Kelsey Heng on August 8th, 2014

0

It’s been two years since Christopher Owens announced the dissolution of his band Girls and set out on a solo career already notable for last year’s album “Lysandre.” On Wednesday night, at the filled-to-capacity Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Owens performed with the charisma and intensity that has stoked anticipation for his follow-up album, “A New Testament,” due Sept. 30. With the lights low and incense wafting, Owens opened with the tender “Nothing More Than Everything to Me,” eventually previewing much of “A New Testament,” aided by a backing band and gospel singers. After a dreamily short set, the entranced crowd refused to let Owens end the night as the stomping from the historic hall echoed until Owens stood back in front of the now-standing audience. The encore choice was a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smile,” as Owens explained it fitting to the venue and his musical background.

Photos by Kelsey Heng