"A warning
to the people
to the good,
and the evil
this is war."
-- "This is War," 30 Seconds to Mars, This is War(2009)
Overall: This album is full of anthems, attesting to beliefs in the face of cynicism and rising from the ashes of one's own past. In addition to the fearsome pieces that stand alone nicely, this album is cohesive thematically, which is rare in the modern era. It tells a story, two stories if you look at the metaphoric angle. This is War, seems to be the spiritual sequel to Beautiful Lie (2001). Where Beautiful Lie was about the destruction of a relationship, and by proximity, a life, and the despair that comes with that, This is War delves into alternately reminiscence, and fighting back against the ravages of despair to emerge triumphant.
This album also takes a darker, more sexual turn than the previous two albums. "Night of the Hunter," and "Stranger in a Strange Land" particularly exude an animalistic darkness not found in other albums of theirs.
However, there are a few tracks that detract from an otherwise nearly flawless album, these tracks range from dissonant, to simply whining.
Track Highlights:
Kings and Queens: This was the single from This is War and rightly so. It stands on its own as a nostalgic, bittersweet number. Unlike many songs that look back on past relationships, this one reminisces completely without regret In fact, the lyrics speak of forging oneself from "blood and pain, in defense of our dreams." Layered over these lyrics, is front man Jered Leto's powerful voice and wonderfully coordinated music.
This is War(linked above): on my first listen through of this album, I considered this the summery track of the album. While I'm not sold on the audience tracks, the beginning of this song builds quite nicely into the chorus both in volume and tone. Leto has excellent vocal control and modulates its volume from husky whisper to bold (though still on key) shout. The lyrics tell the listener that on no uncertain terms they will never give up. Tenacity bleeds from both the music and the lyrics of this number.
Alibi- One of two very powerful, simple numbers on the album. While the majority of 30 Seconds to Mars' song have complex layering, this song and 100 suns both are very simple. I find that simpler songs tend to show what an artist's voice can truely do. Striping down to just a simple guitar line and some drums, this song becomes an inspiring lullaby. The lyrics are equally simple, evoking a sense of reconciliation with ones past and the ability to finally get back up again. Yet there is also a touch of concession, as though the battle will be missed. I would have welcomed this as an end track.
Stranger in A Strange Land(also linked above): Worth pointing out because I don't think I’ve heard a curse word beyond "damn" on any other album of theirs. While this alone is not reason to notice a song, I find when an artist uses infrequent, but very deliberately placed curse words the effect can be astounding. As mentioned in previous reviews, Leto is a very precise, articulate artist, his use of a singular curse evokes a precise message.
There were also a few songs that did not work for me quite as well, partly because the rest of the album was that much better, and partly because the songs, for whatever reason didn't meet the standards set by their other albums.
Hurricane-- While conceptually nice, I found that this track lagged in places and felt longer than it should have been. Very reminiscent of “The Story,” but it comes off a little whiny. Bleak, but nothing new for 30 Seconds To Mars.
L 490--the beginning is actually painful on the ears. While I'm all for innovative instrumental tracks, this one is out of place both thematically and rhythmically on the album. To say nothing of the fact that it is a dissonant piece which falls far, far short of the rest of the album.
Overall rating: 3.5/5
December 27, 2009
December 22, 2009
Kill Hannah: New Heart for Xmass 7 (with VIP pass.)
What an amazing weekend. I had the privilege of meeting, and briefly socializing with two wonderful artists. I was indoctrinated into a wonderful community of close knit fans, brought together by a gracious, caring artist who gives back a great deal to his fans.
Day one (12/18/09):
Venue: Reggie's Rock Club (2.5/5) I'm trying not to judge the venue by the sketchy area it was lodged in. Being on state street a hop, skip and a jump from nicer areas, I assumed quite incorrectly that it would be a decent area.
I didn't really get a chance to look at the bar itself, as I was too busy doing what I came to do, namely schmoozing with Kill Hannah. Reggie's struck me as a place that could not make up its mind weather it was a music venue or not. The layout was similar to other standing room only venues, however, it was too small to accommodate the audience for larger shows. That alone was not a problem, as there are other similar venues, designed for smaller bands. However, if you're going to be a little dig like that, at least have a good enough sound system that the vocals could be decerned from the base four rows in.
Full Album performance of Kill Hannah's "American Jet Set" (3/5) While not my favorite album, it was nice to have a hat tip to the fans that had been there for the full decade that the band has been preforming. There were songs I'd genuinely forgotten were on the album, which was a pleasant surprise. Having seen them live before, my bar was set very high, and while the show was phenomenal, it did not live up to the standard Kill Hannah set. The energy was weaker I would have expected in a show that is explicitly devoted to the more dedicated fans. While far from a disappointment, it wasn't as powerful as I would have hoped.
