On 17 September, the M83 show at Mezzanine was the first ever review for this blog. Now, almost 7 months later, I am again reviewing this amazing band at a slightly larger venue and with two albums under their belt. Before the Dawn Heals Us, M83's current release, is an amazing album in its own right, and it translated well live.
Anthony Gonzalez, the real brain child of M83, was a bit under the weather for this show. He declared almost 3/4 of the way of his 70 minute set that he was so. Nonetheless, they pressed on and delivered an impressive performance, even without the encore.
A majority of the songs played were from the new album. "A Guitar and a Heart" was absolutely amazing, with the drummer banging away like a mad man and the rest of the band, in a very calm facade, just played their hearts out with each strum of the guitar done with sheer intensity. The intro dialogue on "Car Chase Terror," which freaked me out while listening to the MP3, freaked me out even more when heard live. "*" and "Don't Save Us From the Flames" were done with the same ferocity as "A Guitar and a Heart," with the pauses in between timed just right. The band's timing was so perfect for this song that it truly shows how tight this band is.
From Dead Cities, M83 played "Cyborg," "America," and "Unrecorded." "America" is my most favourite M83 song, and they did not disappoint.
The sheer intensity of the song, accompanied by the surprisingly crisp sound at Bimbo's, made this a truly impressive show.
Beer Rating: 2 Beers
29 April 2005
28 April 2005
Mesh Magazine Party with Von Iva & Communique (The Rickshaw Stop, 23 April 2005)
Damn. Mesh sure knows how to throw a party.
I write that line free from any duress. Really though, these are two great local bands playing for a nicely packed audience at The Rickshaw Stop on Saturday night. Although I enjoyed Communique, like when I saw them back in January, I barely remember anything about it.
As for Von Iva, they were very energetic and spunky. This was the first time I have ever seen them, and from the looks of it, not going to be the last either. This band is going to be big and these girls no how to strut it. But like Communique, I barely remember the gig.
That's because I was crunked out of my mind. I racked up a pretty heavy bar tab, spit out a whole shot of tequila on the bar, and then puked three times when I got home. All I can remember is brief glimpses of both bands, that I accidently tapped some girl's ass, and me puking like that puppet on Crank Yankers.
But it was one hell of a party!
Beer Rating: 2 Beers
Beer Rating When I Woke Up: 6 pack and liquor
How Many Drinks I Drank: 2 Jack and Cokes, 2 Skyy and tonics, 2 Sapphire and tonics, 1/2 a tequila shot, 1 beer.
I write that line free from any duress. Really though, these are two great local bands playing for a nicely packed audience at The Rickshaw Stop on Saturday night. Although I enjoyed Communique, like when I saw them back in January, I barely remember anything about it.
As for Von Iva, they were very energetic and spunky. This was the first time I have ever seen them, and from the looks of it, not going to be the last either. This band is going to be big and these girls no how to strut it. But like Communique, I barely remember the gig.
That's because I was crunked out of my mind. I racked up a pretty heavy bar tab, spit out a whole shot of tequila on the bar, and then puked three times when I got home. All I can remember is brief glimpses of both bands, that I accidently tapped some girl's ass, and me puking like that puppet on Crank Yankers.
But it was one hell of a party!
Beer Rating: 2 Beers
Beer Rating When I Woke Up: 6 pack and liquor
How Many Drinks I Drank: 2 Jack and Cokes, 2 Skyy and tonics, 2 Sapphire and tonics, 1/2 a tequila shot, 1 beer.
21 April 2005
Phoenix (GAMH, 21 April 2005)
I'm tired today. I have court tomorrow and I have a serious deadline on a project. So, this review will be short.
Phoenix played GAMH as the second headlining band. Joy Zipper was the opener and Dogs Die in Hot Cars was the main headlining act of this co-headlining bill. Even though I would have loved to have seen all three bands perform, the reality of life forced me to only see one.
Phoenix started off kind of rough, with the lead singer's vocals scratchy and coarse as compared to the smooth Justim Timberlake type vocals in their latest release, Alphabetical. Otherwise, the band was tight from the get go. I think they opened up with either "Everything is Everything" or "Run Run Run." I forgot, but it was a good start despite the lead singer's scratchy vocals.
