Venue:
Schubas (5/10)(Price range: 8$-15$): Schubas is what it is: a bar with a stage in back. I do love the place. The atmosphere is very relaxed. It’s the sort of place you can kick back with a beer and listen to local talent or small bands that aren’t quiet well known enough to open for anyone. The floor is lined with tables. Schubas is clean, which is nice and has a decent balance between the bar element and the stage element. There is an auxiliary bar toward the back of the stage area and the merch booth is squeezed in next to it just by the door. The stage feels a bit jerry rigged in places and security for the band is a bit lax, not that it’s needed for the sort of band that finds itself at Schubas. Allegedly they have food, but I’ve never seen it or where it’s served, so I will refrain from comment on that.
However, the sound quality is sub par at best and it really limits what a band can do on stage as all of the audio channels are set at the same volume: loud. The music is then pumped through sub par speakers.
I never saw the bathrooms so no marks on that.
The Crowd: (6/10) a sparse but lively bunch considering the fact that a) it was electronics rain out and b) the show was short notice. I’m sensing a cult following.
The Band: Makeshift Prodigy (7/10) I know a gal who works with them so I’d already been warmed up to them and they were no let down. Their recorded music is good; don’t get me wrong (review forthcoming). But live they really come to life. I wish I’d heard them somewhere with a better balance of sound and in venue lighting equipment. Front man Anthony Bagnara has a good range and a unique sense of how to use it. Bagnara uses the high notes to accentuate already intense emotion rather than impress the audience, though he accomplishes both. However, I’d encourage him to use his chest voice more as you can hear the strain on his throat in places. His smooth tenor voice meshed curiously with the other vocalist, Brandon fox’s rap. I have to confess; I was a little skeptical as to how the melodic, passionate tones of Bagnara’s voce would work with the sharp edged, pulses of rap. But work it did. Fox really brought an extra edge to the show and got the crowd moving. Both front men were extraordinarily emotive. Bagnara in particular was so caught up in intense emotion that he actually wound up on his knees for part of the show. Bagnara also paid as much attention to the crowd as was feasible in the venue, and seemed genuinely amused by the crowd’s antics, breaking into a grin in the midst of a relatively serious song.
Musically, its clear all of them have talent, however, they need to work on balancing their guitar work against the vocals. Bagnara has quite a soft voice and it’s easy for the louder guitar work to distract from it. The piano (Bagnara’s handy work as well) work was beautiful and had a degree of precision above the other instrumentation. Oddly enough, the electronics were very nicely timed and well done. The guitar work was alternately good and cacophonous, its clear guitarist Jake Foy, has talent but he sounds the least less talented of the band. While all of them are gifted artists, Bagnara’s work both on the piano and the vocals is a cut well above the rest.
I sincerely look forward to seeing these guys really come into their own, I don’t think they are there yet, but I have every confidence they will be very soon.
April 25, 2010
Format change
When I first started this blog, I didn’t have as much experience really paying attention to the nuances of music Now I’ve trained my ears and really learned to listen to the music. So here’s my new scale of assessment, roughly, and subject to whims.
1-10 With a breakdown as follows:
1- reserved for the worst of the worst. Something hopefully you will never see.
2-3: Not worth buying the CD, but tolerable
3-5: Alright, might be worth the CD if its a 5-10$ concert CD certainly not worth shipping price
5-7 Worth buying, very good stuff. This is where I expect the majority of bands I’m not actively seeking out will fall.
7-9 stuff a step above the average that really, really sands out. This is the stuff I actively seek out.
10- reserved for the crème de la crème. Run and get this music: it will turn heads and blow minds.
New Criterion for Venues (I will re-review some) :
1) Promised amenities-- How are the bathrooms? Is there actually a coat check? How are the bars?
2) the floor: Is it properly ventilated? Cramped? Too flat? Too full of pillars?
3) Pricing
4) Atmosphere: does the place generally creep you out? Is it cozy? Boisterous?
