Hippie Death Cult – Live at the Star Theater

Once upon a time, in the mists of the 1970s, the live album was a statement of intent, a document of a band's musical mindset at that specific moment. The classic live albums were regarded with the same esteem as the studio album.

 

Why albums ceased to be important cultural artifacts is a different conversation. Is it the collapse of the music industry model? The rise of social media and fans filming concerts? The ability for fans to create playlists and cherry-pick tracks instead of listening to an entire album, never mind a live album?

 

We may never return to the days of intricate gatefolds and artwork like Hawkwind's Space Ritual, but there is a growing desire among the rock underground (Bands and fans) to reverse the demise of the live album.

 

Which leads us to Hippie Death Cult: Live at the Star Theatre. This band has released three albums in four years, which is an impressive work ethic by today's standards. Lead singer Ben Jackson left the band after their second album, "Circle of Days," which, rather than slowing them down, drove them to work harder, with bassist Laura Phillips stepping up and taking over the vocals. The third album, “Helichrysum,” instead of changing their sound, expanded on it. Phillip's vocals gave a fresh flavour to the band, and for me, it took multiple listens to get its hooks into me.

 

The Live record dispels any doubts I had. For starters, it is far heavier than previous studio albums. Second, it feels like a full stop and farewell to the prior albums, as it only includes the title tune from the second album "Circle of Days". The remaining tunes are from the newest studio album, "Helichrysum."  The band spent 2024 touring extensively, which is reflected in the tight playing of the band on this album.

 

The band extends the length of the five songs, allowing them to bend the shape of the tunes in unexpected directions. The band rips out solos, changes tempo mid song, and is killing it. However, the most striking element here is the confidence of Phillips, who sings with a real confidence that allows her to move between melody, death growls, and cathartic Screams. She cements her position as the focal point and vocalist of the power trio from the opening track “Arise” to the closer “Circle of Days Each track on the recording emanates contagious vitality, and the audience's very enthusiastic response, shot through with whoops and screams, reflects this well.

 

The tracks from “Helichrysum."  Move beyond their respectable studio versions to morph into something much more vibrant. IT must be said, though, that the stellar track here is “Circle of Days.” Expanded and stretched beyond recognition, it is an exercise in showmanship and musical prowess. It takes on an almost trance-like atmosphere that is an excellent listening experience.

 

Overall, the combination of a well-toured band hitting their stride, an audience loving it, and songs becoming something new, makes for an excellent live album.

 

The only pity is it was not a double with an elaborate gate fold.

 

-Bobo Coen