Throughout the show, the band tried to get the crowd going by summoning them to raise their hands in the air or for the ladies to scream. You swear you were in a hip hop show at times, but it was all in good fun.
For one of their songs, a song that's probably on their first album which I don't have, they had this long period of silence. I guess Thomas didn't want to cue the band to start until he got a satisfactory response from the audience. He also had the house lights turned down full so he can do whatever he wanted. I don't know what kind of ambience he was seeking, but the lights were down and it did nothing.
After really two hard rockin' songs (again, it was probably from their album United) they went back to the poppy tunes of Alphabetical. Their second to the last song was their big "hit," "If I Ever Feel Better," which was brilliantly done. Christian's backing vocals on this song really gives that song the smooth feeling it truly emits. Without it, Thomas would be screwed with this song. They prolonged the song by adding some long guitar riffs and made it more rockin' at the end. I didn't mind and it was a great live rendition.
They finished their set with a new song called "Jet..." The "..." are there because there are some words that accompany "Jet" but, because of my exhaustion, I forgot. I didn't really care for this new song, especially since I heard the songs that I wanted. It would have been more fitting to end with "If I Ever Feel Better," but, who's complaining really?
Overall, a good show with some minor flaws and rough edges.
Beer Rating: 3 Beers
Phoenix played GAMH as the second headlining band. Joy Zipper was the opener and Dogs Die in Hot Cars was the main headlining act of this co-headlining bill. Even though I would have loved to have seen all three bands perform, the reality of life forced me to only see one.
Phoenix started off kind of rough, with the lead singer's vocals scratchy and coarse as compared to the smooth Justim Timberlake type vocals in their latest release, Alphabetical. Otherwise, the band was tight from the get go. I think they opened up with either "Everything is Everything" or "Run Run Run." I forgot, but it was a good start despite the lead singer's scratchy vocals.
Throughout the show, the band tried to get the crowd going by summoning them to raise their hands in the air or for the ladies to scream. You swear you were in a hip hop show at times, but it was all in good fun.
For one of their songs, a song that's probably on their first album which I don't have, they had this long period of silence. I guess Thomas didn't want to cue the band to start until he got a satisfactory response from the audience. He also had the house lights turned down full so he can do whatever he wanted. I don't know what kind of ambience he was seeking, but the lights were down and it did nothing.
After really two hard rockin' songs (again, it was probably from their album United) they went back to the poppy tunes of Alphabetical. Their second to the last song was their big "hit," "If I Ever Feel Better," which was brilliantly done. Christian's backing vocals on this song really gives that song the smooth feeling it truly emits. Without it, Thomas would be screwed with this song. They prolonged the song by adding some long guitar riffs and made it more rockin' at the end. I didn't mind and it was a great live rendition.
They finished their set with a new song called "Jet..." The "..." are there because there are some words that accompany "Jet" but, because of my exhaustion, I forgot. I didn't really care for this new song, especially since I heard the songs that I wanted. It would have been more fitting to end with "If I Ever Feel Better," but, who's complaining really?
Overall, a good show with some minor flaws and rough edges.
Beer Rating: 3 Beers
20 April 2005
The Killers (The Fillmore [Late Show], 19 April 2005)
It seemed like ages since I've been to a show. And what a refreshing way to get back to the show going mood by seeing one of the most overhyped band in the last year. The Killers. Brandon Flowers and Co. take their trend setting, Bravery bashing on the road with two shows in one night at the Fillmore - both sold out mind you. With support from Tegan & Sara, this has the making of a great show.
Tegan & Sara came on at around 11pm with a full band. I've never seen them before, and know only one song. They were quite good though, blending in a good mix of mild indie rock and a few slow ballads in there. Both Tegan & Sara looked awfully cute, and they seemed very shy as well. The crowd loved them, and even the odd frat boys too.
Then The Killers came on at around 12:10am. The house lights were dimmed and a sexy vixen walked back and forth on the stage carrying a "Round 2" sign. What would you expect from a band that hails from Vegas? Then Brandon and Co. came out and opened up with "Midnight Show" which was a rather fitting opener (duh!). As Brandon sung, a HUGE "The Killers" marquee was up on the stage. Think one of those Vegas billboards saying "CASINO" on it and lighting up. This sign was illuminated for select songs during the entire set. It truly added some "umph" to the stage, despite its cheeziness.
