Tearing down curtains. Urinating onstage out of boredom. Smashing her head against a cymbal until she bled. There are many rumours about the antics of Le Butcherettes frontwoman Teri Gender Bender. When I interviewed her a few years ago she said, “Maybe in a couple of years I’ll be calm.” Tonight, all she did was storm through The Forum crowd, belt Leibniz Language from the tables, and jump onto a bystander’s shoulders during I’m Getting Sick Of You. Progress.
This is about the seventh time I’ve seen some incarnation of The Mars Volta – now known as Antemasque. Eight years ago, I saw TMV cram eight members on this very stage. This time – much like Antemasque’s debut album – they’ve learned to find magic by trimming down to the essentials.
With only one studio album, the setlist was never going to be a surprise. Hanging In The Lurch, 4am and Ride Like The Devil’s Son reminded us it will always be a privilege to experience this band live: there’s just nothing like watching Cedric Bixler-Zavala knock over the drum kit, throw mic stands across the stage then tear into a high-pitch wail. Providence proved that while their sound has become more punk, no version of The Mars Volta could ever resist a jam. The dancing crowd slowed down to an inert form, preferring to just ride it out in stunned awe.
The Providence jam must’ve lasted 15 minutes, and afterwards Bixler-Zavala said, “Here’s our last song for the night, People Forget.” Unfortunately, they seemingly ran out of time and just walked off stage. It was either a misfired gag from Bixler-Zavala’s trademark off-centre humour or more likely a venue issue, but it was a terrible way to end.
When it comes to bands with such a devoted fan base as Incubus, it’s sorta hard to fuck it up. Following a five-minute countdown on the screen above, the band kicked into Wish You Were Here. From Anna Molly to Nice to Know You, the sold-out crowd passionately sang along to every word. Punters sat on top of the booths to get a view of the busy, complex stage setup, and while the dreamy background video footage didn’t hack the mind like a Tool gig, seeing a cassette burn and then come back to life over and over was oddly satisfying.
New song Absolution Calling entered a different dimension live, and Brandon Boyd was on point tonight. The 19-song setlist was relatively If Not Now, When? heavy, although Pardon Me was particularly impressive. It was interesting to note that despite a two-hour set, I’m not sure anything from S.C.I.E.N.C.E. or Fungus Amongus was played. Hit single Drive was a lot of fun to revisit, and the crowd roared during the Megalomaniac closer. An encore featuring The Warmth and A Crow Left of the Murder was special, and while I can’t remember the last time I actively listened to Incubus, they’re still masters of the live craft.
BY NICK TARAS
Photo by Ben Gunzburg
Loved: The thought that Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez will probably still wear afros and Cuban heels into their 50s.
Hated: Antemasque finishing their set so abruptly.
Drank: From Bixler-Zavala’s onstage kettle.
