PHOTOS: Turnover leads Casa de las Madres benefit at Swedish American Hall
SAN FRANCISCO — Turnover headlines a benefit concert for Casa de las Madres on a chilly Monday at the Swedish American Hall.
The Virginia band added some heat to the last date of its fall tour. The proceeds benefitted the San Francisco nonprofit that offers shelter, advocacy and support services to women and children exposed to abuse and domestic violence.
The band opened with “New Scream,” from 2015’s Peripheral Vision, singing in unison with fans from the outset. That impassioned and melancholic beginning, led by Austin Getz’s relatable lyricism, was followed by “Bonnie (Rhythm & Melody)” and “Super Natural,” both cuts from 2017’s Good Nature.
Turnover’s blend of dream-pop and emo, paired with the drumming of Casey Getz and the fulfilling bass lines of Danny Dempsey, created an atmosphere of sincerity. The band continued with “Humming,” “Like Slow Disappearing” and “Cutting My Fingers Off;” all with subtle melodies and dreamy instrumentals. “Pure Devotion,” off Good Nature, and “Humblest Pleasures,” off an EP of the same name, were followed by “What Got in the Way” and “Sunshine Type.” Good Nature, as an album, is an ode to California and the way Austin Getz perceives his time spent writing songs in The Golden State. The songs were more joyous than the melancholic predecessors.
Peripheral Vision cuts “Dizzy on the Comedown” and the sentimental “Hello Euphoria” helped round out the show, delivering warmth to the crowd.
San Francisco post-punk and alt rock sextet Spiritual Cramp played a set full of energy that blended bright guitars with dark and intense vocals of singer Michael Bingham. The band’s sound had echos ’70s and ’80s U.K. rock, as well as some reggae and dub. The band played a mix of songs from its 2018 album, Television, including “The Erasure,” “Blood Clot,” “All My Friends Are Out Tonight (Alright)” and “I Feel Bad Bein’ Me.” Bingham described the later as being about facing anxiety.
Octet Healing Potpourri, also from San Francisco, played a lounge and psychedelia-infused sound, full of catchy lo-fi dreamy rhythms. Its songs took the crowd on a trip through different parts of the world with its soulful brass and easy-flowing percussion. The band’s set included songs from 2016 album My Eyes Never Really Adjusted to the Light, such as “Glittery Sidewalks,” “Laney” and “Dream Vacay,” as well as some instrumental tunes.
Follow photographer Joaquin Cabello at Instagram.com/joaquinxcabello.