Day two (12/19/2009)
Venue: The Metro (4/5): I would call this my new, second favorite venue, rival only two The House Of Blues. Despite having been a Chicago girl now for three and a half years, \ I hadn't visited The Metro before because I am a petite person and had heard The Metro's reputation for wild, densely packed crowds. However, my attachment to Kill Hannah's music won out over my trepidation. I was not disappointed.
The Metro is a lovely venue with four bars tucked just a little away from the floor, making them easier to get to than at most venues. It has three floors, one is mostly just the merchandise booth and a place to house the line. The second floor is where the stage and dance floor are, very simple design a basic black, flat floor. The third floor was more of a lounge with seats and tables, however it over looked the second floor so that the show is visible. This was also where the coat check was, which was nicer than most venues. It is clean, except for the bathrooms, which I will get to in a moment. The sound booth is set back closer to the bar, adding that much more room to the already spacious floor. The seasonal decor was fun, large wire and nylon snowflakes, lit candy canes and little plastic trees where the permanent decor was professional and neat and there were posters everywhere advertising the next show or release party, but not so many that it was messy.
Then there were the bathrooms, like at Vic, the bathrooms were questionable at best, I was a little afraid to use them actually for fear of how dirty they were and the amount of graffiti
The Crowd: (4/5) While understandably bored during the first acts, the crowd was lit with an energy hitherto unseen in Kill Hannah fans, they were airborne, screaming, dancing like the world was ending. The energy was intense, but it wasn't such a tight crowd that it was suffocating.
First opener: 1997 (1/5) I try to be lenient on first openers, because its a rough slot to fill and they are often less experienced, younger bands, doubly so if they are a multi-gender band. However, they were positively discordant and had all of the stage presence of a dust bunny. They did try hard to get the audience to participate, however the audience was having none of it.
Second opener: Hey Champ (3/5) A fun, if forgettable, opening band. Their guitar work was pleasant but nothing unduly impressive.
Main Act: Kill Hannah. (4.7/5) New Heart for Xmas is Kill Hannah's annual big show, and it was simply put amazing. Mat Devine gives 110% to the audience and his interaction with them was the a delightful give and take. I've never seen a front man so gracious as Devine. On top of the band's engagement with the audience, their music was as as always wonderfully dynamic and well orchestrated without sounding manufactured. I was also impressed by how the band managed to preform songs that normally had far more parts than they have band members (one song on the album includes a choir as well Amanda Palmer, but they still played it quite nicely).
Despite Devine's spending the bulk of his time leaning over, in some cases all but steping into the crowd, they still manage several set and costume changes, a light show, and laser guitars. These guys push from being simply a band to being full on performers without sacrificing their craft.
Even with the light show, there is an incredible intimacy between the fans and the band. The honestway Devine talks about his music, and by extension his life, shows a vulnerability not often expressed in artists who are, for lack of other word, high gloss. on the whole the band gives off a very human energy.
It is a privilege to be involved with such a kind, down to earth artist who is also still not afraid to dream. Feet planted firmly on the stage, and eyes ever on the horizon Kill Hannah is an invoative band that puts on a thoroughly engaging show.
Day one (12/18/09):
Venue: Reggie's Rock Club (2.5/5) I'm trying not to judge the venue by the sketchy area it was lodged in. Being on state street a hop, skip and a jump from nicer areas, I assumed quite incorrectly that it would be a decent area.
I didn't really get a chance to look at the bar itself, as I was too busy doing what I came to do, namely schmoozing with Kill Hannah. Reggie's struck me as a place that could not make up its mind weather it was a music venue or not. The layout was similar to other standing room only venues, however, it was too small to accommodate the audience for larger shows. That alone was not a problem, as there are other similar venues, designed for smaller bands. However, if you're going to be a little dig like that, at least have a good enough sound system that the vocals could be decerned from the base four rows in.
Full Album performance of Kill Hannah's "American Jet Set" (3/5) While not my favorite album, it was nice to have a hat tip to the fans that had been there for the full decade that the band has been preforming. There were songs I'd genuinely forgotten were on the album, which was a pleasant surprise. Having seen them live before, my bar was set very high, and while the show was phenomenal, it did not live up to the standard Kill Hannah set. The energy was weaker I would have expected in a show that is explicitly devoted to the more dedicated fans. While far from a disappointment, it wasn't as powerful as I would have hoped.
Day two (12/19/2009)
Venue: The Metro (4/5): I would call this my new, second favorite venue, rival only two The House Of Blues. Despite having been a Chicago girl now for three and a half years, \ I hadn't visited The Metro before because I am a petite person and had heard The Metro's reputation for wild, densely packed crowds. However, my attachment to Kill Hannah's music won out over my trepidation. I was not disappointed.
