Britt Witt on November 26th, 2013

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Pat Grossi comes from music; his father holds copies of multiple platinum hip-hop records and his childhood is lined with global choir tours. Now that all the bragging is out of the way, the L.A.-based songwriter who makes music as Active Child began his performance at the El Rey Theater on Saturday night by hugging his harp, supported by his bandmates, a string quartet and four pairs of choral singers. Tranquility descended on the crowd as Grossi closed his eyes and began delicately strumming his instrument to start “You Are All I See.” A white, heavenly spotlight rained down on Grossi, enhancing his graceful presence and illuminating the two angel statues beside him.

• ||| Photos by Zane Roessell

Active Child has slowly but surely garnered acclaim since the band’s 2011 debut ablum, “You Are All I See.” Recognized for gorgeous instrumentals and lush vocal arrangements, the threesome on Saturday was enhanced by the live strings and backing vocals, swelling the venue with warm tones. The choir rounded out Grossi’s multi-octave vocals, offering polished harmonies and even buzzing percussion during “Evening Ceremony.” Grossi’s exquisite timbre had a gravitational pull on the audience, sending everyone into a forward-moving reverie, losing consciousness to simple sounds.

The 45-minute set ventured from slow and moody tracks like “High Priestess” to the big and bright “Calling in the Name of Love” and included “Hanging On,” which Ellie Goulding has covered. While the tracks do possess seraphic and orchestral qualities, the melodies and beats are indicative of Grossi’s hip hop background, with smooth, sensual, drum machine-backed R&B rhythms. There was very little banter but Grossi did chime in, thanking the crowd and gently acknowledging, “It’s good to be home! It’s definitely a dream come true to see all these strings and singers and angels.”

On the heels of its most recent release in October, the “Rapor” EP, Active Child sprinkled the set with new songs, synching thunderous bass growls with lightning strike strobes, appropriately blinding the crowd during the poignant new track, “Subtle.” An abrupt and unexpected intermission left the crowd slightly bewildered, immediately turning to a low conversation buzz. Grossi’s return to the stage did not quiet his onlookers, however, and after a moment of tuning his harp and gazing at his audience he politely began shushing, whispering, “Everyone, be nice.” The encore was quick, concluding with “She Cut Me” to leave a gentle aftertaste.

Lawrence Rothman and Michigan-based JMSN opened the evening.