Chicago’s Immortal Bird flew east into Philadelphia’s famed Kung Fu Necktie this past December 12, 2019 and Metal Insider was there!
I really am digging their 2019 record Thrive on Neglect which we reviewed here, so I went out on a cold night to Philadelphia’s Fishtown section, grabbed an amazing parking spot right in front of the venue, took out my camera gear and started towards the stage. I was a little taken aback by the fact that Kung Fu Necktie was pretty crowded and I had to shimmy way to the stage area, but then again, I wasn’t really all that surprised given the buzz surrounding these folks from the Windy City.
In terms of sound, I was expecting them to be good, given their really stellar songwriting on their newest record. What I witnessed, however, was much better than good. Honestly, they were flat out great and they play so well together. They have this no-nonsense, unpretentious approach to their performance that certainly plays well to the gritty Philly crowd. No esoteric stage show, no delays getting on stage and checking levels – they just get up, tear into it and get the crowd the moving. There was a lot of headbanging and lots of dancing in the crowd.
The set featured Thrive on Neglect and many in the audience knew the songs, though there were many who were obviously there to check this band out for the first time. They weren’t disappointed with a band that can get proggy, yet is crusty at the same time.
There’s a lot to love with Immortal Bird’s live show and I can’t wait to see them again.
They have a few shows left on their headlining tour. Go see them!
Be sure to check out our interview with vocalist, Rae here.