5) Sound Quality/ audio balance-- this is partly the bands responsibility, but the venue can often play a critical role
The crowd:
1)participation: you are at a rock show, not the symphony, it says something if you can’t at least give a golf clap.
2) Turn out.
3) vibe: the general energy of the crowd.
The band(s):
1) the attitude: Part of the point of going to a live show is to interact with the artist in a way, if their a jerk it really detracts from the show. How do they comport themselves to their fans? to each other?
2) sound balance
3) (on albums) Speed balance: too many slow tracks? fast ones?
4) Vocal sound:
5) overall sound
6)Instrumentation/ use of electronics: I find some bands use electronics to cover for their lack of talent, but electronics can be highly effective.
1-10 With a breakdown as follows:
1- reserved for the worst of the worst. Something hopefully you will never see.
2-3: Not worth buying the CD, but tolerable
3-5: Alright, might be worth the CD if its a 5-10$ concert CD certainly not worth shipping price
5-7 Worth buying, very good stuff. This is where I expect the majority of bands I’m not actively seeking out will fall.
7-9 stuff a step above the average that really, really sands out. This is the stuff I actively seek out.
10- reserved for the crème de la crème. Run and get this music: it will turn heads and blow minds.
New Criterion for Venues (I will re-review some) :
1) Promised amenities-- How are the bathrooms? Is there actually a coat check? How are the bars?
2) the floor: Is it properly ventilated? Cramped? Too flat? Too full of pillars?
3) Pricing
4) Atmosphere: does the place generally creep you out? Is it cozy? Boisterous?
5) Sound Quality/ audio balance-- this is partly the bands responsibility, but the venue can often play a critical role
The crowd:
1)participation: you are at a rock show, not the symphony, it says something if you can’t at least give a golf clap.
2) Turn out.
3) vibe: the general energy of the crowd.
The band(s):
1) the attitude: Part of the point of going to a live show is to interact with the artist in a way, if their a jerk it really detracts from the show. How do they comport themselves to their fans? to each other?
2) sound balance
3) (on albums) Speed balance: too many slow tracks? fast ones?
4) Vocal sound:
5) overall sound
6)Instrumentation/ use of electronics: I find some bands use electronics to cover for their lack of talent, but electronics can be highly effective.
April 23, 2010
Sneak peek review: Makeshift Prodogy
This isn’t something I normally do but I’ve been meaning to talk about these guys for a while now.
Makeshift Prodigy Call themselves "indy/rock" however, their sound is unlike anything I've ever heard so I’ve struggled with how best to describe them for quite some time now.
If Bullet for My Valentine collaborated with Lifehouse. I think they’d sound a little like these guys. It's a sound I’ve heard parts of before, but as a whole it's something entirely their own. Melodic vocals, engaging piano work, with a slightly 80s feel but not so much that its hindering. Yet despite this mellow vibe, there’s an undercurrent of substance and innovation that is distinctly lacking in a lot of music these days, especially when comparing their first album to their new work.
Tomorrow I’m going to a show so a longer review is forthcoming. I just had to get the word out about these guys.
This show and this next album should be interesting indeed.
Makeshift Prodigy Call themselves "indy/rock" however, their sound is unlike anything I've ever heard so I’ve struggled with how best to describe them for quite some time now.
If Bullet for My Valentine collaborated with Lifehouse. I think they’d sound a little like these guys. It's a sound I’ve heard parts of before, but as a whole it's something entirely their own. Melodic vocals, engaging piano work, with a slightly 80s feel but not so much that its hindering. Yet despite this mellow vibe, there’s an undercurrent of substance and innovation that is distinctly lacking in a lot of music these days, especially when comparing their first album to their new work.
Tomorrow I’m going to a show so a longer review is forthcoming. I just had to get the word out about these guys.
This show and this next album should be interesting indeed.
