Panic At The Disco at The Sound Academy
photos by Clint Gilders - staff photographer |
by andrea gilders - clubkingsnake contributor
The Sound Academy. Toronto, Ontario.
May 14, 2008
Panic at the Disco's recent show at the Sound Academy had a strange vibe. For me it was like a collision of strange trends in a fabulous venue, trends that seemed to have little to do with the music. The first trend would be the eco-friendly hoopla surrounding everything to do with the promotion of the show. All promotions, obviously targeted at the 16-25 crowd, emphasized the ecologically responsible tour and its socially responsible sponsors. It was a bit odd. I'd been through a similar eco experience at last years Virgin Fest and I still find it somewhat creepy. Big businesses (in this case Honda) pushing their most eco-friendly products on a group of inexperienced concert goers. From the door prize which included a feel good
Carbon offset and an autographed guitar to the 'free souvenir program' which featured bios of the bands and an explanation of precisely what 'financing' actually was for when one was considering their first Honda Hybrid purchase everywhere one looked it seemed like one long commercial. Of course I wonder, how many of those 'free programs' actually made it into
recycling programs and how many just were left to landfill?
The second creepy trend was the development of a giant screen running commercials and a couple of select music videos between bands. What was shown was shocikingly repetitive (same Honda commercial at least four times,
same video at least thrice) but what was even more disturbing was that about 1500 people just stood there and watched it. Maybe they'd have stood there anyhow, but the screen gave me a strange Orwellian vibe.
In any event, on to the show.... The bands, there were four (Phantom Planet, The Hush sound, Motion city soundtracks and finally PATD). Phantom Planet, who has just released their first Album on Fueled by Ramen was by far the most 'pop' of the three. Good songs, interesting stage presence and was surprised to see they were the sound track singers from the
OC. Sorry, wish I could review them without mentioning that but there it is. Well rehearsed and cohesive little band with a good sound. I expect the new album could be a sleeper hit.
On to The Hush Bound. Fronted by a woman (Gretel) sitting down and playing keyboards and her song writing partner Bob on guitar, the band was, well, not altogether remarkable. They had definitely worked hard on their look and their sound. It was
pleasing, not irritating, reasonably well written but simply not all that interesting to me.
"Panic At The Disco at The Sound Academy
photos by Clint Gilders - staff photographer |
Motion City Soundtracks was the last of the openers. Based in Minneapolis, I was hoping to like these guys. In the end I decided that in fact, I think I would like the band that the keyboardist and bass player will form once day. The guitarist, he can come along too I guess but honestly, it was the singer that ruined this band for me. And in a funny way, it wasn't his fault. Let me explain. There is this band, and the keyboardist , bass player and drummer all have this great
stage presence, look and talent. The guitarist looks like he's from another band but can still play well. Add in a singer with this incredibly clean pure almost boy band tone to his voice and I go with my first scribbled impression of the band ("either this bizaare juxtaposition of styles is going to work, or it's going to suck') Sadly, I'm afraid that I thought it
sucked. The singer could sing. Had good voice really but seemed terribly poorly suited to the style of the music. There was nothing that showed me had range or soul or style or a bit of raunch that would have been in keeping with the
character of the songs and the rest of the band. Simply not my cup of tea.
On to Panic at the Disco...
Let me say first of all that I am a fan. I loved the first album (you remember, back when the band was Panic! At the Disco) And well, I must admit I was less than thrilled with the new album in the beginning. Going to the live show I was very, very, very curious as to how they were going to blend the material from two such different albums into one live performance. Given
that my initial reaction to the second album was "they're kidding right? They so did NOT just rhyme the lyrics did they?" I was fascinated when the band finally took to the stage.
What they brought to the stage was a solid collection of songs with some different arrangements, some good, some not so good, that clearly exhibited that they were not intending to simply 'walk away' from the original album. (my deepest fear) While the old style clearly isn't what they were going to be doing moving forward, they did seem to value the idea of maintaining some of the original songs as they were written and recorded. The musicianship on the old songs and the new was superb. The only sad note for me seems deeply personal. The original album in my opinion was
Sophomoric guttural sleaze at its best. The recorded vocals through pure talent and layered harmonies had a sexy 'right in your ear' whispered quality that simply I really, really liked. The new album and the live performance seemed to lack that sleazy yet erotic quality. Too bad. I missed it.
I was impressed by the band's ability to migrate and update old songs. New songs such as the infinitely catchy "Nine in the Afternoon" and "Northern Downpour" were great. Slightly different live arrangements kept it all interesting.
Overall the PATD part of the show lived up to my expectations and reaffirmed my belief that these guys will be around for a good long while, especially if there next album marks another significant departure from material already recorded. They're really capable, I simply hope they do not spend the rest of their careers sounding like a 1970's Beatles tribute. For one
album and tour I find it interesting and forgivable. If it continues, my good will may not.
