This past Friday the 13th, 96.5 the Buzz hosted the free Afentra’s Big Fat Morning Buzz Valentine’s Day (VD) concert at the Midland Theatre. There was, of course, lots of booze, lots of dirty games like spin the bottle and a cock ring toss, and lots of drunk people slobbering all over other drunk people. I left this concert not only with free condoms and pina colada lube given to me by a drag queen, but also with a new appreciation for modern rock n’ roll.
The first band of the night was Innerpartysystem. Now, I must insert a disclaimer here and say that I am not a huge fan of techno music in the first place. However, I can’t for the life of me think of a positive thing to say about this band’s performance. I was more interested and more impressed with the crazy rave lights and smoke than the band itself, which is not good. There was far too much pre-recorded noise and synth. There was very little live performance that I could make out, and the few singing and guitar parts that were live, left much to be desired.
“Don’t Stop”, the one popular song that I hear on the radio and somewhat enjoy, was barely recognizable when performed live. The audience did seem to enjoy the performance regardless of this, clapping and cheering happily. Maybe it was all the booze they ingested, but as one of the few completely sober people in the theater, I couldn’t help but find myself thinking, “What the hell is being applauded here? I have a Macbook too, I can play with and record noises on Garage Band. I can also go to an arcade and stand by any generic space invaders game and hear the same thing.†Thoroughly disappointing.
Girl in a Coma was a breath of fresh air. I won’t go as far to say that I was blown away, but they were charming and enjoyable to watch. Part of the problems laid within the sound system. The drums dominated the sound. Personally, I needed to hear more bass, guitar and vocals, but Girl in a Coma is hardly responsible for how the P.A. system was being run.
Watching Phanie Diaz on drums made me smile. She has this way of swinging her arms as she plays, a quirk I’ve never seen before. Anyone who doubts the abilities of chick drummers has obviously not seen Phanie play. Bassist Jenn Alva has a way of playing that was very soothing. She seems to just let herself be taken over by the music. She played into the amp like it was the love of her life.
Lead vocalist and guitarist, Nina Diaz, was nothing short of brilliantly adorable. Her guitar playing was consistently incredible and the energetic dancing, leg pumping and crowd interaction was just great. What really got me, was her intense facial expressions. Her eyes grew so large and full of expression I could make out her pupils from where I was standing in the audience. The only thing bigger and more animated than her eyes was her mouth, twice as wide as the mike she belted into. Her face is her hallmark.
Last to grace the stage was Living Things. I felt nostalgic for a time period that I, myself, have never actually experienced. I was taken back to 60s and 70s, where music meant something more. Back to where music was a cry and a voice for a generation. When music was a way to say “Fuck you!†to the establishment.
Lillian Berlin, lead vocals, lyrics and guitar, is an undeniable genius. With the lips and hip motions of Steven Tyler, the hand movements of Mick Jagger, just a hint of the Ramones, and the attitude of John Lennon, Berlin is not hesitant to make bold political statements. “We are recession proof people!†He yelled as condom balloons hovered above the audience. “I have an idea… This is my economic stimulus plan, for you… Stop paying your FUCKING bills.â€
Eve Berlin played the bass with incredible talent, as he puffed away one cigarette after another. Bosh Berlin, whose name alone tells you he was born to be a drummer, did an astounding job live. Guitarist Cory Becker was impossible not to watch. He made the guitar incredibly sexy. Never in my life have I felt so compelled to rip my clothes off and streak across the stage as I did at this concert. I completely forgot that I was at a free show and felt I was experiencing something on a much higher level. History in the making, the new rock n’ roll, for our generation. The Living Things is a band we desperately need right now. They have my complete and utter adoration and support in everything theydo.
Innerpartysystem: website | myspace
Girl in a Coma: website | myspace
Living Things: website | myspace
