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Concert Tue Nov 30 2010
Preview: Diamond Rings @ Empty Bottle
Blitz & Glitz: that's one way to describe Diamond Rings live aesthetic, it also happens to be the name of one of the many M.A.C. makeup colors singer/songwriter John O' wears during a show. Diamond Rings is the solo pop-synth-based side project of John O', also singer to the Canadian indie rock band The D'Ubervilles. Solo John O' burst onto the Internet scene in the summer of 2009 with the DIY video for "All Yr Songs" to positive blog and Internet buzz. He followed the video up with a series of singles and videos featuring green screen camera trickery, over the top choreography, and daring androgynous outfits and makeup.
With his combination of Bowie like aesthetic and catchy electro-synth-pop songs, Diamond Rings promises to at least make your body move (especially if you grew up in the 80's) and hopefully get you to sing along too. But that description alone may sell Diamond Ring's music a little short. Despite his affinity for glammed-out makeup and flashy leggings, singer-songwriter John O' doesn't seem to be the next Gaga-like pop phase. His catchy songs are grounded by his iconic baritone voice (which has drawn comparisons to Ian Curtis of Joy Division and Magnetic Field's Stephin Merrit) and themes of pain, personal growth, evolution, finding oneself and love. There is substance underneath the glam.
Diamond Rings will be at the Empty Bottle on Wednesday, December 1st, promoting first release Special Affections. Listen here. Ticket are $8 and the show starts at 9:30 p.m.
Empty Bottle
1035 N. Western Avenue
Chicago IL 60622
United States
mesh616 / December 2, 2010 8:54 AM
A video I took of Diamond Rings playing his song "You & Me" at this show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnpzl6os7YQ