PJ Harvey Returns to Take Los Angeles, One Show at a Time

Stephanie Hernandez

English experimental singer songwriter PJ Harvey has cultivated a reputation for not only creating some of the most honest and poetic music around but for also putting on some of the most intoxicating live performances in recent memory. Her latest release, “The Hope Six Demolition Project” spurred a tour under the same name, with only two American cities on the bill. With shows taking place at New York’s famed Terminal 5 before her departure to Los angeles this week, Harvey had originally only listed a show to take place at the Shrine Expo Hall on August 18, when she shocked everyone and added a second show at the Fonda Theatre for the following night. Both quite obviously sold out immediately, proving that this Brit has quite the hold on Americans as well. With critical acclaim following her everywhere she goes her slough of loyal fans knew their opportunity to take in Harvey’s music live was slim with just two west coast dates, the last minute excitement of the Fonda addition only added fire to the perennial flame.

The Shrine show opened with PJ taking the stage playing saxophone as the nine men in her touring group followed, marching in time to announce the start of the show. It’s 19 song set began with the poignant, “Chain of Keys” flowing directly into “The Ministry of Defense and “The Community of Hope” all tracks from her latest release. Putting the new material on display while also staying true to her classic and iconic works of past PJ dove right into the remainder of her 90 minute set. She captivated the crowd effortlessly, her voice, her music, the minimal and dramatic stage choreography all worked in unison to create the exact fiercely intense experience we have come to expect from Harvey. The set featured in total 11 tracks from her most recent record, before eventually delving into past classics like “Let England Shake,” where Harvey’s well oiled falsetto took hold and commanded the crowds to listen up. Alternating seamlessly between being the lead singer and part of the instrumental backing, Harvey moved between the two worlds without hesitation. “To Bring You My Love” was followed by the new “River Anacostia” with brought the main set to a close. Returning for a two song encore, PJ decided to close out the night with a passionate “Working For The Man.” The band gleaming behind a dancing Harvey, the night’s rambunctious close was simply readied fans for her more intimate take over of the Fonda the following night. Boy we we not disappointed. Though the set lists were similar, the fervency felt just a new. Still making a point to harken back to the work on “The Hope Six Demolition Project,” Harvey made sure that this second show was still held an element if surprise. From the instrumental skill exhibited to her complete ownership of the stage, the only thing missing was a few more songs to tide us over until the next round of shows.

Only someone with the ability and artistic integrity that PJ Harvey has become synonymous with would be able to pull off crossing the Atlantic for just a two city stop without coming off as pretentious. She came she played she conquered, fans left satisfied in the way one can only achieve after witnessing an soul lifting rock show. Till next time Harvey, we’ll be waiting.

PJ Harvey played the Shrine Expo Hall Aug. 18 and the Fonda Theatre Aug. 19.