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indie-snob>+!#
troubled hubble @ the metro (5-28-03)
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I'm used to seeing bands mature and grow. I mean, it's only natural that bands should progress, become better, and more popular. I just never expected to see it from my favorite boys from the suburbs of Chicago. I saw Ben Kweller when he was a near-nobody opening for emo giants Dashboard Confessional. I saw him again several months later in a room filled with under 200 people. I saw Coldplay shortly after the release of "Yellow," but before anyone cared. I saw the White Stripes when people were still turned away by the sound of Jack White's voice and the gritty blues of it all. And now, I see Troubled Hubble, the boys who only got 30 people to come to six dollar show at the Fireside just two weeks ago, nearly fill a venue with a 1200 capacity (even though this was a free concert). Written in the Sand opened first. Their sound was very different from song to song, ranging from raucous punk to semi-soft indie ballads. All in all, they sounded pretty good. It's always interesting to see bands who combine really sophisticated music with keyboards and guitars and really amazing bass lines together, to create melodic music that still has energy. Most of the time, the bass lines were pulsing and really moving. Other times, the structure was more simple, going not so much with the indie compisition that keeps you on your toes. All in all, though, a good performance, and a band I suggest you keep a watch for. The Bizarbies came out next. And I'd say their name is perfect, because they were seriously one of the MOST bizarre bands I've ever seen. They came out with the lead singer in a while vinyl lab coat, the dummer in just a jock strap, a bongo player and then... well, a slightly normal looking guy. They're music was so psychodelic and insane, pop-driven at times and at other times, more rooted in keyboard and electronic sounds. They had some great songs, some okay songs, but a really intense, humorous-at-times live show. And then, I could have sworn a White Stripes cover band was playing next, as two very gritty men came out, one all in red, one all in white. However, these men were part of the strange band, the Deholtz! (an exclaimation mark included in their name). Men dressed all in blue, all in gray and all in black followed as a man who looked insane read from the Deholtz! manifesto of sorts, a pomo political anthem, stressing looking good from consumerism in that sarcastic way. I can't say they were the best musical act... but they were definitely a very interesting band. I guess you could call it punk, but its definitely border-line. Troubled Hubble finally took the stage. They sounded the best ever, and seeing them this time really made me see what wonderful musicians they are, in addition to being genuinely nice guys. Heavy off Penturbia, which is clearly their finest and most developed release, Troubled Hubble really sounded like indie pop stars. I almost find it silly to keep describing TH over and over, because I see them so often, so let me tell you of the highlights. They ended up playing one of their instrumentals, "Duck Vs. Man." During this, a man in wrestling outfit came out on stage, pacing back and forth, all of a sudden pointing to a man in a big duck costume on the balcony. So, the duck came downstairs and they wrestled on stage. It was very, very funny. They covered "I'm Walking on Sunshine" and played one of their best versions yet of the TH classic, "I Love My Canoe." It was definitely a slice of Troubled Hubble history. Watch out for them. They'll be big. Mark my words. |