Brandon was looking stylish as usual with a spiffy greenish/grayish (depends on how the light shined on him) corduroy jacket with mustard yellow lining inside, flat front pants that are way too BR, and a bowtie for that indie academic look. Of course, Brandon's haute couture would be incomplete without the right amount of eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick and a bit of blush and foundation on his face. A true dandy indeed.
I think the next song they played was "Andy You're A Star" which the crowd loved with most having their arms outstretched. "Change Your Mind" and "Somebody Told Me" were played soon thereafter and that's when the crowd went ape shit. So did I, not because I wanted to but because I had too. I was getting drowsy so I needed to jump up and down to wake up. Well, it worked.
Three new songs were played as well. One had a line about Matthew being married or something. Brandon said what the title was, but I just forgot. Overall, I thought 2 of the 3 new songs were very good and could be potential singles for their next album. The songs weren't that different from any of the Killers songs from Hot Fuss, so it wasn't a total shocker.
They also played a song called "Indie Rock N Roll" which was definitely outstanding. It was epic, it was absolutely cheezy with slightly above par lyrics, but I loved it! After their new song set, they returned to the songs from Hot Fuss.
Thus, Brandon prompted the band to "play the hit" which was, of course, "Mr. Brightside." Very well done and the band was tight as ever and Brandon's voice wasn't scratchy like the last 2 times I saw them. "Smile Like You Mean It" and "On Top" rounded out the main set.
"Jenny Was A Friend of Mine" was the first song in the encore. This is the song that made me like The Killers. I wasn't too impressed by them when I saw them open up for Stellastar* but when I saw them a few days later at Coachella, this song's tremendous bass hooks got my attention. It wasn't as good as their Coachella version, but it was a fun song nonetheless. They closed their set with "All These Things I've Done". It seemed like there was a gospel choir accompanying the band as they yelled out the chorus, but it was just merely the crowd singing and clapping in unison.
The band said their goodbyes, with Brandon's voice getting hoarse and his body looking physically exhausted. I mean, the man did two shows in one night here, and did three shows in two nights in L.A. So, I would be tired as hell too if I were in his shoes.
My only dislike about the show, which was not about the band itself, were those stupid crowdsurfers. I'm going to punch one of those bastards in the nads if they ever come my way again. Girl or guy, I will punch you. You are now forewarned. It's not just stupid, annoying, and dangerous, but you could lose your top trainers. Which I was tempted to do with this one idiot. Oh, and it doesn't help if you're a fat ass when you crowd surf. You are in a semi-indie rock show full of skinny kids, not some arena rock band like Limp Bizkit. So, fat people, don't crowd surf. If you do want to, then get some Trim Spa or something.
Overall, fantastic show with the Killers being in top form.
Beer Rating: 1.5 Beers
Tegan & Sara came on at around 11pm with a full band. I've never seen them before, and know only one song. They were quite good though, blending in a good mix of mild indie rock and a few slow ballads in there. Both Tegan & Sara looked awfully cute, and they seemed very shy as well. The crowd loved them, and even the odd frat boys too.
Then The Killers came on at around 12:10am. The house lights were dimmed and a sexy vixen walked back and forth on the stage carrying a "Round 2" sign. What would you expect from a band that hails from Vegas? Then Brandon and Co. came out and opened up with "Midnight Show" which was a rather fitting opener (duh!). As Brandon sung, a HUGE "The Killers" marquee was up on the stage. Think one of those Vegas billboards saying "CASINO" on it and lighting up. This sign was illuminated for select songs during the entire set. It truly added some "umph" to the stage, despite its cheeziness.
Brandon was looking stylish as usual with a spiffy greenish/grayish (depends on how the light shined on him) corduroy jacket with mustard yellow lining inside, flat front pants that are way too BR, and a bowtie for that indie academic look. Of course, Brandon's haute couture would be incomplete without the right amount of eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick and a bit of blush and foundation on his face. A true dandy indeed.
