Brigitte Calls Me Baby At xBk Live!

Story and Photos: Spencer Fleming

New band alert!

I recently discovered post-punk, synth-rockers Brigette Calls Me Baby after reading a piece on them in the Chicago Sun Times by the phenomenal music journalist Selena Fragassi. After giving their latest album Irreversible a single listen I was immediately hooked. I started watching all of their music videos, live appearances, and interviews soaking up every bit of band knowledge that I could. When I saw BCMB's tour would take them across the U.S. and as close as Des Moines I knew I had to be at the show.

On Tuesday (4.14.26) Stories From The Crowd Co-Founder Virginia and I made the two hour trip to xBk Live in the Drake Park district of Des Moines. As soon as we arrived there was already a decent line filing down the street. I got out of the car and saw a familiar face walking our way. BCMB guitarist Jack stopped and we had a quick chat before heading to dinner. Such a nice guy, the night was off to a fantastic start!

After dinner we made our way to the venue. This was my first time at xBk Live and I was pretty impressed with the setup. For reference the room is a little smaller than the Waiting Room in Omaha but it feels very warm. With a small stage, bar, and loft there are plenty of good spots to stand or grab a table. By the 8:00 show start the place had filled in nicely. I noticed many of BCMB's dates on this latest headline run are sold out, especially in larger markets like Chicago, L.A., and New York. I wouldn't expect the Midwest shows to sell out completely but for a Tuesday night it was a really decent turnout.

The show kicked off with opening band Skorts from New York. With a mix of fuzzy guitars, deep pounding drums, and angelic vocals they got the energy in the room cranked up in a hurry. I likened them to The White Stripes meets the Yeah Yeah Yeahs meets Azure Ray. The guitarist and bassist swapped instruments at one point which was pretty cool. The band played several songs from their latest album Incompletement and even had a few fans in the crowd who knew all the words! Skorts turned in a great set and got the room primed and ready for Brigitte Calls Me Baby.

After a short changeover it was time for the boys of the hour! Brigitte Calls Me Baby kicked off the set with "Pink Palace" from their debut album The Future Is Our Way Out, a tasty little jam with jangly guitars and lead singer Wes Leavins' signature crooning. BCMB takes a lot of musical inspiration from 80s new wave bands like The Smiths, The Cure, and Cocteau Twins. Just as equally they've taken fashion notes from the new wave era. With slick shoes and fancy jackets BCMB were dressed to kill. Wes particularly was oozing with style and charisma donning a vintage INXS t-shirt with a classic black blazer. As he swung the mic and belted out BCMB's heartfelt lyrics the crowd was hanging on every word.

Brigitte Calls Me Baby tore through their set hitting a good mix of new songs from Irreversible and cuts from The Future Is Our Way Out. While the energy was on 10 the whole show things really picked up when the band launched into "Slumber Party". I have to admit I think it's still my favorite BCMB tune. Something about that pounding drum breakdown and the live clap along is so satisfying.

BCMB took a short break before coming back to finish the night with "Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction". The crowd had been thoroughly whooped with synth wave goodness!

After the show the band was gracious enough to hang at the merch booth and sign records. I hope Wes didn't think I was giving him a hard time but I really pressed him on the lyrics behind "Slumber Party". I was dying to know "What does everyone know?" In the song Wes croons "Everyone knows and that's what makes it harder". I explained that I thought the song was written from Wes's perspective and he's looking in the mirror trying to psych himself up to go to the slumber party on a Friday night instead of staying home. He said I was pretty spot on about talking himself into going out and being social, but the "everyone knows" is up to interpretation. I can respect it. Next time I run into him I'll spend less time grilling him on the lyrics and tell him that his band is incredible!

In my concert-going career I've had the opportunity to see tons of bands in tiny clubs that have gone on to rise to the arena level. Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, and The Used, just to name a few. I wouldn't hesitate to add Brigitte Calls Me Baby to that list. Leading up to the show I told several people this is the tour I'll be able to look back and say "I saw them when". If I could make it happen I would go see them in KC this coming Sunday. If you have the means catch Brigitte Calls Me Baby on this headline tour! It won't be long before they're headlining at Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Bonaroo. I can't say enough good things about this band. I could go on and on but we'd be here all night.

This show was absolute magic and I can't wait to see Brigette Calls Me Baby again!

Huge thanks to BCMB management for photo access.

Thanks for reading and we'll see you at the next one!