June 14, Kiva Auditorium
For the fourth stop of their Existential Reckoning tour, Puscifer played to a packed Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque on Tuesday.
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Providing support for this tour is Moodie Black. A pioneer in their own right, the noise rap artist is no stranger to hustle. With humble beginnings playing bars in Mexico and Arizona, Moodie Black has put in the work to get where she is today. That same work ethic spills over to MB Foodhouse, her Minneapolis restaurant described as new era Tex Mex. With a mind bending menu, it is clear her creativity and talent does not end on stage.
Moodie Black’s stage presence was felt through the auditorium during an intense set, the lighting was reminiscent of a bare bulb hanging in a dark basement. It works, the atmosphere aligning perfectly with the uncompromising lyrics and delivery.
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Puscifer is:
Mat Mitchell-producer, guitar
Carina Round-vocals, guitar
Maynard James Keenan-vocals
Gunnar Olsen-drums
Josh Moreau-bass
Among Puscifer’s first US tour dates since 2016, the Albuquerque crowd was eager to see how the night would play out. Puscifer is widely known for production value on stage, the Existential Reckoning tour is no exception.
Before photographing an artist for the first time I watch YouTube videos. It helps to get feel for shots I think will work and to make a loose plan of how to shoot a set. That’s a tough order to fill with the band’s camera policy. Now I am certainly not complaining, being present and taking in a show without glowing phone screens is priceless.
The camera policy is straight forward. Don’t. You will be ejected. Tool and a few other artists are implementing similar policies, I personally feel this single move improves the live music experience more tangibly than any other.
Naturally, a few folks felt the need to video with their phones and were promptly removed. One blonde mustachioed person was particularly brash, capturing a few seconds of video before being swooped up by security and presumably disappeared.
Puscifer’s performance was flawless. Everything was intentional, methodical. From synchronized video screens, a lighting program among the best I’ve ever seen and sound so crisp, there wasn’t a bad seat in the room.
The Existential Reckoning tour continues through the US ending July 10 in Seattle. Your attendance is strongly recommended.
