ConcertsSeptember 27th, 2011 by Phantasmo MuteMath – Live at The Met, Pawtucket, Rhode Island – Sept. 20, 2011By sheer luck, a week-long trip to Boston with some friends coincided with MuteMath’s ‘Odd Soul Introduction Tour’ making its way along the east coast. Thankfully, I received the email announcement with tour dates, did a quick Google search to find a close location and discovered that Pawtucket, Rhode Island was only an hour away from Boston! Ticket purchased, car rented and off I went down I-95 to The Met. In my attempt to beat rush hour traffic, I arrived at The Met several hours before the show started. However, this proved to be perfect timing, as I was able to slip inside the doors of the club, watch the band’s sound check, snap some photos and chat up the band, who were extremely gracious and appreciative of such a long-distance journey. The Met looked to be the perfect venue for a small club tour, with the band slightly elevated on a small stage that was absolutely crammed with every single musical instrument and electronic gadget one could imagine. Showtime was scheduled for 9:00 PM, though it was 9:45 PM and the band was nowhere in sight. Finally, the lights finally dimmed, incense was lit on stage and the band made their entrance – which was well worth the wait. While the entire crowd faced the stage waiting for the band to emerge, the front doors of the club behind the crowd burst open. The band entered from outside the club, each member playing a different percussion instrument like a marching band, parted the audience like the Red Sea, weaving through the cheering, awed crowd and made their way to the stage. Drummer Darren King took to his throne in signature style, instantly strapping his monitor headphones onto his head with duct tape. They wasted no time, blasting into new song Prytania, followed by an electronic, blues-inflected Blood Pressure courtesy of new (and amazing) guitarist Todd Gummerman. I had a perfect spot to watch the show, directly up against the stage and standing close enough to drummer Darren King that I could hand him a drumstick if he happened to drop one while beating the living hell out of his drums (which happened!). Inches from the band proved to be the ideal position as I was able to get excellent photo and video footage, as well as witness the beast that is Darren King. I had seen video footage of him playing before, but it was nothing compared to seeing him perform live. The man is a MACHINE. Watching him behind the kit was a jaw-dropping experience. Eyes closed, mind focused, he was all over the place – climbing onto the piano with a drum, beating his sticks on the stage post behind him, and dumping a bottle of water on his drums for Reset, soaking everyone and everything around him, including me. Multi-instrumentalist/lead vocalist Paul Meany was a firecracker, pumping the crowd up, doing hand-stands on his piano and offering his keytar to the crowd to play. Bass player Roy Mitchell-Cardenas was incredible, though it’s not fair to simply call him a bass player, as he was as diverse as the rest of the band, jumping behind the drum kit, picking up the guitar, and manipulating all kinds of secret MuteMath electronic instruments that I wouldn’t have the faintest idea how to operate. Todd fit in perfectly with the rest of the band, playing different instruments all over the stage, adding great backing vocals and incredible guitar licks. I couldn’t believe how tight they were, yet also so fluid and loose with their music…it was like the songs were living and breathing as they played. The crowd was definitely into the show, screaming along to older songs (Control, Noticed, Spotlight) and even new songs that sounded just as good (Odd Soul, Blood Pressure). The band powered through a sweat-soaked, hyperactive 75 minute set, culminating with an absolutely face-melting rendition of Typical that seemed to never end, and no one wanted it to! Finally, the band exited the stage, only to return a few minutes later for a 3-song encore, the crowd begging for more. Paul expressed his appreciation to the crowd, and it was nice to get props from the stage as he thanked everyone for travelling to the show, “even as far as Alaska!” which, I have to admit, was pretty rad to hear. They then launched into Chaos (a personal favorite), Break the Same, and Quarantine, finally ending a phenomenal show as Darren was kind enough to hand me back a drumstick as he left the stage. Thanks very much, Darren! 4,581 miles is a long distance to travel for a concert, but I’d go twice that without hesitation to see MuteMath again. This was, without a doubt, the best live show I have ever seen. It wasn’t a concert, it was an experience. I have never seen a band put so much heart, soul and energy into a performance and the intimate venue was certainly a bonus. If you have the opportunity to catch MuteMath on the ‘Odd Soul Introduction Tour’, without a doubt, GO. You will not be disappointed. SETLIST Here’s video of the band performing ‘You Are Mine’ – sorry you can only see the back of Paul’s head. September 19th, 2011 by Foxopoly Hum – ‘Cloud City’ Live In Chicago“Hum playing an unreleased song they haven’t played out in over 10 years at one of their reunion shows at AV Fest in Chicago on 9.10.11″. All credit to Cognitivepencils. Quality. September 9th, 2011 by Foxopoly Zombiefist IV
What better way to kick off Halloween weekend in Anchorage? These shows are always great fun and right now pre-sale tix are $25 through AK Soul’s FB page. Get ‘em quick and start thinking of a costume now! September 3rd, 2011 by Foxopoly Staind Live At the Alaska State Fair – September 2nd, 2011Another amazing show last night as Staind crushed the other summer competition and brought their best for a near sold-out show at the Alaska State Fair’s Borealis Theater. The Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains and late day sunshine provided a stellar backdrop for the band and lead frontman Aaron Lewis to proclaim one of the most beautiful settings the band has ever played. It was an amazing show. Aaron came out appropriately dressed in a camo hunting jacket, but quickly shed it after the first song as the weather was perfect. Staind performed songs from all their major albums, but more than half the set was made up of songs from the ‘99 classic ‘Dysfunction’ and its follow up ‘Break the Cycle’. Aaron performed ‘Country Boy’ from his solo ep ‘Town Line’ and precluded it with the pledge of allegiance. Well received by a energized crowd of proud Americans to say the least. The rest of the set was made up of greatest hits off their more recent albums along with three cuts from the upcoming self-titled record due September 13th. The show concluded with guitarist Mike Mushok and Aaron Lewis preforming new song “A Little Something To Remind You”. This was pretty awesome as Staind rarely play encores and this may have been the first time this song was played live. The crowd was very receptive and very diverse to say the least. I feel a good time was had by all last night in Palmer Alaska. Staind!
Setlist: Spleen Falling Right Here Fade Crawl So Far Away Eyes Wide Open (new song) Just Go Country Boy (Aaron solo, led in with the Pledge of Allegiance) For You Outside (full band) Paper Jesus Not Again (new song) Suffer It’s Been Awhile Mudshovel A Little Something To Remind You (Encore. New song. Aaron and Mike solo) Outside: Mudshovel: It’s Been Awhile (clip):
August 29th, 2011 by Foxopoly Hot BunsEDIT: Uncensored version August 27th, 2011 by Foxopoly Chevelle Inc. Live At The Alaska State Fair 8-26-2011Who says state fair shows can’t come a little unhinged every once in awhile? The seemingly withdrawn crowd slowly came alive as security flexed their muscle for little reason. It definitely wasn’t the band that tried to stop people from filming, surfing, diving.., etc or simply having fun, but the pleasure police were driven to do just that. The blue-shirts had full boners on as simple spectating slowly became a full contact crowd participation by the end of the set. What a shining example of how the audience can make or break an event. Also had the great pleasure of taking my son near the front (safely) to enjoy his first proper rock show. So fun! An amazing show to say the very least. Great times with friends and family! Way to represent, Alaska and a huge thank you to Pete and the boys in Chevelle.
From Pete Loeffler’s Twitter: “OMG!! Just walked off stage in Alaska and have to say that was the most insane show we’ve had in years! Total Chaos!! Loved it!!” Yes, shit went bananas. Setlist – (99% Accurate) Encore: |