April 19, 2010
30 Seconds to Mars with Mutemath and Neon Trees
Venue: The Aragon Ballroom (see previous review)(2.5/5) I was up on the balcony and got to observe the venue from a different angle, which solved some of the problems The Aragon has, namely ventilation and being able to see as a short person. I also had the unpleasant experience of being near their “coat check” which is a lie. Its a shady woman in the ladies room who just sticks your stuff under the counter and apparently also does not have change. She had wandered off with a twenty from the girl in front of me. I don’t know what became of that as my girlfriend and I took one look at each other and decided to get the fuck out of Dodge. Which meant I spend the show with the stuff I’d brought from the comic book convention I’d been to earlier. Luckily we were in the seated section.
The Crowd: (4/5) I had an interesting perspective on the massive crowd as I was removed from the bulk who were on the floor. They were an active bunch. Especially for 30 Seconds to Mars. As a member of the 30 seconds to mars “Echelon” I’ve been impressed by the fervor in that fan-base. They are intensely devoted and damn, are they loud. I got to see a visual representation of this pleasant fanaticism. When Front man Jared Leto said “take three steps forward,” the entire crowd not just shuffled, but surged forward. The crowd for that part of the show was just as wild and passionate as Leto.
On to the show.
Neon Trees (2/5): They had a song that said something to the effect of “take me back to 1985” and I agree that they should perhaps go back to 1985 and leave 2010 to people who aren’t stuck in the past. A decent sound musically, the front man was a touch whiney both in the vocals and the lyrics. Very much 80s revival music they sounded like a bad attempt at billy idol with a little bit of metro station’s perky beat.
Pleasantly, they are better recorded. Still a little 80s bubblegum without actually being 80s bubblegum for my taste.
Mutemath (2/5) Too many strobe lights with too little talent and too many laser sounds. The show had an odd division the first half was fair at best with way too many flashy lights. Toward the end of the set, they suddenly gained some talent and quite literally trashed the stage, throwing soundboards, guitars and drums everywhere. The front man even screwed up the mic. While they were a fun listen, this band was more show than substance.
30 Seconds to Mars (6/5)-- 30STM, as they are known in the fan community, is a powerhouse of, layered instrumentation, intense effects and a front man whose stage presence alone could leave many bands in the dust. On top of his incredibly powerful prescience and striking good looks, Leto has a voice like none other with incredible power, range and precision. He was deep in the crowd for parts of the show, playing both the main-stage and a smaller, jury rigged stage in the sound both. His graciousness came as a pleasant surprise. He was also very gracious to the fans, expounding on how much that night, and his fans meant to him and his band.
The band itself was precise and very professional. On top of their coordination, each member could stand on his own. However, there was no mistaking that this was Leto’s show, not for vanity or lack of talent on the band’s half, but for the simple fact that Leto is a force on stage.
I look forward to whatever 30 Seconds to Mars does next, this band is something to be reckoned with and if the evolution of their albums is any indicator, we have not seen one tenth what they are capable of.
The Crowd: (4/5) I had an interesting perspective on the massive crowd as I was removed from the bulk who were on the floor. They were an active bunch. Especially for 30 Seconds to Mars. As a member of the 30 seconds to mars “Echelon” I’ve been impressed by the fervor in that fan-base. They are intensely devoted and damn, are they loud. I got to see a visual representation of this pleasant fanaticism. When Front man Jared Leto said “take three steps forward,” the entire crowd not just shuffled, but surged forward. The crowd for that part of the show was just as wild and passionate as Leto.
On to the show.
Neon Trees (2/5): They had a song that said something to the effect of “take me back to 1985” and I agree that they should perhaps go back to 1985 and leave 2010 to people who aren’t stuck in the past. A decent sound musically, the front man was a touch whiney both in the vocals and the lyrics. Very much 80s revival music they sounded like a bad attempt at billy idol with a little bit of metro station’s perky beat.
Pleasantly, they are better recorded. Still a little 80s bubblegum without actually being 80s bubblegum for my taste.
