Fresh off the release of her second album Squeeze, Sasami played a packed show last Friday night, March 25th, with support from Zulu. The eclectic crowd comprised people of all stripes, with plenty of typical goth garb (leather, long coats, and tall boots) and plenty of LGBTQ+ representation in the mix. Fans were asked to keep masks on throughout the show to protect the band from tour disruptions, with signs posted on the walls and doors.
L.A. native “powerviolence” band Zulu opened up the show with loud, sustained heavy metal sounds. The audience gleefully moshed and thrashed throughout their brief but powerful set.
Sasami started her hard-hitting set with some fan favorite tracks including, “Skin a Rat,” “Say It,” and “Make It Right.” Her setlist covered her 2-album catalog, and even included a cover of System of a Down’s “Toxicity” with on-stage help from Zulu. Given Sasami’s experience as a trained classical composer, her setlist spanned several genres and included operatic interludes, head-banging choruses, and even a few balladic deep cuts such as “Call Me Home.”
Sasami’s music has always contained difficult themes, and often expresses frustration with systemic violence or even her own interpersonal relationships. Earlier in the week, she had posted on social media about her decision to postpone an upcoming Boston tour date until they could “book it in a venue everyone feels safe in.” She also stated, “My [number one] priority as a touring musician is to create a safe space for my community to rage, emote, dance […] and have fun…” Throughout her set, Sasami repeated her mantra of wanting to use music to create a safe space for minority and disenfranchised peoples, leading to loud cheers each time she reaffirmed her intentions.
Sasami’s North American tour continues, and you can listen to Sasami’s 2022 album Squeeze here and view upcoming tour dates here. Listen to Zulu’s music here.
Comments are closed.