I think the next song they played was "Andy You're A Star" which the crowd loved with most having their arms outstretched. "Change Your Mind" and "Somebody Told Me" were played soon thereafter and that's when the crowd went ape shit. So did I, not because I wanted to but because I had too. I was getting drowsy so I needed to jump up and down to wake up. Well, it worked.
Three new songs were played as well. One had a line about Matthew being married or something. Brandon said what the title was, but I just forgot. Overall, I thought 2 of the 3 new songs were very good and could be potential singles for their next album. The songs weren't that different from any of the Killers songs from Hot Fuss, so it wasn't a total shocker.
They also played a song called "Indie Rock N Roll" which was definitely outstanding. It was epic, it was absolutely cheezy with slightly above par lyrics, but I loved it! After their new song set, they returned to the songs from Hot Fuss.
Thus, Brandon prompted the band to "play the hit" which was, of course, "Mr. Brightside." Very well done and the band was tight as ever and Brandon's voice wasn't scratchy like the last 2 times I saw them. "Smile Like You Mean It" and "On Top" rounded out the main set.
"Jenny Was A Friend of Mine" was the first song in the encore. This is the song that made me like The Killers. I wasn't too impressed by them when I saw them open up for Stellastar* but when I saw them a few days later at Coachella, this song's tremendous bass hooks got my attention. It wasn't as good as their Coachella version, but it was a fun song nonetheless. They closed their set with "All These Things I've Done". It seemed like there was a gospel choir accompanying the band as they yelled out the chorus, but it was just merely the crowd singing and clapping in unison.
The band said their goodbyes, with Brandon's voice getting hoarse and his body looking physically exhausted. I mean, the man did two shows in one night here, and did three shows in two nights in L.A. So, I would be tired as hell too if I were in his shoes.
My only dislike about the show, which was not about the band itself, were those stupid crowdsurfers. I'm going to punch one of those bastards in the nads if they ever come my way again. Girl or guy, I will punch you. You are now forewarned. It's not just stupid, annoying, and dangerous, but you could lose your top trainers. Which I was tempted to do with this one idiot. Oh, and it doesn't help if you're a fat ass when you crowd surf. You are in a semi-indie rock show full of skinny kids, not some arena rock band like Limp Bizkit. So, fat people, don't crowd surf. If you do want to, then get some Trim Spa or something.
Overall, fantastic show with the Killers being in top form.
Beer Rating: 1.5 Beers
13 April 2005
New Shows Added - Weekend of 9 April 2005
New Shows on Sale This Sunday, 10 April (unless otherwise noted):
- May 15: The Wedding Present @ GAMH
- May 25: ...Trail of the Dead @ Amoeba (Free)
- May 25: ...Trail of the Dead @ The Fillmore
- May 30: Pixies @ The Warfield (2 Shows, 1 Night)
- June 1: Bloc Party @ The Fillmore (Live 105 Pre-Sale Thursday, 7 April. Password: "Compliments". General On-Sale, Sunday, 10 April)
- June 2: The Get Up Kids @ The Fillmore
- June 10: Live 105 BFD Festival w/ Kaiser Chiefs and more TBA
- June 18: Rilo Kiley @ The Grand
- June 25: Kaiser Chiefs @ The Fillmore
- September 11: Oasis / Jet / Kasabian @ Shoreline Ampitheatre (Live 105 Pre-Sale Thursday, 7 April. Password: "Spud". General On-Sale, Sunday, 10 April)
05 April 2005
New Shows Added
- 04/21: Digital Underground @ DNA Lounge
- 04/23: Mesh Magazine Spring Spectacular w/ Von Iva & Communique @ The Rickshaw Stop
- 05/11: The Ponys @ Cafe Du Nord
- 05/12: The Ponys @ Bottom of the Hill
- 05/14: LCD Soundsystem & M.I.A. @ The Fillmore
- 05/25: The Dears @ GAMH
- 05/25: Caribou / Junior Boys @ Bottom of the Hill
- 05/26: Goldie Lookin Chain @ The Independent
- 06/03: Out Hud @ Bottom of the Hill
- 06/18: Rilo Kiley @ [To Be Announced]
- 06/25: Kaiser Chiefs @ The Fillmore
- 07/13: Built to Spill @ Slim's
- 07/14: Built to Spill @ Slim's
- 07/15: Built to Spill @ Slim's
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)