Ida Maria live at San Jose's Blank Club

You've heard it on the raido: a punky, poppy, rocking Scandinavian girl named Ida Maria screaming, "I like you so much better when you're naked / I like me so much better when you're naked." Somehow 104.9 and Blank Club were able to bring this sensational musician to Downtown San Jose on Thursday night for one of the best live sets we've ever seen. Ever.

Sounding like a British incarnation of Janis Joplin, Ida Maria's gravely yet mellifluous vocals and energy exploded on stage, sending the crowd into a frenzy and converting skeptics to the exceptional sound that emanates from this four piece.



Interestingly, Ida Maria is said to have a rare condition known as synesthesia, in which she actually sees colors when she hears music. It's something that Jimi Hendrix raved about when he took psychedelics. For Ida Maria, it just comes naturally. The result is a vibe like nothing else, a confidence unmatched and a sound so colorful, it's intoxicating.



And let's not forget about Suicidal Barfly, which played again last Wednesday. Here's a video of a new song. And go here for their set from two weeks ago.