SHOW REVIEW: THE DEATH SET + WIN WIN + TECHNICAL KIDMAN May 3rd 2011 @ Il Motore
The last couple of days have been pretty intense. Despite witnessing an incredible set by Godspeed You! Black Emperor on Monday night (a band whose music is the soundtrack for the end of times), discovering such disappointing election results upon my exit from l’Olympia left me sour. I spent the following day moping at work, and was pleased to have dinner with my father and sister, painting Easter eggs (yes, we were a bit late exercising our family tradition this year).
I was willing to overlook the fact that I hurriedly biked to Il Motore in the pouring rain after our dinner (thusly missing the two opening acts, Win Win and Technical Kidman. I’m told they did a great job). Hearing the music from a block away while locking up my bike kept me hopeful and relieved. Admittedly, I’ve only ever listened to a couple of tracks by the Death Set, but regardless, was expecting a fun show, given their upbeat music.
Holy. Crap. I haven’t seen a show like this in years! And I don’t mean that in a good way. Props to the guys for their enthusiasm, but frankly, I don’t see the appeal. They have recycled every popular genre of music (synth-pop-punk-rock-hip hop) into a mish mash that made my ears bleed. I was surprised that this was the band that I was eager to check out live. Songs like “Slap Slap Slap Pound Up Down Snap” might make fans feel like they have a bond with the band, but to me it just felt childish. Do people still literally want to touch the bands they listen to? Sigh…
Somehow, their enthusiasm didn’t seem very genuine. Despite bopping around constantly, the lead singer hardly broke into a sweat (from my angle, anyway). The crowd, of mostly young’ins, revelled in his glory, but I couldn’t help wonder why. I’ve seen this before, and sadly, it felt dépassé. If they were trying to tap into my nostalgia, it didn’t work. Remember 8 years ago when everyone’s friend was in a really shitty emocore band, and we encouraged them out of love for them, even though they were horrible? That’s what this reminded me of. And trust me, those weren’t very memorable days to begin with.
By Nairi K
Photos: Cindy Boyce
