wakeupgomer
12/01/05, 08:21 PM
I'd like to preface this show review by saying a) this is my first show review; and b) I know this genre/band isn't exactly discussed on a regular basis on ap.net; I wanted to see what all the hype was about--if they were a legitimate act.
First of all, let me say that I wasn't really fired up about the show; the opening acts were two bands I'd never heard of and I had work early the next morning (so I couldn't drink my way through the crappy bands). But I was bored, it was Wednesday night and my younger sister (my best friend in the whole world) really wanted to go. In the end, it all worked out and was a great show--not a spectacle in the theatric sense--just a kick ass rock show. Anyhow, the show took place at Floyd's Music Store in Tallahassee, FL (right near FSU's campus) on Wednesday, November 30th.
The opening band was called Spacebar (www.spacebarmusic.com) and they were good enough for me to spend my last five bucks on their five track sampler. They said they are from Orlando, FL and drove up just for this one gig.
Spacebar's songs all sound familiar; they are sing-songy and just fun but not in the sugary pop-punk sense. They call themselves "dark pop" which I think is hilarious because it's almost accurate. I really liked their energy, on the whole. The lead singer's voice was a little off at times (sort of a drone) but in a strange way, it sort of made their sound unique and enjoyable. The drummer was solid enough, and the lead singer held down the rhythm guitar parts pretty well. The bass player sang back-up vocals and actually had a nicer voice than the lead singer (meaning he was vocally trained; but, he was less unique sounding). Anyhow, he and the lead singer harmonized nice throughout the night. I would say he contributed vocals in nearly every song. The highlights of their performance were definitely the songs "Pacific", "Bonfire" and "One to Remember." "Pacific" was so catchy that it stuck in my head well into the night. The band's recordings sound a little more electronic (or keyboard enhanced) but it could just be the production quality (don't know a whole lot about this). The point is, their live show has an indie garage band vibe to it that's not quite realized on the album.
The second act was Cori Yarckin (www.coriyarckin.com), a girl from Los Angeles, I believe. She made jokes the whole time about how she was "so lucky...yummy yummy...to be opening for 30 Seconds to Mars", which I thought was in poor taste--probably the last thing Jared Leto wants recognition for (judging by his statements--see below). Anyhow, Cori had a pretty decent band backing her up and the she has a beautiful voice. Did I mention she was very pleasant on the eyes (not being a masogynist here). But, she can't really dance on stage...at all. I guess that's okay...maybe stage presence will come later in her career. Her band was solid all the way around...the bass player sticks out as the most memorable because the bass lines carried most of the songs and it was turned up SOOOO loud. Cori had a powerful voice but she came across as a sort of Avril Lavigne (a very, very HOT Avril Lavigne...with less clothing on). She seems "hip" if you know what I mean. She did a really bearable cover of My Chemical Romance's "I'm Not Okay"--which everyone liked because it was familiar. She also covered Spacehog's song "In the Meantime" (it was so great to hear that song after so long) and Cheap Trick ("I want you to need me..."). Her others songs--the ones she wrote--were upbeat to the point of being cheesy at times. Some of them were just a little too 'in-your-face ex-boyfriend guy that hurt me.' But they were always well-played by the band and her vox were powerful. They played hard, I guess because it was a pretty large crowd. But the majority of their music didn't do it for me; and I hated how little the band was barely acknowledged. I mean, more than likely they helped write the music and were 80% of the live show. All she said was "Isn't my band awesome?" She knew she was nice to look at; trust me...see her promo pics. ANYWAYS...
30 Seconds to Mars took the stage after Cork Yarckin and I was immediately impressed with the drum kit. I'd noticed it earlier in the night but the drummer was really a focal point for the show. I don't care how big his kit was or whether or not some of the drums were electronic, he was ridiculous. So, the girls in the audience screamed really loud when Jared Leto position himself in front of the mic. The first song--"A Beautiful Lie" --started a little sketchy. He actually sounded a little nervous; his voice was higher than it sounded on the recording and he kept dropping his guitar pick. I was definitely thinking "ahha--well-produced album with no live show to back it up." HOWEVER, the first song was an aberration from the rest of the show. Midway through the first song the band just started kicking ass. Jared Leto is so un-Hollywood. He wasn't shy about running around the stage and enjoying himself as a rockstar. And I don't mean he acted the part; he really FELT the music. Did I mention the guy can REALLY sing? His voice is incredible--undistorted and really, REALLY good. On his screams/yells (controversy over which term to use), there are some effects, but it is really his voice in those songs and it sounds quite impressive live.
