at Black Cat, 2/9/2006
The Picture is Dead sucked. I want to do this briefly, so as not to waste bandwidth or time - they don't deserve either. They violated both cardinal rules of being an opening band:
1. Don't Suck (more about that in a moment)
2. Don't play too long (they plodded through an interminable 8 songs)
Wow did they suck. We knew we were in trouble when they took the stage in "costume" of white lab coats... two synth players, one violin/guitar player, and vocalist. Plus one other lab-coated "video artist" who played DVD tracks of slideshows related to each song in terribly obvious ways. Imagine if you will, Devo - with no sense of humor and no drums. Or maybe one of those old Brian Eno albums with all the interesting qualities removed, so all you're left with is electronic "experimentation" and bad vocals. Watching their set was like watching a train wreck. They were so blissfully unaware of their suckitude it was like watching American Idol or something...
The Aquarium was ok. Their performances are kind of charming, with Jason Hutto flopping around like a muppet and Laura Harris rocking out on the drums. Unfortunately, Jason really can't sing. Seems like they are a successful local band more because of hipster credentials than quality rockin', but they're still kinda fun. And the projected old-timey science class films were amusing as well.
Maybe it was because it was so late by the time Mary Timony took the stage, or maybe I was just tired after going out to shows too many nights this week, but I didn't stay for her whole set. Her vocals were pretty sloppy - she actually can sing, but was choosing not to sing very carefully, it seems... Devin Ocampo is a great drummer and he delivered the perfect mix of ferocity and accuracy (two of my favorite qualities in a drummer). I guess it was my own fatigue, but I felt like I'd rather have been listening to Ex Hex at home then hearing it sloppified in an overcrowded club. That being said, Mary Timony still rocked and was pretty good.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Mary Timony, The Aquarium, Picture is Dead
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2 comments:
Jon, i'm with ya on the aquarium and mary timony. but i would add the reason u couldn't hear Mary's vocals was cuz Devin was slamming his drums so hard. i feel his drums should take a back seat and complement her, but this approach seems alien to him.
it's like he can't contain himself. they both rule, but together they're oil and water.
but i think yr criticism of The Picture Is Dead is overly harsh. although i can understand yr sentiments cuz i hated them the first time i saw them too! but they've grown on me.
i agree their set is too long and could use some tightening, but their analogue electronics floors me. and the ironic or whatev vocals works for me. a tough sit, but worth it, for me. i think they're on to something.
I have thought and have removed this phrase
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