The Metro is a lovely venue with four bars tucked just a little away from the floor, making them easier to get to than at most venues. It has three floors, one is mostly just the merchandise booth and a place to house the line. The second floor is where the stage and dance floor are, very simple design a basic black, flat floor. The third floor was more of a lounge with seats and tables, however it over looked the second floor so that the show is visible. This was also where the coat check was, which was nicer than most venues. It is clean, except for the bathrooms, which I will get to in a moment. The sound booth is set back closer to the bar, adding that much more room to the already spacious floor. The seasonal decor was fun, large wire and nylon snowflakes, lit candy canes and little plastic trees where the permanent decor was professional and neat and there were posters everywhere advertising the next show or release party, but not so many that it was messy.
Then there were the bathrooms, like at Vic, the bathrooms were questionable at best, I was a little afraid to use them actually for fear of how dirty they were and the amount of graffiti
The Crowd: (4/5) While understandably bored during the first acts, the crowd was lit with an energy hitherto unseen in Kill Hannah fans, they were airborne, screaming, dancing like the world was ending. The energy was intense, but it wasn't such a tight crowd that it was suffocating.
First opener: 1997 (1/5) I try to be lenient on first openers, because its a rough slot to fill and they are often less experienced, younger bands, doubly so if they are a multi-gender band. However, they were positively discordant and had all of the stage presence of a dust bunny. They did try hard to get the audience to participate, however the audience was having none of it.
Second opener: Hey Champ (3/5) A fun, if forgettable, opening band. Their guitar work was pleasant but nothing unduly impressive.
Main Act: Kill Hannah. (4.7/5) New Heart for Xmas is Kill Hannah's annual big show, and it was simply put amazing. Mat Devine gives 110% to the audience and his interaction with them was the a delightful give and take. I've never seen a front man so gracious as Devine. On top of the band's engagement with the audience, their music was as as always wonderfully dynamic and well orchestrated without sounding manufactured. I was also impressed by how the band managed to preform songs that normally had far more parts than they have band members (one song on the album includes a choir as well Amanda Palmer, but they still played it quite nicely).
Despite Devine's spending the bulk of his time leaning over, in some cases all but steping into the crowd, they still manage several set and costume changes, a light show, and laser guitars. These guys push from being simply a band to being full on performers without sacrificing their craft.
Even with the light show, there is an incredible intimacy between the fans and the band. The honestway Devine talks about his music, and by extension his life, shows a vulnerability not often expressed in artists who are, for lack of other word, high gloss. on the whole the band gives off a very human energy.
It is a privilege to be involved with such a kind, down to earth artist who is also still not afraid to dream. Feet planted firmly on the stage, and eyes ever on the horizon Kill Hannah is an invoative band that puts on a thoroughly engaging show.
December 18, 2009
Concert review: After Midnight Project, The Used, 30 Seconds To Mars
I would like to say after a far to long hiatus it was fantastic to finally get back on the floor. I melted into a puddle of happiness on principle.
The Venue: House of Blues chicago (see this post for my review)
The Crowd: (3.5/5) An above average, fun crowd. Lots of chatting between shows, and during the first opener. They positively sprung to life during the main act. Thirty Seconds To Mars has a wonderful cult following, which makes the experience even better. No one was there just for one song. They were happy for each number which is how it should be.
First Opener-- After Midnight Project (3/5) AMP as their fans call them was a fun, solid opener. A little cacophonous upon a closer listen with bitter, almost vindictive lyrics. Great for an opener, but I wouldn't go to a show for them. They have a very common sound that wants to be original but falls short. However, front man Jason Evigan, made a lot of effort to get the crowd involved and the crowd was responsive as could be expected for the first wave opener. The album was was worth concert price, but I wouldn't have paid more for it. Very rough still, I look forward to seeing what this band does when they clean up and grow into their own, less generic sound.
Second Opener/ First Main Act-- The Used (2/5). I will make a caviat, the person in front of me was being a real pill and blocking my view, along with the people next to me so that may be shading my lack of enjoyment.
Their sound was unpolished, which I don't usually mind, but I found that in conjunction with an unprofessional attitude and vulgarity beyond even my tolerant standards, their performace was mediocre. While nominally better recorded, the frontman's vocals are reminiscent of a gremlin. That alone wouldn't have stopped me, however, that mixed with a run of the mill sound and a poor performance left me irritable. Had they been the main act I would have been very angry I'd spent money on these tickets.
However, they weren't.
Main Act: 30 Seconds to Mars (5/5). While the set only ran about an hour, due to that front man Jered Leto's being ill from a recent tonsillectomy, they made every moment count. When I heard Leto was ill my expectations naturally dropped, after all no one sounds perfect when ill.
