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indie-snob>+!#
the faint @ the metro (5-16-03)
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Ah, the next installment in my Saddle Creek obsession. The Faint became one of my most favorite bands after I picked up Danse Macabre last year, and for good reason. They're blend of punk rock with synthesizers and amazing electronics make the Faint sound like the best of 80s new-wave and hardcore modernized. When I heard Schneider TM was opening for the Faint, I went and picked up their album, Zoomer. Let me tell you, though, it's amazing. Basically just one German programmer who sings to his electronics and occasional guitar, Schneider TM blew me away last night (although he brought along two other people for this tour). Giving a vibe and beat strong enough to dance to, the music somehow remains elegant and atmospheric, combining electronics rich and complex enough to be on Warp Records with vocals and melodies beautiful enough for Barsuk. They even covered a Smiths song (one that I've never heard before, but nonetheless, a Smiths song). One of their best songs (in my opinion) is their beautiful opener of Zoomer called "Reality Check," which they gave new life to last night. A great live act, so should you ever get to see them live, let me suggest it. The next band, Enon (pronounced ee-nin), hit it big on the indie scene with their previous release "Believo!" but their fame seemed to subside a bit for their latest release on Touch & Go, "High Society." The band, consisting of male and female vocals, bass lines, synthesizers, drums and occasional guitars, creates songs with so much funk, it's hard not to dance to it (although all those uber-snobs at the show last night seemed to have no problem doing that). While the female Asian vocalist reminded me of Miho Hatori or Bjork in terms of vocal styling, she was so lovable as she danced around stage playing bass and/or synthesizer. The male vocalist had a bit of an ego and tended to sing songs with more rock vibes, so I do favor "her" songs. One of my favorite Enon songs that the played last night is "Disposable Parts," a catchy, dancable tune with so much DELICIOUS synthesizer. Another great band live, so I oh-so-recommend them. As the Faint opened with "Glass Danse," one of my favorite songs off Danse Macabre, the crowd danced wildly, red and white strobe lights flashing on stage with amazing video projections accompanying each song, perfectly synchronized to the beat of each song. The crowd was absolutely wild as the Faint played a set very heavy off Danse, really only straying for their new song off the latest Saddle Creek 50 sampler, "Take Me to the Hospital" and for "Worked Up So Sexual." But the sexed up electronics of the Omaha band really were amazing to see live, but I do have one complaint. Because of the complexity (I'd suppose), most of the Faint's actual electronics were prerecorded, so listening to them was almost like listening to the album. Definitely a sight to see, nonetheless. If you don't like being run over by VERY sweaty people bouncing up and down, often using you as a launching pad, then I'd very much suggest not attending a Faint show. But, if you like dancing along, then the Faint put on amazing show. Probably the best percentage of excellent bands I've seen in a very long while. Definitely worth seeing anyone or especially everyone. |