Best Coast performs at Thalia Hall in Chicago on March 11, 2020.
Without music, community and hope, what do we have?
Chicago area Best Coast fans packed Thalia Hall on Wednesday, March 11 as the duo – comprised of Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno – shared songs old and new. With fears of the ever-worsening coronavirus pandemic dominating the news cycle, it felt like an act of defiance for over 800 people to converge at the dreamy oasis Best Coast provided in Pilsen.
“Thank you for coming out despite the craziness of the world,” said Cosentino after playing the bright Always Tomorrow tune, “For the First Time,” uplifting in its motifs of freedom, strength and nourishment.
Best Coast performs at Thalia Hall in Chicago on March 11, 2020.
She went on to express her gratitude to be able to play music before encouraging everyone to take care of themselves, noting the importance of hand washing and covering one’s mouth. Cosentino also took time out to make sure Chicago-area fans “show up” for Bernie Sanders during the Illinois primary on Tuesday, March 17.
Always Tomorrow – released via Concord Music on Feb. 21 – feels like the perfect soundtrack for modern times. It acknowledges chaos, struggle and the often depressing state of the world while offering a ray of sunshine to warm the soul.
“This album is about leaving the darkness for the light, but still understanding that nothing is ever going to be perfect,” Cosentino explained in a January interview with NME.
Best Coast performs at Thalia Hall in Chicago on March 11, 2020.
“Different Light,” “Wreckage,” and “Everything Has Changed” – all stand outs from the release – connected with the crowd as did classic Best Coast favorites like “The Only Place,” “Crazy for You” and “California Nights.
Prior to Best Coast’s headlining set, Mannequin Pussy thrashed the stage with punk rock rebellion balanced with a sprinkling of vulnerability. Front woman Marisa Dabice struck down the idea of letting fear reign encouraging fans to indulge in a mosh pit, with proper etiquette of course
Mannequin Pussy performs at Thalia Hall in Chicago on March 11, 2020.
Best Coast will be on tour in the U.S. through April 2 and fans can pick-up merch, music and more at Bestcoast.net. Check out photos from their sold-out show – featuring Mannequin Pussy – at Thalia Hall below.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
