Embarking on their most recent tour for the release of their first live album, “A Radical Recital”, Rasputina has still got the old essence and a new twist on originality. The “Radical Recital” tour is not only promoting the new release, it is also a historical review of Rasputina’s past and present with an eclectic mixture of songs from their first full-length album “Thanks For the Ether” released in 1996 straight through to “Frustration Plantation” tunes that were released just last year.

This set list embraces the history of the band in an amazing way; the old songs have received a new twist due to front woman Melora Creager’s lovely progression as a musician. A well-known favorite in Goth-land, “Transylvanian Concubine,” is currently being performed swing style, and “Watch TV,” a sad, lovely tune sung originally to piano accompaniment, has been transposed to fit their usual instruments – two rocking acoustic cellos hooked to pickups and electric amps, and a drum set.

The show itself was full of the usual brilliance that is Rasputina. Melora Creager, lead singer, cellist, and Rasputina mastermind was on the ball and full of her usual wit – it is ritual that she tell quirky jokes between tunes and interacts with the audience and this show was no exception. Melora pointed out her new cello, and turned down song requests in that tone that all show-goers love to hear from her. Even the obnoxious drunks got a shushing from the stage.

Zoë Keating remains on as second cello while Jonathon TeBeest still beats the drums. Both are solid, intuitive musicians, and the three seemed to carry a magnetic connection on stage, making jokes with one another between songs. Zoë often swayed thoughtfully to the beat of the music with eyes closed and Jonathon felt his way through the songs by singing silently along and playing his heart out. Both seem deeply involved in their art.

The highlight of the show was the release of new material for an upcoming album. The sound of the new tunes is both thought-provoking and conceptual, being likened to an un-staged musical. It does not have that catchy beat, but a pretty flow that cannot be fully explained until it is heard. It is indeed Rasputina’s unique next step.

Overall, the show was beautiful, living up to all of the expectations I came in with. If you have a chance to see Rasputina live, I highly recommend it, and if you’ve not heard of the group, their albums would be the perfect next thing to get your hands on.