IAMX is a band that completely eradicates any preconceived notions of what a live concert should be. Blurring the lines between performance art and live music, this ambitious sonic endeavor has captivated audiences all over the world in ways unlike anything seen before. With fans all around the globe, IAMX has traveled far and wide to bring their audible delights to audiences everywhere. The last stop of the United States tour was in the star-ridden city of angels, at the Fonda Theater in West Hollywood.
The mastermind behind IAMX is the one and only Chris Corner, a modern day visionary whose music expands the mind and tickles the ears. Using this creative project as a cathartic means of self-expression, Chris aims to bring forth a raw art that “disrupts gender and genre.” Paired with musical comrades and live members Janine Gezang, Sammi Doll, and Jon Siren, the live rendition of the act is as memorable as the distinct songs themselves. Androgyny, sensuality, and the nature of the human condition are as encompassed in the live shows as they are in the tremendous music videos.
Touring in support of the brand new album Alive in New Light, IAMX welcomed a special guest to several of their live show dates. Celebrity tattoo artist and makeup powerhouse Kat Von D temporarily traded her artwork for a microphone as she joined IAMX on stage for three songs. Having been featured on the new album as a guest vocalist, Kat Von D excited fans immensely to be a part of this project. Her live performance was quite a delightful treat as Kat only performed on select dates of the current tour, and the home-base of Los Angeles was rightfully privy to the duet. The wonder woman was also featured in on the backdrop screen playing behind the band as well.
One of the most notable aspects of an IAMX show is the impressive light show, one that is unlike any seen before. There isn’t a single person who leaves one of these shows and doesn’t note the striking lighting compositions made up of colorful beams and a gorgeous video screen. Most notably, I Come With Knives featured a very unique routine of shooting light beams from mirror reflections attached to the front man’s arms. Each routine seems perfectly choreographed, whilst still having a very spontaneous nature to it. The energy brought forth is indescribable, powerful enough to make even the most rigid move to the beat. Songs that appear soft on the album have a brand new fervor and power when brought to life on stage, while the more dance-esque melodies are intensified tenfold. All of this paired with unique stage attire and costuming, and IAMX’s aesthetic can be recognized from miles away.
Chris’s live members Janine Gezang, Sammi Doll, and Jon Siren all perform with an unmatched passion, consistently playing off of one another. The crowd interaction was marvelous as each band member made it a point to reach out to the audience and get them riled up. Having started the show off in wigs and more modest attire ‘so to speak’, the wonderful ladies of IAMX began to lose parts of their attire as the show progressed, diving deeper and deeper into a sensual and enticing performance. Sammi Doll and Janine Gezang provided the symphonic female vocals to several of the songs, and absolutely kicked ass on their instruments (whether it be keyboards to guitars). Drummer Jon Siren brought an incredible energy to the percussion side of things, playing feverishly and standing out just as much as the musicians in the front.
A night not to be forgotten, if you have not yet bore witness to a live IAMX show- you are most definitely missing out.
IAMX Full Gallery
Set List
Alive in New Light
Break the Chain
I Come with Knives
Happiness
Stalker (feat. Kat Von D)
Stardust (feat. Kat Von D)
Exit
North Star
Aphrodisiac
No Maker Made Me
Spit It Out
First Encore
The Alternative
Kiss + Swallow
The Power and the Glory (feat. Kat Von D)
Second Encore
Your Joy is My Low
Mercy
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