Mutemath (2/5) Too many strobe lights with too little talent and too many laser sounds. The show had an odd division the first half was fair at best with way too many flashy lights. Toward the end of the set, they suddenly gained some talent and quite literally trashed the stage, throwing soundboards, guitars and drums everywhere. The front man even screwed up the mic. While they were a fun listen, this band was more show than substance.
30 Seconds to Mars (6/5)-- 30STM, as they are known in the fan community, is a powerhouse of, layered instrumentation, intense effects and a front man whose stage presence alone could leave many bands in the dust. On top of his incredibly powerful prescience and striking good looks, Leto has a voice like none other with incredible power, range and precision. He was deep in the crowd for parts of the show, playing both the main-stage and a smaller, jury rigged stage in the sound both. His graciousness came as a pleasant surprise. He was also very gracious to the fans, expounding on how much that night, and his fans meant to him and his band.
The band itself was precise and very professional. On top of their coordination, each member could stand on his own. However, there was no mistaking that this was Leto’s show, not for vanity or lack of talent on the band’s half, but for the simple fact that Leto is a force on stage.
I look forward to whatever 30 Seconds to Mars does next, this band is something to be reckoned with and if the evolution of their albums is any indicator, we have not seen one tenth what they are capable of.
April 12, 2010
Sonata Arcitca with Mutiny Within and Powerglove
Now, that was a metal show. None of this Nü Metal either (not that I don't love some of that stuff, its just, frankly, not metal)
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
The venue: (4/5) (see also previous reviews of the House of Blues in Chicago). The House of Blues has fallen from grace in a little my eyes though it is still an amazing venue. However, the rules are a little tighter than other venues. I stand by everything I said before; it’s just a mater of personal preference.
As a side note, apparently you can find Tony Kakko’s signature on one of the bathroom wall from 2006. He noticed it this past show.
The crowd: (3/5) Not as wild as some crowds I've seen, but still very much a rocking metal crowd. I was a little surprised that I didn't see much of a mosh pit (though that’s partially the venue's rules). However, there is an interesting phenomenon in the metal scene that was prevalent at this show. Some people stand and occasionally throw up the horns or head bang but otherwise are unmoving. However, if you see their faces, they are intently focused on the music. I pity the person who gets between them and their metal.
I was running late, so I missed the first opener, Power Glove Upon giving them a listen, I'm still trying to figure out exactly how I feel about them. Nerdcore goes metal with a huge 80’s vibe. It was just flat out weird, but the more I listen the more they grow on me. However, they had to do just that. They have a strong electronica influence, and strange sampling (one form a work out video, I kid you not). I'm still scratching my head at their lyrics (in one verse the woman the lead man is lusting after was compared favorably to both methamphetamine and a computer monitor). 2.5/5.
Moving right along...
Second opener: Mutiny Within (3/5): Even on a re-listen I wanted to head bang to these guys. As a metal fan, I can dig the occasional death grunt or scream-o moment, so Muntany Within's emphasis on those elements didn't bother me. Two things particularly stuck out for me. First: front man, Chirs Clancy has a fantastic range that includes the 80's style high falsetto notes and the deep rumbling growls. This is further impressive because he could do the grunts and screams without losing his ability to hold the key and could not only sing, but also articulate. His spoken voice was a little sloppy, but that wasn't a bother. The second impressive element was the guitar work. I'm a sucker for a good guitar solo and watching lead guitarist, Brandon Jacobs, shred that guitar was amazing.
It was also nice to hear a balance between melody and the death grunts. While the screaming/grunting is very much a part of what makes metal, well, metal, it can get tiresome very quickly. However, an effectively used death grunt in an otherwise melodic song can be quite powerful.
Very impressive for such a green band.
They do have a tendency toward unoriginality. I don't think i could pick them out of a set similar metal bands without focusing. Clancy's voice isn't particularly distinctive, though he's certainly talented. I also thought they weren't quite as coordinated live as they are on the album. Once they hone their sound I think they have the chance to be powerful.
