Chokecherry: The fruits from a small tree that range from bright red to black. They produce a very unique taste, being both somewhat sour and somewhat bitter. As they ripen, the fruit gets marginally sweeter before then falling to the ground, eventually rotting.
Chokecherry may be a bitter fruit, but the unfiltered fem rock band is anything but. The duo E. Scarlett Levinson and Izzie Clark have made quite a name for themselves after gaining a lot of attention on social media platforms. With their angelic harmonies and feminist ideals, they’ve stolen the hearts of many. Just this year, they released their debut album Ripe Fruit Rots and Falls and announced their first headline tour of North America.
With so many achievements behind them this year, I was very excited to witness their performance and hear their beautiful but gripping vocals live.
One of the things I respect the most about an artist is their love for local scenes. Chokecherry is no exception to this. Having local band Ace Slite open the night off. The two also never failed to mention the San Francisco local scene and how everyone should support local music.
The last time I was able to catch Ace Slite was just about a year ago in the basement of a pizza joint. Seeing them getting to open for an amazing group like chokecherry was truly a proud moment for me. Massive respect and gratitude to the Chokecherry team for cultivating a space where live music can thrive, not just within their own cliques, but also locally as they travel across the country.
Ace Slite gave a great performance that left me rather surprised. Back when I saw them live for the first time, it left more to be desired. Whether that be a longer set or a bigger space for them to get rowdy, I couldn’t tell you. However, seeing them play at local venue A&R Music Bar, they really brought their A-game. Jumping around, moving with the music, and just having a great time together on stage really sold me on their stage presence. Being an opening band is no easy task. Starting mosh pits as an opening band is even harder. Somehow, Ace Slite managed to accomplish both and set the stage for an incredible night of music.
Following them, The Sewing Club was up next. I happened to catch lead singer Hannah McElroy and mentioned how I didn’t get a chance to mosh at the first set. Then, to my surprise, once the band was on stage, they asked for a mosh pit, and once again the crowd obeyed. And this time I got a chance to get in it. Thrashing my body around the circle with strangers in rhythm to the rock band’s tune made my night, and I’m glad I got to be a part of it.
Although I’ve never tasted a chokecherry, I can’t imagine it could be any better than watching the band of the same name perform. Both Scarlett and Izzie have such killer attire, between star belts and hair bows, I was in awe. Not to mention their vocals live are both ethereal and filled with a feminine rage that moves both your body and your mind. The crowd certainly agreed with several people moshing and headbanging throughout their set. And even more so when the duo got in the crowd at the end and played with the audience, which is always a special touch.
The next time you’re in the mood for a bittersweet snack, I’d buy a pair of tickets to see Chokecherry live.
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