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Welcome to the world of big budget rock shows. Third eye Blind definitely
falls into this realm. The band performed at the Schnitzer concert hall
to
a soled out crowd with all the hoopla one might expect. Although not
quite
so energetic as most large productions geared to appease the senses
of the
demographically targeted teen set, third eye Blind's melodic intricacies
were somewhat lost in the volume required to play such a large venue.
In
all fairness, the group apparently at the end of a year-and-a-half tour,
did
seem to be genuinely interested in putting forth a good show.
Singer Stephen Jenkins flashed about the stage with verve while maintaining
his dynamic vocal resonance. Arion Salazar's driving bass cut through
the
usually murky lows that tend to bottom out with less than acoustically
perfect rooms. Guitarist Kevin Cadogan has the concentration of a mature
performer. Cadogan's attentions were obviously focused on balancing
the
leads that can so often get lost in a live mix, or blare forth with
an
unappealing squeal. Drummer Brad Hargreaves has the energy and
straightforward playing most bands would kill for.
Set Changes for TEB bordered on the semi "unplugged" format.
Outlined in a
soft glow of light, Jenkins played an acoustic version of I Want
You.
Eloquently portrayed, the inherent beauty of the ballad and poetry of
the
lyrics floated out over the audience, while quietly roadies pieced together
the new set. Seated next to each other on large pillows reminiscent
of an
intimate San Francisco sit in, the band performed several unreleased
tunes
that were extremely well received. The course of the show shifted at
times
to the more electric side of TEB with an ear-slamming version of
London that
the Beastie Boys would love to have called their own.
By the last half of the show, almost the entire concert-going crowd
were on
their feet enthusiastically rocking out to their favorite songs. An
enamored look was transfixed upon the faces of a few young females who
would occasionally fling a pair of red underwear on the stage to the
lyrics of
Semi Charmed Kind Of Life. There was no standing for Positively
Entertainment editor Bonnie Carter, who said, "The seat vibrations
were
better than the spin cycle." While criticism can be thrown at the
"powers
that be" for expecting the largest return on their investment,
TEB has
managed to keep most of their artistic integrity even with the confines
of
the corporate stranglehold to contend with. Admittedly, there will always
be a certain amount of creativity and sound quality sacrificed in a
big
budget presentation with the main emphasis on lights, volume and
showmanship. Not all bands attain this state of major label sponsored
nirvana; some would never try.
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