Emilie Autumn lights up
the Glass House
By Naughty Mickie
Photos by Watchara Phomicinda

I was excited about Emilie Autumn's upcoming show at the Glass House in Pomona, California, as I had heard she was very good. I quickly learned that this was an understatement-- she is FANTASTIC!

I put some thought into my attire that evening, getting myself in the mood for the concert in modern Victorian attire. About half of the people at the show were similarly dressed~ proper Victorian, steam punk and other quirky blends. All of us streamed into the venue and took our time to find the best vantage point for the show.

Emilie began with her traditional opening song, "Four o'Clock." From there we were in her mad tea party. Her four backup singers each had their own distinct personalities and talents. During the performance, we were treated to fire-eating, silk and hoop aerialists, a dancer with a Hula Hoop that was on fire, a burlesque fan dance and more.

Emilie works with a backing tape that she has made-- she played all the instruments and has worked out everything to the exact second for her show, but she still sings and plays violin and harpsichord live. Her voice is enchanting and scary, as she takes many good chances vocally and sings with pure emotion, never holding back. Emilie's musicianship is phenomenal, but then she has been playing violin since age three, yet she is never staid or over-practiced, the notes come across from the heart and still ever-precise.

The concert is more like a play in that there is never a dull moment on the stage. In between songs - and sometimes in the middle of them - the quintet of beautiful women interact with each other and talk with the audience. We were drawn into their world and a part of it for this short time. And also like a play, there was humor, adventure, romance and mystery and we were left wanting more.

Emilie performed for two and a half hours, which including an invigorating solo. She took center stage with her electric violin and trilled through bits and pieces of classical works on to (what I believe to be) part of Eddie Van Halen's "Eruption" and then into even more interesting choices.

The concert ended with "Bohemian Rhapsody." I am a Queen fan and have rarely heard this song attempted live by a band and never by all females. They had it down! Emilie took on the lead vocals and played the guitar parts on her violin, while her four backup ladies filled out the rest of the vocals and they were inspiring.

I would definitely recommend catching Emilie Autumn live, as her show is not merely a concert-- it is an event.