I hate to be cliche (ok, maybe I do), but you know how there’s that Forrest Gump quote that says, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get”? I kind of feel that way about shows at Kansas City’s Midland Theatre. Sometimes you get something that’s a bit nutty such as comedian Conan O’Brien. Sometimes you get something that’s sweet such as the State Ballet’s The Nutcracker. And other times, you get something that’s a box of mixed chocolates within itself. That’s what the recent Thrice tour was like: a box of mixed chocolates; and with each act on the bill, ‘you never knew what you were gonna get.’
First act of the night, The Dig, is what I like to imagine as one of those caramel-filled chocolates. Just like caramel, their music had a tendency to stick with you for a bit. They delivered catchy, rock tunes (I say rock because they are more rock live than they are power pop like their website says) that were just the right level of messy raucousness to help them stand out. Their last number turned into a big party as members of later acts came out with extra drum sticks and percussion instruments to add to the band’s already explosive sound.
Next, was indie pop duo Bad Veins and their reel-to-reel machine, Irene. In my musical box of chocolates, I picture these guys as one of those fruit-filled chocolates. Something that’s a bit sweeter than the other chocolates in the box, but in a vintage kind of way. Bad Veins has perhaps the happiest drummer you’ll ever see, which I surprisingly enjoyed despite the odd pairing of his happiness while singer Benjamin Davis belted his heartbroken lyrics through an old-fashioned telephone. This band is definitely doing something unique, but I’d like to see them refine it just a little bit more. At times they went for a more danceable kind of the Bravery type sound and other times they had more of a straight rock sound. I think the dance-ier side of them worked a bit better with the vocal style, especially when Davis sang through the telephone.
The third act, Kevin Devine, is your favorite piece of chocolate in the box. The one that no matter what other surprises you find in the assorted box, you know you can count on this reliable candy…for me that’s the peanut butter one. Kevin Devine began alone on the stage with just his guitar for back up. Later, he was joined by the Goddamn Band. I liked the solo start. It let people really experience the personality of Kevin. He began small, gently strumming and singing closely into the mic before hitting an emotional explosion that makes him hop back and yowl his choruses. It’s an interesting dynamic technique and one that works well for him. Like preceding acts, Devine was also joined by other acts on the roster for a tune. This comraderie between the bands helped provide some relief from the tension of some of Devine’s harsher lyrics.
Finally, there’s Thrice. In my metaphorical box of chocolates, they’re the chocolate you try out anyways, even though you’re not entirely sure you’ll like if from past experiences. They’re my coconut chocolate. Based off the crowd, there are plenty of fans of this particular flavor, but it was just not for me. I tried it, but I’d rather stick with my trusty old peanut butter flavor. Now don’t get me wrong; I respected the tour’s dear headliners with their impressive lights and passionate playing. There was some yelling, but not the kind that makes ears bleed. This just didn’t connect with me and it seemed a bit out out of place even with the diversity of the openers. Sorry Thrice fans, but c’est la vie. I can’t be expected to love everyone.