If this is what he sounds like when he's off, I can't imagine what its like when he's in full health. Leto was full of fire, in constant motion and interacting with the audience constantly (actually, in the audience at one point). He looked fantastic, wich is a nice plus. I find often artist aren't as put together for shows, you see who they really are more. Having seen Leto as an actor, it was wonderful to see him come out of his shell and enjoy the evening as himself, rather than a role. He was the right mix of diva and graciousness. He even went as far as to dedicate one of his acustic numbers to a fan that had recently passed on.
30 Seconds to Mars is nothing if they are not professional. Their sound is even clean live, wich you don't hear often. Leto's intense energy, and very strong voice carry words that are occasionally a little cryptic, but speak of conviction and tenacity. Leto is also very articulate, you can hear every word clearly. While most of his songs are in a simlar speed, he does slip in the occasional ballad, which is often far simpler lyrically than his other work. In This Is War (title track for their newest album), he combines both the intensity of his faster work and the simplicity of his ballads.
While, Leto is a powerhouse unto himself, the rest of the band does a wonderful job matching stride with him and plays nicely, knowing both how to sound sharp and improvise when necessary.
I was impressed when I heard them recorded, I was blown away when I saw them live. Simply wonderful, a damn near perfect show.
Next up: Kill Hannah' New Heart for Christmas VII show.
The Venue: House of Blues chicago (see this post for my review)
The Crowd: (3.5/5) An above average, fun crowd. Lots of chatting between shows, and during the first opener. They positively sprung to life during the main act. Thirty Seconds To Mars has a wonderful cult following, which makes the experience even better. No one was there just for one song. They were happy for each number which is how it should be.
First Opener-- After Midnight Project (3/5) AMP as their fans call them was a fun, solid opener. A little cacophonous upon a closer listen with bitter, almost vindictive lyrics. Great for an opener, but I wouldn't go to a show for them. They have a very common sound that wants to be original but falls short. However, front man Jason Evigan, made a lot of effort to get the crowd involved and the crowd was responsive as could be expected for the first wave opener. The album was was worth concert price, but I wouldn't have paid more for it. Very rough still, I look forward to seeing what this band does when they clean up and grow into their own, less generic sound.
Second Opener/ First Main Act-- The Used (2/5). I will make a caviat, the person in front of me was being a real pill and blocking my view, along with the people next to me so that may be shading my lack of enjoyment.
Their sound was unpolished, which I don't usually mind, but I found that in conjunction with an unprofessional attitude and vulgarity beyond even my tolerant standards, their performace was mediocre. While nominally better recorded, the frontman's vocals are reminiscent of a gremlin. That alone wouldn't have stopped me, however, that mixed with a run of the mill sound and a poor performance left me irritable. Had they been the main act I would have been very angry I'd spent money on these tickets.
However, they weren't.
Main Act: 30 Seconds to Mars (5/5). While the set only ran about an hour, due to that front man Jered Leto's being ill from a recent tonsillectomy, they made every moment count. When I heard Leto was ill my expectations naturally dropped, after all no one sounds perfect when ill.
If this is what he sounds like when he's off, I can't imagine what its like when he's in full health. Leto was full of fire, in constant motion and interacting with the audience constantly (actually, in the audience at one point). He looked fantastic, wich is a nice plus. I find often artist aren't as put together for shows, you see who they really are more. Having seen Leto as an actor, it was wonderful to see him come out of his shell and enjoy the evening as himself, rather than a role. He was the right mix of diva and graciousness. He even went as far as to dedicate one of his acustic numbers to a fan that had recently passed on.
30 Seconds to Mars is nothing if they are not professional. Their sound is even clean live, wich you don't hear often. Leto's intense energy, and very strong voice carry words that are occasionally a little cryptic, but speak of conviction and tenacity. Leto is also very articulate, you can hear every word clearly. While most of his songs are in a simlar speed, he does slip in the occasional ballad, which is often far simpler lyrically than his other work. In This Is War (title track for their newest album), he combines both the intensity of his faster work and the simplicity of his ballads.
While, Leto is a powerhouse unto himself, the rest of the band does a wonderful job matching stride with him and plays nicely, knowing both how to sound sharp and improvise when necessary.
I was impressed when I heard them recorded, I was blown away when I saw them live. Simply wonderful, a damn near perfect show.
Next up: Kill Hannah' New Heart for Christmas VII show.
December 17, 2009
Life Happenened
I'll get to those album reviews. I think i'll skip some though as it concernt season part two.!
Why have I been on hiatus?
Dear reader, I can show you in picture form
His name is Jake, and he's now eaten (along with two stuffed animals and a highligher) a little over a month of my life. I love him.
Actual honest to gosh reviews forthcomng.
Why have I been on hiatus?
Dear reader, I can show you in picture form
His name is Jake, and he's now eaten (along with two stuffed animals and a highligher) a little over a month of my life. I love him.
Actual honest to gosh reviews forthcomng.
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