After The Mars Volta decided to go on hiatus, guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López decided to form Bosnian Rainbows with Teri Gender Bender (from Le Butcherettes). Last night at the First Unitarian Church, Bosnian Rainbows had their Los Angeles debut and it was riveting. Teri’s rich and throaty vocals complemented her unique (and amusing) dance moves. At times she looked like she was convulsing, although it was still somewhat sexy. It was like the Exorcist cabaret!
Bosnian Rainbows has developed into what Omar describes as a combination of Led Zeppelin, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Gang of Four. We got all that last night and so much more. Their sound was heavy and beautiful all at the same moment, blending high-driven rock anthems with experimental goth ballads. At one point I got super light-headed. I don’t know if it was because of the intoxicating stage show brought by Bosnian Rainbows (because you know, Teri has a mystical way of hypnotizing you), or if it was how damn hot and claustrophobic it was at First Unitarian Church. That fossil needs some AC! Awesome venue and set-up, but good lord it was fucking hot.
Regardless of the heat, Bosnian Rainbows put on an oustanding L.A. show and played every track off their self-titled album. You can listen to some of their tunes in our album review feature, here.
Opening up for Bosnian Rainbows were Sister Crayon. Full of buzzing electro and an incredible stage energy, damn that leading lady (Terra Lopez) had some amazing pipes. Sister Crayon had it going on, and Terra’s vocals were very well suited in this creepy church. At times, she sounded like a singer in a very cool Gregorian choir. It was awesome.
Check out the photos below of Bosnian Rainbows and Sister Crayon at First Unitarian Church!
Photography: Luis Wolf Rodríguez
BOSNIAN RAINBOWS
SISTER CRAYON
For more photos of Bosnian Rainbows and Sister Crayon at First Unitarian Church, click through the photo gallery below!
