Against the monumental backdrop of Ferropolis, an open-air museum of industrial machinery known as the 'City of Iron,' Warpaint delivered a mesmerizing performance at Germany's Melt! Festival in 2017. The unique setting, a former coal mine, provided a stark, dramatic canvas for the Los Angeles quartet's atmospheric and hypnotic sound, creating an unforgettable fusion of industrial grit and ethereal art-rock.
This show captures the band touring in support of their acclaimed 2016 album, "Heads Up," and the setlist fittingly kicks off with the album's confident, groove-oriented title track. The performance showcases what makes Warpaint a formidable live act: the intricate, weaving guitar lines and haunting vocal harmonies of Emily Kokal and Theresa Wayman, anchored by the formidable and fluid rhythm section of bassist Jenny Lee Lindberg and drummer Stella Mozgawa. Their sound, a blend of psychedelic rock, dream pop, and post-punk, filled the vast space with immersive, layered textures.
The onstage chemistry of the four musicians is palpable as they navigate complex song structures and dynamic shifts with an almost telepathic connection. Known for their focused and powerful stage presence, this concert is a prime example of Warpaint's ability to draw an audience into their unique sonic world, proving why they are regarded as one of the most compelling live bands in indie rock.