Seismic-Sound Review: Princess Debut Prevails

Its been a long time coming since the conception of Andrew Chapman’s new incarnation known as Princess, or so it seems … and its not to long ago now that we said goodbye to The Keeper, so it seemed as though there was a lot riding on Chapman’s new band that was about to be unveiled at the Rendezvous in Belltown. With all of his friends in tow including  members of Smooth Sailing, his bestie Hannah Levin and friends Sex With Strangers from B.C. in town to share the stage, Andrew pulled me aside and told me that the bands bass player was a no-show and not only that, the bass player pulled out on the arrangements for the van that was set up for them to make the trek to Portland with tour pals Sex With Strangers for a show the following day. Despite all the drama, all members of SWS were in the house, and I knew Princess would figure something out so I was stoked and feeling pleased no matter what. But it was do or die for new band Princess and they decided the show must go on, and go on they did. After tearing through their fucking masterful set, I don’t think one person even thought a bassist was a part of this machine when it was all said and done. The GIGANTIC power of each one of these musicians (Andrew, Violet and Rod) carried the show off without even a hiccup….well ok maybe Chapman tripped getting back up onstage but he played it off like it was meant to be … ya know some Iggy Pop shit, but hands down he is one of the most entertaining front men in town. This trio of musicians are all incredible to watch, but there is no dampering of Chapman’s front-man antics or his complete dismissal of space; the stage is not his sanctuary, the whole room is. If you’re in the same room he very well will find you and scream in your face, this is a sort of un-warranted audience participation that Chapman is known for.  Mad props to Princess for taking a fucked up situation and turning it into a victory, I would take great pride in phoning the bassist to let them know their services weren’t needed after all!! For the record … Sex With Strangers (click for live footage from show) was incredible as usual, and Nazca lines was mind-blowing.