Emma Ruth Rundle and Patrick Shiroishi Dazzle at Boston’s Crystal Ballroom [Photos]

West Coast alternative folk artist Emma Ruth Rundle just wrapped up a series of intimate shows across the states supporting her recent release, Engine of Hell. Accompanying her on this run was highly acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Patrick Shiroishi. We were fortunate to be in attendance for the first of two shows at Somerville’s (Boston) Crystal Ballroom on April 8th for a completely sold-out crowd.

With nearly every seat in the venue full, Shiroishi got the night started with a beautiful performance on saxophone utilizing looping pedals and other effects to layer sonic elements into dramatic soundscapes—at one point using muted breaths on his saxophone and other techniques to mimic the crashing of ocean waves and calls of sea birds and other critters.

His set varied from peaceful moments like this to chaotic and beautiful sequences of intricately layered sounds created from his own soaring vocal melodies to those of his expertly-wielded saxophone. Alas, his performance was so captivating that it was shocking to see 30 minutes had already passed as he finished.

After a bit of a break to stretch, move about, and refresh drinks, Emma Ruth Rundle emerged to deliver an enthralling set of her spooky brand of folk music, with just Rundle herself switching between piano and acoustic guitar. With the absence of more instrumental accompaniment, the myriad of ways Rundle utilizes her voice were more discernible. Ranging from hauntingly beautiful to whispered and raspy, to melodious and powerful, it was so wonderful to witness her perform in such an intimate setting where there were few distractions—aside from the clacking of a venue piano that seemed to be in need of some maintenance (which Rundle joked made her envision a skeleton’s hand playing the keys).

While her entire performance was incredible to behold, “Return” and “Body,” off of Engine of Hell, were especially powerful, as well as “Citadel,” which saw Rundle accompanied by Shiroishi for the duration of the song.

When not actively performing, Rundle’s stage banter was excellent, despite the performer explaining to the audience that tonight was one of those nights where the source material behind her songs was really affecting her, noting that her shows are usually really funny due to her penchant for saying, “weird shit.” She resumed playing, jokingly telling the audience, “here’s another uplifting song!” She spoke too soon on the former, though, for as she started the song “Dancing Man” just a few moments later, a loud beeping noise from the bar at the back of the venue led her to shout, “Is that my Hot Pocket!?” to much laughter from the crowd.

Rundle closed the night’s performance with an encore of two fan-favorites, “Marked for Death” and “Pump Organ Song,” the latter from her 2022 EP Orpheus Looking Back. Although this tour is over, Rundle has at least one additional show coming up in Calgary this June. Here’s hoping for a more substantial tour later this year!

Remaining Tour Date

Jun 21: Center United Church at Sled Island – Calgary, AB

Emma Ruth Rundle (w/ Patrick Shiroishi) @ Crystal Ballroom (Somerville, MA) on April 8, 2023

22 photos