The electronica/world music outfit Beats Antique performed for a packed house at the Newport Music Hall on Tuesday, September 18th. Touring in support of their most recent release, Contraption Vol. II, the band played for over two hours to an ecstatic and enthusiastic crowd.
A musician known as Lynx opened up the show, playing for over an hour. Lynx was a one woman act, playing with a backing mp3 track. She wielded a Gibson Les Paul for most of the show, switching occasionally to mini organ or floor tom for additional percussion. Lynx’s vocals were soulful and prominent, gliding over the thunderous electronic bass/drum track.
Beats Antique took the stage around 9:30 p.m. The band’s lineup consisted of belly dancer Zoe Jakes, multi-instrumentalist David Satori, and drummer Tommy Cappel. The band’s high energy set served as an electronic odyssey of sorts, with mesmerizing beats, incredible musicianship and dazzling dancing.
Jakes silently fronted the band; she was radiant with an energetic beauty that captured the eyes and the attention of the audience. She underwent several costume changes throughout the program, appearing in visually sensational masks and dresses. She also danced behind a curtain during one song, a light revealing her swaying silhouette.
David satori played a wide assortment of instruments including guitar, violin, trumpet, melodica and auxiliary percussion. Supported by an mp3 track, Satori and Cappel tore through several of the Beats Antique classics such as "Revival," "Cat Skillz" and "Egyptic." Lynx returned to the stage about halfway through the set to perform "Crooked Muse" with the band, which is featured on the new album.
For more information on Beats Antique, go to www.beatsantique.com.
