“Different is okay, be everything and anything,” proselytized Technicolor Jesus, aka Miguel Pimentel, to a heterogeneous mob at Emo’s. Third and latest LP Wildheart now serves as the pulpit for L.A.’s preaching pied piper of intellect and eros. Opening for the pompadoured R&B savior, fellow Californians and metal revivalist outfit Dorothy, fronted by soulful badass Dorothy Martin, played an energetic short set. Thus primed, a mixed crush of women on date night brought the love, Miguel reciprocating with gyrations swinging between Axl Rose and Prince. Wildheart opener “A Beautiful Exit,” as with most of the 90-minute set, twinged overt rock, yet by the midpoint, random women were brought onstage and allowed the opportunity to be grinded on Miguel-style to Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen,” which ended in a gratuitous ridding of clothing. “Lie to me, baby,” repeated the singer when the guitars came out on “Pussy Is Mine.” The strongest new track, “Deal” couldn’t be diverted from its soulful origins. By closer “Adorn,” the denouncement of all physical and emotional inhibitions had worked its romantic charms on the Eastside danceteria. “The journey’s not easy, but it’s fucking worth it,” he promised.
This article appears in July 31 • 2015.
