Sad Robot enchants fans with hauntingly beautiful indie pop at El Cid record release show

Los Angeles indie pop duo, Sad Robot held their Après Moi, Le Déluge record release party last night at the intimate Silver Lake club, El Cid. It was my first experience with the band other than the video I saw of their song “Battered” which premiered yesterday on Grimy Goods. I was impressed by the video, but after catching Sad Robot live, I saw more than I normally see in a lot of young LA bands today. I saw the soul of front-woman Kat Pawlak. She truly throws herself completely into her performance. Singing as though nobody is watching, Pawlak transcends emotion and life with her obvious passion and endearing vocals. With each song, it felt like we were getting a glimpse into the personal moments of her life.

Sad Robot’s use of sullen undertones and vibrant pop melodies is an attractive combination. The first half of their set was more upbeat, yet still had dark elements. The second half exuded a more complex and emotional array of sound and lyrics. Apparently, Sad Robot has dealt with some trying moments, and the aural result of that, is music that is hauntingly beautiful.

Sad Robot ended their set with a gorgeous cover of Radiohead’s “True Love Waits”, which Kat says
is the best song ever written.”

If you have a moment to listen to Sad Robot’s album or seem them live, make that happen. After experiencing them live, I look forward to hearing more from Sad Robot.

LA-based Omniflux (aka Mahsa Zargaran) opened the night up. She was lit nicely by illuminated flowers that surrounded her. Although a bit shy to speak in between songs, Omniflux totally got lost in the moment while performing her songs. Her music is beautiful and delicate, similar to the flowers that adorned her. While enchanting us with her music, Omniflux did something that I don’t think anyone was expecting: she did a cover of the White Stripes’ “Icky Thump,” and fucking nailed it. It revealed her incredible vocal range and diverse style. Next time she plays, you need to pencil her into your schedule.

Check out the photos below of Sad Robot and Omniflux at El Cid!

Words & Photography: Wes Marsala

SAD ROBOT