On October 18, 2008, an enormous line stretched down Sunset Boulevard outside The Roxy, clamoring with anticipation for the evening’s high-energy groups: Black Gold, Io Echo, and Polysics. Polysics' devotees strutted down Sunset wearing bright orange jumpsuits and rectangular-framed black shades to demonstrate their fandom as well as honor the spirit of the Halloween season. However, among the line-up Io Echo stood out with a band persona and unmistakable sound that meshed with the impending holiday.
Io Echo are no strangers to the stir they create on the LA music scene. A favorite of Indie 103.1’s “Check One…Two” and its listeners, and internationally recognized for their tour with She Wants Revenge and recent shows with Hot Chip, Io Echo gave a performance worthy of another rave review. Io Echo’s spooky keyboard drones, vibrating bass, and ominous key modulations mixed with heavy rock ‘n roll roots create a distinctive and memorable sound that sets them apart from other rising artists. Fronting the band is Io herself, whose calm and soft-spoken demeanor between songs is transformed instantly, with the first tone of each tune, into a semi-possessed state characterized by zombie-like arm movements, full-body jerks, flailing hair, and robotic spasms. The Roxy set list included the chilling “Enter to Exit,” evocative “Make it Hurt,” hypnotic "Watch the Doorway,” and the sinister favorite “I’m on Fire” that showcased Io’s powerful vocal ability which held its own over the pounding bass behind her. “Off with Me,” a collaborative work composed with “a little band called” She Wants Revenge, put the all ages attendants in a trance. Io Echo’s spin on “She’s So Heavy” added their signature eerie tinge in a tasteful degree, reinventing The Beatles' hit for a new generation and demonstrating their crafty creativity without tainting the reputation of the original. While Io playfully bounced to the Indie-made single “Addicted," the crowd mimicked her zest, singing along and jumping enthusiastically. Finishing the set with “Scare Tactics,” Io Echo wrapped an All Hallows’ Eve soundtrack that resonated with fans and boosted their spirits.
Io Echo’s new “addicts” can get their fix when Io Echo perform on December 8, 2008, at The Troubadour in Los Angeles with Low vs. Diamond. Please visit www.io-echo.com for merchandise, news, music tracks, and updated tour dates.
