Broods at The Novo

I can trace my love for Broods back to a successful ad campaign. I remember when I first moved to LA two summers ago, I saw billboards with these warped-looking wolf heads on them. Broods, the ads read, piquing my interest; I googled them and happened upon a cache of wonderful music. I finally got to see the New Zealand duo perform on Tuesday night at the Novo (fka Club Nokia), their first performance in LA since they moved here.

Australian pop singer, Jarryd James is supporting Broods throughout their current tour, which continues along the southern US into the first week of September. His sound, slightly more dependent on the electronic aspect of electro pop, reminded me immensely of SOHN, with smooth beats layered over his delicate falsetto. James himself didn’t play any instruments during this performance, but rocked around the stage, hitting every high note with precision.

If Jarryd James hadn’t performed “1000x,” what a waste it would have been to open for Broods at all. That would have been like if Laura Marling hadn’t come out to sing “The Water” with Johnny Flynn when they performed at the Palace Theater last year. Indeed, Broods frontwoman, Georgia Nott came out in the latter half of James’ set, to the delight of many excited audience members. When she left, James quipped, “Wonder what she’s doing here?” After a few moments of laughter he added, “I know I’m not funny, but thank you for laughing.” He then thanked us for coming out early to see him, and warned us that Broods were going to be great. What an understatement.

Broods gives off an infectious energy. It is the kind of feeling that makes you want to pursue your passions and also forces you to be in the moment. For some at this show, that translated to dancing until your drink gets knocked over or taking lip syncing selfies; for others, it meant getting handsy with your date in the middle of the venue. Safe to say everyone had a good time.

Georgia commanded the stage all night, twirling and gliding around with mic in hand. Her voice is incredible, and the power of the sound system at the Novo amped that up even further. She and Caleb did turn it down a bit when they brought out some chairs and played a few acoustic tracks for us; what immediately followed was a wardrobe change and a renewed energy for the show that was only halfway over.

“Now that we live here, I guess this is a local show,” Georgia remarked, adding later, “I never thought as a kid that I would live in Hollywood.” Their very first show in LA was at Bardot for School Night in February 2014. They’ve come a long way since then, and were truly grateful for everything they’d earned. One of the best, albeit small, moments of the show happened during a high octane performance of their very first single, “Bridges,” in the encore. There was a short instrumental break in the track and Georgia stared out at the frantic audience in the pit. She waved, put her hands together and bowed slightly, silently thanking everyone for their support before belting the final chorus with all her might.

Words: Zoë Elaine

Photography: Andrew Gomez