Monday, October 22, 2007

Today is going to be kind of strange.  See, this weekend I planned on attaching a Minus The Bear show review to my podcast on Saturday, and then on Sunday I was going to discuss my experience in the camera pit for Chevelle.  Unfortunately, after I wrapped up my little show Saturday morning I became aware that some dick attempted to steal the stereo out of my car.  That's right, attempted.  Apparently they were clever enough to bust the window to get in, but they couldn't figure out how to remove the CD player.  This resulted in them breaking the latch that holds the face upright and then throwing it down in my floorboard.  I mean, it's like they busted up my car just to inject some inconvenience in my life.  At least take something for fuck's sake!  Goddamn amateurs!

Anyhow, I need to talk about those performances.  So today is going to be two show reviews in one.  Enjoy.

-  Minus The Bear - Austin, TX - Emo's

Before last Friday night I had already seen Minus The Bear a few times, so I knew ahead of time that it would be a good show.  What I didn't see coming though was the crowd at the sold out Emo's, which seemed to be packed with fist pumping frat guys who really enjoyed yelling random things as they chugged their beers.  It honestly left me baffled as to how I didn't realize the band had become that popular.

  - Tiny Vipers -

Because of the rock-hungry crowd, Tiny Vipers had a really tough time getting people to pay attention when they took the stage.  I thought this was too bad, as they have some incredible material that is definitely worth investing some time in.  Still, what little that wasn't drowned out by the morons yelling out bizarre requests was pretty good.  I recommend seeing them when they aren't opening for an act like Minus The Bear.

- The Helio Sequence -

This was my first time seeing the Helio Sequence, and I already can't wait to see them again.  The duo oozed passion and energy every moment of each song that they performed; it was more than impressive.  Their set also had some music from the new album that is set to come out on Sub Pop at some point early next year.  I thought the material was really good, so you can safely bet that I'll be rambling about it as soon as I get a hold of a song or two.  In the mean time make an effort to get out and see these guys.

- Minus The Bear -

The only word that can properly describe a Minus The Bear show is quality.  There's no awkwardness in their stage presence or the way that they perform their songs.  Nope, everything is as it should be done.

With that being said, I wish they didn't close with Pachuca Sunrise.  And yes, I'm aware that it makes sense to put it last since that song is why most people are the show.  However, I think before the encore would be a much better place for it, especially since it would help not make it feel like its been tacked on for good measure.

On the other hand, that's about as minor as a complaint about a concert can go.  So there is no reason that you shouldn't rush out and see this band if you haven't already.  Trust me when I say they'll put on a show that you won't be disappointed with.
 

-  Chevelle - Austin, TX - Stubb's  -

You may be asking yourself why I chose to cover a show that featured Chevelle, Fair To Midland and Tyler Read. Well, I don't actually have a good reason that will ease your mind, but what I can say is that my friends over at Sneak Attack Media offered me some tickets and I accepted them with a smile.  Not because the bands are funny, but because it had been roughly forever since I attended a pure rock show.  You know, the kind where if you aren't pumping your fist then you standout like nothing else.

Plus, it  also presented an opportunity to take my Canon Digital Rebel XTI into the camera pit.

-  Tyler Read  -

Oddly enough, I had actually heard of this band before the show.  In fact, I had more than just heard of them.  I had actually tried to work with them!  I don't what myself or the other members of the management group that I was in were thinking, but let's just say I'm glad that the band ignored us.  Not only was their entire set flat, but between each song they said two things: "Hey, we're from Louisiana" and "Hey, please buy our CD."  That was it, and it was fucking annoying.

-  Fair To Midland  -

To be honest, I thought that these fellow Texans felt really out of place on the bill.  Their sound is rather intricate and borderline prog, so it was a a bit strange that they were in between more straight up rock acts.  Still, it was a nice a change of pace, and the guys put on a tight, energetic show.

For many of you it probably won't be your kind of thing, but if you're looking for some solid modern rock then I would check these guys out if you get a chance.

-  Chevelle  -

I had seen Chevelle once a long time ago in Houston when they were at the peak of their careers.  It wasn't the best show ever, as the venue was too big and the crowd was insanely rough, but I thought they did a solid job.

Well, they don't seemed to have changed much over the years.  The banter in between their chugging rock anthems was still the same cliche mix of "let me see your hands" and "do you want to rock" one-liners.  Even how they moved on stage was rather standard and a little uninspired.

Still, I had a great time.  It was a lot fun being a crowd of people who just wanted to bang their heads and sing loudly; indie kids are too aware of themselves to ever get that loose.  I also had a super time being in the camera pit.  There were only two other photographers, so I didn't have to worry about being in anyone's way.  I was able to get a lot of great shots, and at one point I sat down front and center with the crowd to my back and the band less than six feet in front of me.  It was like being a personal show.  Too bad it only lasted about a minute before I had to jump out of the way of a falling crowd surfer.

I realize the camera pit may be kind of difficult for many of you to pull off, but if want to attend something where you can let go and have a good time then I say catch Chevelle.

- John Laird -



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