The sold-out Boris show at Seattle’s Crocodile on November 17 was a powerful demonstration of heavy rock evolution. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of their landmark album PINK, the “Do You Remember Pink Days?” tour drew a packed, cross-generational audience. The room buzzed with anticipation, uniting longtime devotees and new fans in a shared experience of the band’s enduring innovation.
Cloakroom’s Immersive Opening
Kicking off the evening, Cloakroom crafted a hypnotic soundscape that blended shoegaze’s ethereal layers with the slow, crushing force of doom metal. Their performance was enhanced by deep blue lighting and dense fog, creating a transcendent atmosphere. Frontman Doyle Martin contributed personable banter between songs, while the rhythm section delivered a steady, hard-hitting groove. Their set provided a fitting prelude to the sonic intensity that followed.
Boris’s Legacy and Live Power
Formed in 1992, Boris have spent over three decades defying genres as avant-garde pioneers. Their 2005 album PINK served as a critical breakthrough, perfectly encapsulating their ability to merge melody with monumental noise. The band’s current lineup of Atsuo, Wata, and Takeshi remains the core force behind their boundary-pushing sound.
From the moment they emerged enshrouded in fog and pink light, Boris delivered an overwhelming performance. They launched into “Blackout” with ferocious energy, immediately captivating the crowd. The setlist cleverly recreated the dynamic flow of their 2005 tour, rather than the album’s original sequence. During faster cuts like “Woman on the Screen” and “Electric,” the audience responded with a frenetic mosh pit that surged wildly. The precision of Takeshi’s double-neck guitar and Atsuo’s commanding gong strikes added visual and sonic depth to each song.
The Drone Climax
After a relentless run through PINK standouts like “Nothing Special” and “Just Abandoned Myself,” Boris concluded with the epic “Flood.” This extensive drone piece provided a stark, meditative contrast to the earlier chaos. It washed over the audience like a cathartic baptism, emphasizing the band’s mastery of both volume and minimalism. The performance underscored their commitment to the evolution of heavy rock, leaving the crowd in awe.
A Night of Collective Celebration
The Seattle stop was more than a nostalgia trip; it was a vibrant showcase of Boris’s ongoing influence. The intergenerational turnout affirmed their lasting appeal, while the seamless blend of aggression and ambiance highlighted their unique artistry. The evening proved that heavy rock evolution continues to thrive through Boris’s uncompromising vision.
Boris
Cloakroom
