Live Review + Photos: Olivia O., Sign Crushes Motorist and Chatterton at The Lodge Room

On July 17th, the Lodge Room in Los Angeles hosted two performances that fans will remember for years. The first was by an alternative pop rock artist, Olivia Osby or Olivia O., while the second was by a slowcore band called Sign Crushes Motorist. Both delivered unforgettable, rocking and hardcore performances, in which they showcased their unparalleled talents, artistic visions and stage presences.

On a cool summer night, the buzz was real as many fans gathered in a long line outside the venue before the doors opened. Once it was time to enter, The Lodge Room welcomed the fans into the dark room, setting the stage for an intimate and atmospheric concert experience as the performers were getting ready to take the stage and to a packed venue. The background of the room was surrounded by darkness, with few dim lights casting a subtle glow to it. The blue lights created a captivating and moody atmosphere as they danced across the stage.

The first band to open was Chatterton, an indie rock band that electrified the crowd with their dynamic performance. The mix of drums and guitars built a high-energy vibe as the singer started with a soft delivery before transitioning to a much more powerful belting near the end. Thus, setting the mood and stage perfectly for Sign Crushes Motorist’s main performance.

Once their performance ended, Chatterton exited, and Olivia O. took over the stage with an edgy, alternative vibe. While she was giving out her amazing, striking and meaningful performance — she was accompanied by a ghoul-masked friend with artistic signs. She stated, “Pay attention to the signs, even if you don’t know what they mean because they matter. Or don’t its your life?” Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Olivia O. rose to fame with her distinctive cover of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon.” She is a talented flutist and guitarist who also performs alongside a hometown friend named Avshalom Weinberg. Both are members of a low-fi instrumental and electronic band called Lowertown. At the Lodge, she fascinated the crowd with her engaging vocals and dynamic songs such as “Sweet Tooth,” “It’s Easy,” and “Painful Together.” In addition, she encouraged the audience to listen to her upcoming fall 2024 album, “No Bones.” Her riffs and reverbs were very compelling and they maintained a high energy resonating with the audience all night.

After Olivia O. ended her performance, it was only a matter of time until fans eagerly anticipated a night of beauty once the Sign Crushes Motorist entered and took over the stage. The band is led by Irish vocalist, songwriter and guitarist named Liam McCay. Along with his three members, Gabriel (guitarist), Sarah (guitarist), and Michael (drummer). While they were getting ready and setting up their equipment, the crowd cheered loudly and pulled out their phones to capture this spectacular moment of the night. He steadily gained attention in the slowcore world when he released his new and notable album called “I’ll Be Okay.” The audience applauded enthusiastically as he announced and performed each song such as “There’s This Girl,” “I Just Want to Hold Her,” and “I’m Always Here.” After the band left the stage, many were wondering whether the show was over or not. Most fans were ready to leave until they surprised us by returning for an encore performing one of Katy Perry’s hit songs, “Last Friday Night.” This song had everyone hyped up in the room. Everyone was jumping, singing along and capturing this moment with their phones. Liam even jumped into the crowd mingling with fans on the dance floor. Thus, making this night unforgettable.
Overall, this experience was enjoyable, memorable and eventful. As Sign Crushes Motorist finally wrapped up, fans left with smiles on their faces, hearts full of music and bags full of merchandise. With plenty of shows or tours they’ll be doing in the U.S., seeing Sign Crushes Motorist and Olivia O. live is an absolute must-see for any music lovers out there, especially for slowcore lovers.

Setlist

Olivia O.

1. Don’t Want to Talk About It
2. One Hit Wonder
3. Rejection
4. It’s Easy
5. Let Me Up
6. Hickory (Abridged)
7. Painful Together
8. Sweet Tooth

Sign Crushes Motorist

1. This Feeling Will Pass
2. Wish
3. Left
4. Suicide Cleanup
5. Start
6. Sink
7. One Day
8. There’s This Girl
9. Fight Club
10. I Just Want To Hold Her
11. Self-Control
12. Everything Reminds Me of You
13. I’m Always Here
14. Please Don’t Leave/Destroy Me From The Inside (2 songs in 1)
15. Bleed
16. Boyhood
17. Last Friday Night (Katy Perry cover)
18. Better

Chatterton

Olivia O

Sign Crushes Motorist

All photos by Sam Pittman