Chevelle, a tight three piece outfit, set the pace for the night with their heavy-hitting, hard edged, blistering music. Onstage, they surpassed the level of their recorded work, bringing an energy to the show that pulsated as intensely as their beats. Exceptional guitar work stood out, making this sort of semi-industrial, somewhat punky, and most definitely accomplished group of musicians sound quite large for their small size.
Filter, smack in the middle of their “Take A Picture” tour, were in fine form. Obviously ecstatic to be playing to an overpacked house and riding the crest of the radio wave, Richard Patrick gushed between songs, thanking everyone he had ever met and even some people he hadn’t. The music was delivered with flair and style that comes only from being on the road and honing your technique, which these guys have clearly been busy doing.
Filter’s music pounded the eardrums of all present from start to finish. Of course “Hey Man, Nice Shot” took things to another level, making the crowd go wild. The soundman, however, got just a little too excited, and the volume of the music had become excessive by this point. Should people really have to risk going deaf to simply enjoy a concert? The only moment that took things down a bit was when “Take a Picture” popped up, in which Patrick thanked everyone (yet again) for buying the record and making it a hit. He then tried to explain to those who have accused Filter of selling out that the band actually likes the song and didn’t release it simply for the cash. Finally, someone who talks as much as I do!
As a result of his obvious comfort while being onstage, his verbal diarrhea, and his bold physical presence, Richard Patrick is a real fun guy to see perform. He manages to make Filter more than just a psuedo-NIN band trying to fill the airwaves and concert halls. He doesn’t simply lie down: he throws himself down, sprawling out legs akimbo, alternately twitching and playing dead. He convulses, preens, and contorts a la David Byrne, and he is actually funny as hell when he gets into one of his verbal riffs. Filter is definitely not one of those bands that can’t wait to finish the concert and rush off to the after show party.
Real hot bands. Real hot night. In more ways than one.
The Chili Pepper
(Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
review and photo by j bloomrosen
