Live Review: Semi-Precious Weapons @ Best Buy, Union Square (photos)

Photos & Words by Rozlyn Smith

Glam-rockers Semi Precious Weapons made an appearance at the Best Buy in Union Square on July 9th to support their recently release album, You Love You. What was supposed to be an acoustic performance turned into an electric one, due to some technical difficulties. Even so, it was another amazing performance.  

Starting out with one of their most well known tracks, “Semi Precious Weapons” had the very diverse crowd of parents and their children, young adults and even a few middle-aged men singing in unison, which set the tone for the laid back and intimate performance. Also spotted in the crowd of people were Breedlove and Lady Starlight, who performed at the band's Bowery Ballroom show. SPW played another fan favorite, “Put a Diamond in It” and had the sea of people dancing, bopping up and down, singing and just having a great time. 

In an attempt to slow the tempo down guitarist Stevy Pyne picked up an acoustic guitar. While Pyne tried to get the acoustic to work, Tranter talked to the crowd about how much he loves all those who were there, how he can’t curse at Best Buy, and how Stevy is picky on how his guitar sounds. He also thanked the Best Buy staff for letting the band perform there.  

After a ton of effort, the acoustic still wouldn't work, so that idea was retired. Picking up his electric guitar, Pyne and Tranter performed the final two songs as a duo--a modest attempt to bring a  lighter tone. What was in store for everyone was a very emotional performance of “Look at Me” and “Leave Your Pretty to Me." Tranter’s voice sent chills up my spine, and in this intimate environment you could feel the same emotions pouring off of Tranter and the audience. Just hearing two of the Precious Weapons gave me an idea of how the band would sound acoustic. Though the duo could not perform “Leave Your Pretty to Me” acoustically, it was enough to have some of the audience teary eyed.  Following their set, the band signed cd's, meet with fans, and took picture with fans. 

More photos below.