The guy was so into the music that I seriously didn't look at him as Jared Leto the Actor (Requiem for a Dream, Fight Club, My So Called Life, Switchback, Urban Legend, Panic Room, Alexander, et al). I really looked at him as Jared Leto the lead singer and rhythm guitar player of a really decent--yet different band (I say different because it's a departure from the type of music I generally listen to). Leto's guitar playing was nothing special, but with another guitarist and a bonafide drummer, it didn't have to be. The lead guitarist and bassist both did double duty on keyboards/synthesizers/programmers. One of the most interesting aspects of the live show (other than the insanely good drumming) was the "filler" music between songs. Instead of jumping right into another song or a drum solo or talking while re-tuning guitars, the bassist or lead guitar player would press a button on the keyboard or finger a little trancey music (think Radiohead "Kid A" or something really shoegazer-ish...it sounded like space music from Logan's Run or some creepy dystopian sci-fi film). Anyhow, this music totally set the mood for the show. The highlights of the night were "Capricorn" (the energy of the band on this track was refreshing), "The Fantasy" and the two encore songs: "Was it a Dream" played solo by Leto (and he said it was a very important song for him personally and the band) and the last song by the whole band "ATTACK" (which sounds better than the recorded version--by a longshot!).
I'm not trying to convert anyone in this forum into a full fledged member of the Echelon *I think this is an affectionate term for the 30STM family; not positive though...I didn't drink the Kool-Aid); all I'm saying is, I really felt like I broadened my musical palette and seriously enjoyed myself. It was great to pay $10 and listen to something out-of-the-ordinary. Granted, I never would've gone if it hadn't been Jared Leto's band--I'll admit that. But in Jared Leto's own words: "A very few of you came tonight because you KNOW what 30 Seconds to Mars is about. Thank you for coming. Most of you, however, just came here tonight because you THOUGHT you knew what we were about; you THOUGHT you'd come and see but not hear. Well, I hope you're listening-- WELCOME TO THE FUCKING UNIVERSE." Or something to that extent. It's not quite verbatim, but pretty damn close. It was a grandiose yet genuine statement. I think it completely sums up my experience: 30 Seconds to Mars are trying to go some place different, and for the most part, they achieve this in their unique and entertaining live performance. They are a rock band with electronic overtones, a gifted drummer and a vocally talented frontman. And I am a new fan--if for no other reason than because their live show was one of the best I've seen this year.
First of all, let me say that I wasn't really fired up about the show; the opening acts were two bands I'd never heard of and I had work early the next morning (so I couldn't drink my way through the crappy bands). But I was bored, it was Wednesday night and my younger sister (my best friend in the whole world) really wanted to go. In the end, it all worked out and was a great show--not a spectacle in the theatric sense--just a kick ass rock show. Anyhow, the show took place at Floyd's Music Store in Tallahassee, FL (right near FSU's campus) on Wednesday, November 30th.
The opening band was called Spacebar (www.spacebarmusic.com) and they were good enough for me to spend my last five bucks on their five track sampler. They said they are from Orlando, FL and drove up just for this one gig.
Spacebar's songs all sound familiar; they are sing-songy and just fun but not in the sugary pop-punk sense. They call themselves "dark pop" which I think is hilarious because it's almost accurate. I really liked their energy, on the whole. The lead singer's voice was a little off at times (sort of a drone) but in a strange way, it sort of made their sound unique and enjoyable. The drummer was solid enough, and the lead singer held down the rhythm guitar parts pretty well. The bass player sang back-up vocals and actually had a nicer voice than the lead singer (meaning he was vocally trained; but, he was less unique sounding). Anyhow, he and the lead singer harmonized nice throughout the night. I would say he contributed vocals in nearly every song. The highlights of their performance were definitely the songs "Pacific", "Bonfire" and "One to Remember." "Pacific" was so catchy that it stuck in my head well into the night. The band's recordings sound a little more electronic (or keyboard enhanced) but it could just be the production quality (don't know a whole lot about this). The point is, their live show has an indie garage band vibe to it that's not quite realized on the album.
