked like the skeleton of a spaceship’s fuselage, retrofitted with keyboards, drums, and a bass. It truly was a microcosm of today’s pop scene; where a couple of performers can form a full band. When the lights went down, the crowd erupted, and J-Patt came out with rhymes and vocals blazing, B-Rock backing him up with heavy drums.
In their choices of beats and tones, it’s easy to hear that The Knocks began as producers. Their intelligence and sensibility allows them to build songs with tangible layers that resonate with the listener. The set they gave the crowd was agile within multiple genres. It bounced from vintage R&B to modern rap and present-day electronica. The pulse-pounding grooves rocked the walls and dancing feet of the Saturday night crowd.
Review and photos by Phillip Johnson
The Knocks
Skylar Spence
