It’s been six and a half years since I’ve seen Voltaire in New York City.
Then: August 2003. The blackout. The Slipper Room. Court of Lazarus vampire coven party.
Now: January 2010. The Delancy. Small Beast. Country Music. Birthday cake for everyone.
Has the apocalypse arrived?
Or is a musician pinned to the goth subculture simply continuing on his logical course? I never considered Voltaire, one of the champions of goth for the masses, a strictly “goth” musician. Yes, he always commanded the dark style, dismal romance and black comedy in his presentation. But emphasis on the comedy. His music always reminded me more of my own family’s drunken Irish folk songs than the hard rock, computer and PA system required, over-produced sadness normally equated with gothic music. His live show was more stand-up comedy than tortured electronics. Take Stephen Lynch’s seriously-talented-musician-makes-serious-fun-of-songwriting comedy, with a dark twist. It always existed outside of the “goth” label.
And it still does. Tonight, “country” or not, it was still funny. And dark. And entertaining. So why sweat the labels? If you are a fan of Voltaire’s previous songs, you’ll like his country ones as well. They might even put a smile on your tortured black eyelined face.
Of the set highlights, two songs required disclaimer/apologies to his wife; “All Women Are Crazy, ” with such lyrical gems, “The ring went on and she went all wrong” and one about touring, “Naked girls throw themselves at you/and you do things you never thought you’d do.”
At one point Voltaire announced he was now to sing the “western” part of this country and western set which, from the likes of what followed, I assumed meant the “depressing” outlet. At least they had 2 for 1 well drinks to go along.
As a penultimate finale, “Happy Birthday (My Olde Friend)” brought back the dark and sassy with a rousing toast “Here’s to another day closer to death!” Fitting as tonight was not only the first birthday of Small Beast at the Delancy but Voltaire’s birthday as well.
And finally, although it was promised, “You will NOT hear 'When You’re Evil' at this set!” We did anyways. And no one complained. So maybe the future does hold something different, but a little of the same. And that’s okay. Because however you classify it, it’s still working.