The second act was Cori Yarckin (www.coriyarckin.com), a girl from Los Angeles, I believe. She made jokes the whole time about how she was "so lucky...yummy yummy...to be opening for 30 Seconds to Mars", which I thought was in poor taste--probably the last thing Jared Leto wants recognition for (judging by his statements--see below). Anyhow, Cori had a pretty decent band backing her up and the she has a beautiful voice. Did I mention she was very pleasant on the eyes (not being a masogynist here). But, she can't really dance on stage...at all. I guess that's okay...maybe stage presence will come later in her career. Her band was solid all the way around...the bass player sticks out as the most memorable because the bass lines carried most of the songs and it was turned up SOOOO loud. Cori had a powerful voice but she came across as a sort of Avril Lavigne (a very, very HOT Avril Lavigne...with less clothing on). She seems "hip" if you know what I mean. She did a really bearable cover of My Chemical Romance's "I'm Not Okay"--which everyone liked because it was familiar. She also covered Spacehog's song "In the Meantime" (it was so great to hear that song after so long) and Cheap Trick ("I want you to need me..."). Her others songs--the ones she wrote--were upbeat to the point of being cheesy at times. Some of them were just a little too 'in-your-face ex-boyfriend guy that hurt me.' But they were always well-played by the band and her vox were powerful. They played hard, I guess because it was a pretty large crowd. But the majority of their music didn't do it for me; and I hated how little the band was barely acknowledged. I mean, more than likely they helped write the music and were 80% of the live show. All she said was "Isn't my band awesome?" She knew she was nice to look at; trust me...see her promo pics. ANYWAYS...
30 Seconds to Mars took the stage after Cork Yarckin and I was immediately impressed with the drum kit. I'd noticed it earlier in the night but the drummer was really a focal point for the show. I don't care how big his kit was or whether or not some of the drums were electronic, he was ridiculous. So, the girls in the audience screamed really loud when Jared Leto position himself in front of the mic. The first song--"A Beautiful Lie" --started a little sketchy. He actually sounded a little nervous; his voice was higher than it sounded on the recording and he kept dropping his guitar pick. I was definitely thinking "ahha--well-produced album with no live show to back it up." HOWEVER, the first song was an aberration from the rest of the show. Midway through the first song the band just started kicking ass. Jared Leto is so un-Hollywood. He wasn't shy about running around the stage and enjoying himself as a rockstar. And I don't mean he acted the part; he really FELT the music. Did I mention the guy can REALLY sing? His voice is incredible--undistorted and really, REALLY good. On his screams/yells (controversy over which term to use), there are some effects, but it is really his voice in those songs and it sounds quite impressive live.
The guy was so into the music that I seriously didn't look at him as Jared Leto the Actor (Requiem for a Dream, Fight Club, My So Called Life, Switchback, Urban Legend, Panic Room, Alexander, et al). I really looked at him as Jared Leto the lead singer and rhythm guitar player of a really decent--yet different band (I say different because it's a departure from the type of music I generally listen to). Leto's guitar playing was nothing special, but with another guitarist and a bonafide drummer, it didn't have to be. The lead guitarist and bassist both did double duty on keyboards/synthesizers/programmers. One of the most interesting aspects of the live show (other than the insanely good drumming) was the "filler" music between songs. Instead of jumping right into another song or a drum solo or talking while re-tuning guitars, the bassist or lead guitar player would press a button on the keyboard or finger a little trancey music (think Radiohead "Kid A" or something really shoegazer-ish...it sounded like space music from Logan's Run or some creepy dystopian sci-fi film). Anyhow, this music totally set the mood for the show. The highlights of the night were "Capricorn" (the energy of the band on this track was refreshing), "The Fantasy" and the two encore songs: "Was it a Dream" played solo by Leto (and he said it was a very important song for him personally and the band) and the last song by the whole band "ATTACK" (which sounds better than the recorded version--by a longshot!).
I'm not trying to convert anyone in this forum into a full fledged member of the Echelon *I think this is an affectionate term for the 30STM family; not positive though...I didn't drink the Kool-Aid); all I'm saying is, I really felt like I broadened my musical palette and seriously enjoyed myself. It was great to pay $10 and listen to something out-of-the-ordinary. Granted, I never would've gone if it hadn't been Jared Leto's band--I'll admit that. But in Jared Leto's own words: "A very few of you came tonight because you KNOW what 30 Seconds to Mars is about. Thank you for coming. Most of you, however, just came here tonight because you THOUGHT you knew what we were about; you THOUGHT you'd come and see but not hear. Well, I hope you're listening-- WELCOME TO THE FUCKING UNIVERSE." Or something to that extent. It's not quite verbatim, but pretty damn close. It was a grandiose yet genuine statement. I think it completely sums up my experience: 30 Seconds to Mars are trying to go some place different, and for the most part, they achieve this in their unique and entertaining live performance. They are a rock band with electronic overtones, a gifted drummer and a vocally talented frontman. And I am a new fan--if for no other reason than because their live show was one of the best I've seen this year.