My first introduction to Raw Geronimo was a mesmerizing, transcendent experience. I had heard of their reputation for rousing, electricfying live shows; their DIY, punk backgrounds, but nothing could have prepared me for what they were about to do on stage at The Echo on August 24, 2012. I was there to see Julia Holter, but my curiosity about Raw Geronimo led me to arrive early enough to catch their opening set. It’s one I will never forget. Expecting electric guitars and amps to be loaded to the stage, to my delight and awe, the band walked on with string instruments. The group had prepared a special acoustic set for this show, one in which, frontwoman, Laena Geronimo, did something I’ve never seen before. She played a violin and sang lead vocals. It was a majestic performance. Laena and her bandmates are incredibly proficient, boundary-pushing artists. And now, their unique and varied influences converge on the debut LP, ‘Dream Fever,’ set for release July 30 on Neurotic Yell Records. The first single, “Magnetic Love,” is an emotionally earnest, hopeful, and rollicking tune. All that is special about this spellbinding group is on full display. It is in it’s own way anthemic, and Geronimo’s voice takes center stage, soaring above jangling guitars and bombastic drums. Raw Geronimo perform at Amoeba today at 7pm, where the album will be available for purchase ahead of it’s release. – Jacqueline Caruso
