ELEVEN @ THE DRAGONFLY IN HOLLYWOOD

Review by Caren Spitler

This is a band that has the power to entrance you. Want to hear some real music with soul, depth, and integrity? Go see Eleven the next time they're in town. Recently returned from a tour with Queens of the Stoneage, they've played a few dates around town to support their current release Avantgardedog. I was fortunate enough to hear them play at The Dragonfly and I have no doubts that this is a band with the power to put you under their spell.

I found myself in deepest, darkest Hollywood at the small, and tragically hip, Dragonfly. It's a strange little club somewhat off the beaten path. The room is beautiful inside, although slightly dank. It sports a coolish vibe; pleasant in that way-too-LA kind of way. Welcome to the glamourous Hollywood underbelly, where the prettier-than-thou go to see and be seen. Complete with a crowd of far too many far-too-beautiful people, it seemed the perfect atmosphere for working a little night magic.

Finally, Eleven was "all systems go," and they took the stage, and took the crowd into immediate musical bliss. I fell right in with them, gladly. They opened their set with a song that I am unfortunately only familiar with through the sound files on the band's website. "Reach Out," is from their self-titled album, Eleven. They already had my full attention as Natasha went into the next song."It's my world, why am I doing what you say? It's my time, why do I wait for your delay?" She sings the opening lines of "Cool Cruel Baby," and you can feel the emotion pouring from her. As she carves each line and phrase with deliberate intent, Natasha's powerful voice delivers oceans of passion in every note. "All Falls Away," and "Lucky One" were nothing short of spellbinding. I looked around to see most of the people in the tightly packed club swaying in unison, as delicate hypnotic notes flowed from Natasha's keyboards. She is mesmerizing to watch. Again I surrendered, washed away by Natasha 's voice…. God… can that woman sing!