CocoRosie

Any frequent concert goer has gone to a show that felt like the band played especially for them, and when it's one of your favorite bands, even better. I never knew that I could feel so connected to a band until I saw these sisters play live. In case you don't know a anything about a live Cocorosie experience, you are always guaranteed that the songs that they play will not sound like the songs on the album, they have a knack for remixing their songs on stage and in a way that not only does it sound like they are free-styling (feeding off of each-others energy all of he way through), but also in a way that it will never be played again. That being said when they came to Variety Playhouse in October 2014, it was my first time seeing them. I had been listening to them for years and even had the chance to see them but passed it up for some other band. Their opener was an almost completely naked women painted red from head to toe. Then they came out, in all of their glory, and I could rant about every detail, but instead I'll give you the highlights. They had a clothes line full of different clothes and underwear, that every member of the band changed in and out of until it was empty. There were crows all over the stage, not live ones, but they did squawk on occasion. Cameras on their microphones overlaid distorted images of them over some of their music videos. A couple jumping on stage with them, serenaded by Bianca. And one of my favourite parts, Sierra closing out the show by inviting people on stage to vogue with her to a beautifully thrown together scat by Tez and Bianca, proclaiming 'vagina power'. This is all withstanding the music, like Tez's beat boxing solo, the newer band member picking up about 5 different instruments from brass to synthesiser and playing them all with a stoic grace, hearing Sierras operatics live while she played the harp, and them coming back out for an encore of their newest single We Are on Fire and The classic Werewolf, that gives me chills just thinking about how they sang it. The show had more than I could ask for, I mean seeing Sierra vogueing in 4inch heels would be something I would pay to see alone beyond the fact that they surprisingly played everything I wanted to hear better than I had heard it before. A freaky folky and unique experience.

If you think that Cocorosie sounds good on record just wait until you get a chance to see them live. The rich instrumentation you hear on studio recordings is present during their live set and it is a complete wonder to see how these sounds are actually constructed. The group seems to be willing to use anything to get a unique and captivating sound. Thankfully they are not a group that is not overindulgent in experimentation. They do not lose purpose of their music and do not add quirks into their music out of need for attention or to fit a certain artistic mold. Their sounds are eccentric but are tastefully used. Cocorosie uses a very atypical assortment of instruments, but they are picked purposefully and sound exciting and coherent together. The strange array of equipment the band brings on stage is no secret and this unpredictable mix of sound is perhaps why they are such a popular and critically acclaimed live act. They have incorporated everything in their set from cheap fisher price toys, gorgeous sounding harps, flutes, synthesizers and a variety of percussion instruments.
The sisters’ vocals are just as unique as their choice of instruments and they work brilliantly with the off-kilter tone of their music. The sisters’ voices are very different in style as well. Sierra Casady has a deep operatic quality to her voice while Bianca’s voice is nearly in complete opposition being nasally and high pitched reminiscent of Kate Bush or Joanna Newsom.
There is basically a unanimous agreement that Cocorosie is an emotional and enlightening live adventure incomparable to their record and any other touring band for that matter.

Like the hideous ‘nu folk’ tag that was applied to the likes of Noah and the Whale, Laura Marling and Mumford and Sons a while back, the label ‘freak folk’ doesn’t really mean anything, and yet continues to be thrown around in relation to artists like Devendra Banhart and CocoRosie. The latter, comprised of sisters Bianca and Sierra Casady, have an interesting backstory; born to an artist mother and a farmer father, they spent most of their young lives moving from town to town, before Sierra left for Paris in 1998 and lost contact with Bianca for five years. Eventually, the latter joined her sister in France, and the first seeds of CocoRosie was born; the duo insist that it’s more of a general art project than a rock band. Last year, they released their fifth album, Tales of a Grass Widow, to a largely positive critical response; they toured Europe extensively, too, following up a slot at Latitude Festival with dates in Manchester and London later in the year. The shows were typically eccentric affairs; Bianca’s vocals are almost operatic, whilst Sierra’s closely mirror the childlike quality of Joanna Newsom’s, and their stage setup involved elaborate costumes, huge projections, a ballet dancer and some unusual instrumentation, harp included. Theirs is a genuinely unusual gig; well worth a look if you’re after something different.

Sierra and Bianca presented their new studio album to the London audiences in the Village underground.
the sisters delivered a mind blowing ethereal collective experience which is hard to put into words.

Undeniably, it was Sierra's angelical vocals which hypnotised the crowds. It seemed as if time had not passed for those of us who grew up on Cocorosie. Watching them live transports you back in time.

Strangely, the new work merged seamlessly into the classics. The songs recorded during the sister's manyfold world travels, carry so much soul, so much honesty that they are embraced fullheartedly.

Angelic voices, children's toys, beat-boxing, and extremely talented musicians is the simplest summery of Coco Rosie. Having been a fan for the last ten years, the show was everything I had dreamed it would be. Sierra's voice gave me chills and left my friend in tears. Bianca's lyrics were even more glorious in person. Definitely won't miss the upcoming shows.

The thing that I like about CocoRosie is that their "concerts" definitely can not be defined by such a simple category.
It is rather a mixture of performance art, acting/dancing elements and every possible avant-garde details about which you can think about.
A hybrid of various arts, that is how I would describe CocoRosie.

Saw their show on 9/22 at the Belly Up Tavern. Great show, good vibe throughout. I hadn't seen Cocorosie live before and I was skeptical from their YouTube clips, fearing they might be more... Eclectic live than I could handle. But we were all pleasantly surprised. If you like them, even mildly, don't miss out.

Saw CocoRosie at Variety Playhouse Sept. 21, 2010. This group is nothing short of prodigious. Every member is unique and each amazing performers. Bianca and Tez assisted with merch and spoke to everyone interested after the show. Very cool and I will definitely catch their next show!

They were absolutely amazing!! they always are!!
Their gigs are more than just gigs.. they are like an art performance..
Unforgettable, awesome, wonderful experience! <3
It was the 3rd time i saw them live and every time i love them more and more.