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indie-snob>+!#
alkaline trio @ the riviera (5-15-03)
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I know, I know, I know what you're thinking. I don't blame you if you lose all faith in me as an indie snob, but if its any consollation, I really did go to this show for the awesome, amazing, Pretty Girls Make Graves. Although, I must explain that I really do like Alkaline Trio. They're not very good, and I don't relate to them, but something about morbid punk rock makes me feel oh so very happy. As the theatre began to fill up with noisy pop punk children, most of them making out with each other, I became nervous and a little frightened. I'm not sure what I expected from an Alkaline Trio concert, but I suppose maybe not people talking about all the Minor Threat shirts they own because they're oh-so-punk or the poser kids talking about how good New Found Glory and Something Corporate were when they played the Riviera. The others wore their red or black Alk3 t-shirts speaking of how they were in the good ole' days, and how they're hoping for blah blah blah from the 2nd 7-inch of the second LP in the second day of the second month of the second day... But anyways. The first band to open was Pitch Black. I've been tempted to say something tacky, such as: "More like Pitch Sucks!" but I figured that would just be too lame. They played unenthusiastically as the mob of people moshed for some random reason. Nothing was very interesting about their power chords are more screaming vocals and a shirt-less drummer. The only thing that did grab my attention about them was an old organ they brought on stage with them to open a couple of songs. They really should have used it more, because it made them sound like Seattle post-punk rather than crappy, No-Name-Town Metalcore. *shudder* Steer clear, my friends, of this crap. Maybe the second worst rock band I've ever seen live. Thinking back, though, I have seen a lot of crappy bands (I'm reminded of Legends of the Rodeo, South of Houston, Loudermilk, Hot Rod Circuit, etc.). To my relief, Pretty Girls Make Graves came on next, spewing punk cred. With most of the band ex-Murder City Devils, I was amazed to hear that their lead singer could sound that much like an angel. Perfectly on pitch in her sometimes screaming, but always full voice, Pretty Girls sounded amazing. Playing a very diverse set (a couple songs of their old EP, a couple songs off "Good Health" and a couple new songs), I was amazed at how receptive the crowd was, too. They also split nicely between synth/programmed songs and those relying on more traditional instruments (specifically guitar). Let's just say at least Alkaline Trio didn't suck... and they didn't. Playing songs mainly off their new album (which upon first listen, I was not impressed with, but didn't sound half-bad live), they only played a couple songs off their two middle releases, sticking mainly with early or new stuff. They did play some staple songs like "Cringe" and "Private Eye." They played pretty well and with a lot of energy and its always nice to see that energy transfer to the crowd, as it did. People were dancing and moving, as they should... it just gets a little crazy whenever a band like that plays, especially to a hometown crowd. I'll probably review the new album soon since I don't have any more shows for a while. Then, there will be a Faint review after this. I guess if you like music you can dance around to and be crazy without anyone caring, the Alkaline Trio would be a good show to see. I don't recommend them if you don't already know you like them, though. I would, though, recommend Pretty Girls Make Graves for anyone to see. I'd recommend seeing anyone on Lookout Records (except for Bratmobile). All in all, a pretty good show (since Pretty Girls Make Graves was there, of course). |