OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
In anticipation of their debut feature film — Ultrapop: Live at the Masonic Temple — due in October, The Armed have released an excerpt performance for “Where Man Know Want,” a feature track taken from their most recent album, Ultrapop.
Filmed in the Tudor Room on the third floor of the Temple — the setting features beautiful chandeliers, incredible woodwork and meticulous hand craftsmanship — all of which is nearly impossible to see, as seven members of The Armed converge on a light-up floor amidst dense fog and a pulsating light show. The band evokes Tin Machine or early 90’s Lou Reed via matching steel Steinberger guitars and vintage Simmons drums and the performance concludes in such hysterics that viewers will instinctively want to stand near the back of the room.
Directed by Tony Wolski and presented by Sargent House, Ultrapop: Live at the Masonic Temple the film is Part “Lemonade,” part “Live at Pompeii” and fully infused with a sense of Lynchian dread. Live performance and story-driven narrative melt seamlessly into one another, as the film confronts themes of identity, information warfare, the commoditization of artistic product, and commodification of the artist.
The film also definitively shines a light on The Armed’s often-mysterious, collaborative structure—revealing an ever-changing lineup over the course of its runtime.
The project is a stunningly-filmed cinematic document of live performances taking place within the opulent chapels, imposing asylum rooms, full-size indoor handball courts, halls (and more) of the mysterious Masonic Temple of Detroit; a 550,000 square foot fortress in the heart of the city.
Digital screenings will start 10/15, with a special in-person screening event happening the same day at Detroit’s El Club. Check here for full screening schedule.
Pre-Order Ultrapop: Live at the Masonic Temple limited vinyl here.
Listen to the album Ultrapop at the bottom of this post.
The Armed Tour Dates
01/08/22 – Detroit – El Club
01/15/22 – Brooklyn – Music Hall of Williamsburg
01/22/22 – Los Angeles – The Belasco Theater
06/02/22 Barcelona – Primavera Sound 2022
08/05/22 – Katowice – OFF Festival 2022