On tour to promote their new “Weather Diaries” release, British alt-rockers Ride played Portland’s Crystal Ballroom Saturday night.

As they took the stage, fans at the venue gave the band a hearty welcome. The band’s well-rounded setlist opened with “Lannoy Point” from the new album – an ace track Portland Radio Project recently added to our playlist.

“Charm Assault” – also from the new album – followed:

Band members spoke to the crowd at times, mostly to introduce songs and to remind ardent fans about their love for Portland. On guitar and vocals were Andy Bell and Mark Gardener, with Steve Queralt playing admirably on bass and Laurence Colbert expertly supplying drums.

The return of Ride

Ride formed in 1988 in Oxford, England, and were regarded as consummate musicians of the rock / “shoe gazing” genre. Their sound – layered guitars, interesting chord changes and lush sound effects – is instantly inviting and appealing.

Eventually, however, much to the dismay of fans, band members moved on to other projects; the band formally dissolved in 1996.

In 2015 Ride re-united for a series of tour dates in Europe and North America.

New album “Weather Diaries” – the first since their breakup – was released in June of this year. “Weather Diaries” reached #11 in U.K. album charts. Portland Radio Project is currently featuring two tracks in our playlist – “Lannoy Point” and “Rocket Silver Symphony.”

Many in attendance Saturday seemed keen on hearing the band’s older material, and were not yet familiar with the new album. Nonetheless, the band performed a 90-minute show on Saturday that included a tasty array from the new release: “Lannoy Point,” “Rocket Silver Symphony,” “Charm Assault,” “Lateral Alice,” “All I Want” and the sparkly, effervescent “Cali” among them.

Cali

Lo Moon

Lo Moon, from Los Angeles, opened the night with an engaging setlist of their own.

Of particular note was their compelling and atmospheric “This Is It.”

We hope to hear more from them soon.

 

Ride continues on to California, Mexico, France and the Netherlands. You can find music by Ride on iTunes and on their website.

Ride delighted fans at the Crystal Ballroom

About the Crystal

More than 100 years old, Portland’s Crystal Ballroom has hosted a bevy of fine musicians over the years including Buffalo Springfield, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Earl, The Indigo Girls and Robert Cray.

Known for its unique floating dance floor, the majestic Crystal is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and continues to be one of the city’s most popular venues.

Cynthia Orlando
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