Main Act: Sonata Arctica(4.5/5)
Wow. Despite being a fan of theirs for the better part of ten years, I'd only seen them as an opener with Nightwish. This was far and away more amazing. Front man, Tony Kakko comes across much like one of the wolves, which have become a theme with many of their albums. Shaggy, a touch goofy, but positively breathtaking in his performance. He has a distinctive voice. His heavy, Finnish accent and odd intonation make for something you wouldn't expect to be find in power metal. But when Tony puts that mike to his lips something explosive happens. Sonata Arctica's songs very from deeply melodic, sad songs, to thrashing guitar work, by way of obsessive chilling pieces. Tony's lyrics are often strangely worded and surprisingly precise. His recorded work is wonderful, but on stage is he is unworldly moving constantly face distorted with passion, he belts, growls and holds the watcher in an intense gaze.
Kakko, does not the entire band make, however. I never thought I’d be impressed by a key-tar solo. But I heard one like nothing i've ever heard before. If i hadn't known it was a key-tar, I would have thought it was a heavily pedaled guitar. Simply amazing. The guitar work itself was incredible. Lead guitarist, Elias Viljanen, also contributed a great deal of personality to the performance (at one point covering his eyes during a guitar solo). The entire band had a distinctive sense of balance and each piece was pivotal and had its own moments and quarks.
The show itself was an odd creature, filled alternately with skin tearing, mind blowing metal and strange little interludes. Because of how much they all put into the performance, there were times when each of them needed a brief rest, but the abundance was never neglected. At one point the keyboardist (and keytarest) needed a drink, so Tony took up the mike, chatted with the audience and started to yodel--I'm not kidding. He was good at it too.
The entire band was also exceedingly gracious. When it finally came time to say good night, The Enter band came up and took a bow together. Tony actually 'hugged" and blew kisses to the audience. (Bear in mind, this is the man I compared to a wolf earlier, not a feminine sort). I will go back to them in a heartbeat. Excellent show.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
The venue: (4/5) (see also previous reviews of the House of Blues in Chicago). The House of Blues has fallen from grace in a little my eyes though it is still an amazing venue. However, the rules are a little tighter than other venues. I stand by everything I said before; it’s just a mater of personal preference.
As a side note, apparently you can find Tony Kakko’s signature on one of the bathroom wall from 2006. He noticed it this past show.
The crowd: (3/5) Not as wild as some crowds I've seen, but still very much a rocking metal crowd. I was a little surprised that I didn't see much of a mosh pit (though that’s partially the venue's rules). However, there is an interesting phenomenon in the metal scene that was prevalent at this show. Some people stand and occasionally throw up the horns or head bang but otherwise are unmoving. However, if you see their faces, they are intently focused on the music. I pity the person who gets between them and their metal.
I was running late, so I missed the first opener, Power Glove Upon giving them a listen, I'm still trying to figure out exactly how I feel about them. Nerdcore goes metal with a huge 80’s vibe. It was just flat out weird, but the more I listen the more they grow on me. However, they had to do just that. They have a strong electronica influence, and strange sampling (one form a work out video, I kid you not). I'm still scratching my head at their lyrics (in one verse the woman the lead man is lusting after was compared favorably to both methamphetamine and a computer monitor). 2.5/5.
Moving right along...
Second opener: Mutiny Within (3/5): Even on a re-listen I wanted to head bang to these guys. As a metal fan, I can dig the occasional death grunt or scream-o moment, so Muntany Within's emphasis on those elements didn't bother me. Two things particularly stuck out for me. First: front man, Chirs Clancy has a fantastic range that includes the 80's style high falsetto notes and the deep rumbling growls. This is further impressive because he could do the grunts and screams without losing his ability to hold the key and could not only sing, but also articulate. His spoken voice was a little sloppy, but that wasn't a bother. The second impressive element was the guitar work. I'm a sucker for a good guitar solo and watching lead guitarist, Brandon Jacobs, shred that guitar was amazing.
