IAMX, a solo project of Londoner Chris Corner, is an underrated, genre-defying phenomenon. Despite gaining more widespread awareness and popularity after having their songs featured on GTA V and the hit show 'How To Get Away With Murder', it seems that IAMX has remained under the mainstream radar. But his true fans never left, and this night in Los Angeles has proven exactly that.
Before they took the stage, the room glowed with an aqua blue arch outlining the setup, almost like a portal opening, ready to pull everyone out of the ordinary world. The set didn't start until 11pm and the crowd was showing signs of it being past their bed time as they shifted on their feet, battling yawns, but were still visibly excited in anticipation. But as soon as IAMX came out on stage, any sign of fatigue or sleepiness disappeared, and everyone was ready to party.
Chris possesses an incredible magnetism that controls your attention and pulls you into his world. Dressed in just a tank top and fishnet tights, he was baring his body, but through his haunting vocals, he was truly baring his soul. Hidden behind a feathery mask, he danced in sharp, ritualistic bursts, and the fans happily surrendered to the ceremony.
The setlist included hit songs like "Aphrodisiac", "Sailor", "I Come With Knives", and "The Great Shipwreck of Life", which were met with an explosive enthusiasm from the crowd, as the fans were jumping up and down, screaming every word. Chris constantly interacted with the fans, holding their hands, pointing the mic in their direction, and even made an attempt to crowd-surf. The synergy was electrifying and you could see how much it meant for him, as he paused a few times, calling out "you beautiful, beautiful people".
As IAMX left before the encore, the fans were ready to start a riot, demanding more. The chant "one more song" quickly turned into "three more songs!" and growing louder by the minute. So when they finally returned to the stage, the audience did not hold back their energy rocking out to "The Alternative".
The striking visuals and flickering colorful lights mixed with the beautifully haunting vocals and hypnotizing electronic rhythms have created a door to a different dimension, making you forget about the world outside of this moment.
Chris said "In the perfect world we would play every single song for you", since nobody wanted the night to end. And as "Mercy" concluded the evening the fans were left with a bittersweet feeling of satisfaction and yet still craving more.
