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Pretty bands. Pretty new renovated club. Playing pretty guitars for
pretty people. What more can be said about this show?
Firstly, I am sad to say that the renovations have not changed the
acoustics in the Warehouse much. Most of us have been to shows at the Warehouse and have complained that the sound wasn't crisp or sounds like
the band is in a tin can. It would be nice to have a few venues where a
person can go and appreciate and hear the music.
Now, enough about the venue, lets talk about the bands and the music.
Ether Net. This trio from Cleveland proved that it's easier to play other
people's music. Ether Net is a three piece band consisting of Robert
Cherry on guitar and vocals, David Mooser on the bass, and Brent Gremmill
on drums. Their music consists of disjointed and someone skewed glittery
guitar over old familiar 80's bass lines. It was obvious to me who the
bands influences where. I could easily humm a Sisters of Mercy or
Psychedelic Furs. David can obviously emulate his heroes from these 80's
bands, but when Ether Net did play something a bit more daring and of
their
own ilk, they did showed that they have great potential. There were some
timing issues and of course, the mixing could have used some work as the
drums were to height and rather than adjust the levels, turning up the
vocals seemed like a good idea until the feedback made out ears bleed.
Guys, if you are reading this...believe in yourselves and stop being a
combination of tribute bands
Placebo strutted on the stage as any glitter band would. Wearing all
white and a t-shirt reading "I love to make boys cry", Brian Milko's
requisite whiny vocals and guitar filled the room. They looked like they
were having fun, unfortunately, as we all have heard time and time again,
Toronto crowds are just not as responsive. There were times where Brian
and Stephen tried to get the crowd to sing along or clap. This worked for
all of 30 seconds, and then the crowd could not be bothered. This may
have
to do with the fact that Placebo are a glam-angst band. It's too bad.
With it being an all ages show, one would think that the youngsters would
be more enthusiastic, but it wasn't the case.
The sound was crisper than the openers, which is to be expected. Other
than a crowd that was more content to listen than respond, the band put on
a great performance. Brian and Stephen seemed to have had a blast on
stage interacting with each other and the crowd. Watching them change
from
bass to guitar for particular songs has always been impressive and was no
different this time.
Just one question, why do bands always save the most popular song for the
encore? We know you're going to play it, so why go offstage unless you
are
doing a costume change? We all knew what songs we'd be destined to hear
at
this show, and with multiple encores, we knew which would come where. If
anyone can answer that quandary, please let me know.
All in all, Placebo was a fun show. Only complaint this concert goer has
is that the crowd was docile. I'm not saying I wanted a mosh pit at the
show, but a bit of movement would have been nice. Maybe next time.
review by
ambrozia
May 11th 2001
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