It was also nice to hear a balance between melody and the death grunts. While the screaming/grunting is very much a part of what makes metal, well, metal, it can get tiresome very quickly. However, an effectively used death grunt in an otherwise melodic song can be quite powerful.
Very impressive for such a green band.
They do have a tendency toward unoriginality. I don't think i could pick them out of a set similar metal bands without focusing. Clancy's voice isn't particularly distinctive, though he's certainly talented. I also thought they weren't quite as coordinated live as they are on the album. Once they hone their sound I think they have the chance to be powerful.
Main Act: Sonata Arctica(4.5/5)
Wow. Despite being a fan of theirs for the better part of ten years, I'd only seen them as an opener with Nightwish. This was far and away more amazing. Front man, Tony Kakko comes across much like one of the wolves, which have become a theme with many of their albums. Shaggy, a touch goofy, but positively breathtaking in his performance. He has a distinctive voice. His heavy, Finnish accent and odd intonation make for something you wouldn't expect to be find in power metal. But when Tony puts that mike to his lips something explosive happens. Sonata Arctica's songs very from deeply melodic, sad songs, to thrashing guitar work, by way of obsessive chilling pieces. Tony's lyrics are often strangely worded and surprisingly precise. His recorded work is wonderful, but on stage is he is unworldly moving constantly face distorted with passion, he belts, growls and holds the watcher in an intense gaze.
Kakko, does not the entire band make, however. I never thought I’d be impressed by a key-tar solo. But I heard one like nothing i've ever heard before. If i hadn't known it was a key-tar, I would have thought it was a heavily pedaled guitar. Simply amazing. The guitar work itself was incredible. Lead guitarist, Elias Viljanen, also contributed a great deal of personality to the performance (at one point covering his eyes during a guitar solo). The entire band had a distinctive sense of balance and each piece was pivotal and had its own moments and quarks.
The show itself was an odd creature, filled alternately with skin tearing, mind blowing metal and strange little interludes. Because of how much they all put into the performance, there were times when each of them needed a brief rest, but the abundance was never neglected. At one point the keyboardist (and keytarest) needed a drink, so Tony took up the mike, chatted with the audience and started to yodel--I'm not kidding. He was good at it too.
The entire band was also exceedingly gracious. When it finally came time to say good night, The Enter band came up and took a bow together. Tony actually 'hugged" and blew kisses to the audience. (Bear in mind, this is the man I compared to a wolf earlier, not a feminine sort). I will go back to them in a heartbeat. Excellent show.
Adendum to the Concert PSA
Someone I met at my most recent concert (review forthcoming) added the following (very valid) points that i found worth metioning
If you’re at a rock or metal show, you might encounter the mosh pit. It can be awesome and intense for those used to getting hit hard. However, it can be dangerous to the those not as experienced or of a slighter stature. I’m not a pit bunny, but a lot of people are. WHile I have no advice about being in the pit other than “good luck and don’t whine about being hit”
tips on avoiding the pit:
- Don’t count on an ATM: Don’t count on there being one at all in smaller venues If there is one expect a large fee.
- Get there early, leave late: Show times are not always precise and this insures you aren’t stuck in a bad spot in the crowd.
- Buy cds there: More of the money goes directly to the band than it does online.
- Coat checks can be pricy:see also the rant about bringing less
If you’re at a rock or metal show, you might encounter the mosh pit. It can be awesome and intense for those used to getting hit hard. However, it can be dangerous to the those not as experienced or of a slighter stature. I’m not a pit bunny, but a lot of people are. WHile I have no advice about being in the pit other than “good luck and don’t whine about being hit”
tips on avoiding the pit:
- stay to the back or at least one layer of people to either side. In front can be dangerous.
- Don’t fear the pit, but don’t be afraid to move. Even if it means cutting through people.
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