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Twisted X-Mas Takes us Back to the Sound of 1999 |
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Written by and photos by EVAN SEARS
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Tuesday, 23 December 2008 |
If I wanted to time-travel, I certainly wouldn’t have picked 1999 as my destination. But that’s exactly where I was taken after stepping into Chicago’s House of Blues last night. The Wednesday Edition of Q101’s Twisted Xmas 2008 saw Jacksonville, Florida rockers Shinedown, take audience members all the way back to a time where bands like Nickelback, Creed, Seven Mary Three and Monster Magnet were inexplicably permitted to roam the American airwaves.
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Q101 Twisted X-Mas: Shinedown, Saving Abel and The Gaslight Anthem
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 Entertainment
Art
House of Blues
Chicago, Il
December 17, 2008
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After tearing through their new hit single “Devour” shortly after taking the stage, I thought Shinedown sounded like No More Tears-era Ozzy; but as their set lumbered on, the optimism dwindled and it became clear that all I was listening to was nothing but an uninspired Nickelback rip-off. Now, I know that’s really saying a mouthful, because who would want to rip off Nickelback? Well, I saw two bands last night that are clearly making a decent living doing just that (I also charge Saving Abel with several counts of Nickelbackery).
Long applauded by listeners and railed by critics (one writer called them “the musical equivalent to beef jerky: marginally satisfying…fundamentally gross”), Nickelback has been able to sell millions of records by consistently churning out the same feeble sound album after album. Shinedown took a page right out of The Nickel-Book and has run wild with it for the past six years.
The production quality from their new album did not translate to the stage, as the lead singer seemed more concerned with talking to the crowd than he was about the music- jerking the mic around so much that his mouth was rarely in front of it while singing. Whether this was intentional or not we’ll never know, but he made damn sure the mic was on when he spat his between-song diatribes about his newborn son (cleverly named, “Lyric”), the war, and generally “going for your dreams.” A wishy-washy band with an equally flat message.
A trip to their website will show you a confessional-style video of their lead guitar player Nick Perri explaining his decision to leave the band without any future prospects in sight. Too bad, as Perri was the most fun to watch on stage; his peppy dance moves and liquid rapid-fire guitar playing made him easily the best thing Shinedown has to offer. After speaking at length in his video about leaving the group, Perri was not able to clearly define his reason to step down. I think he wants to do some time-traveling of his own.
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Take heed...
Written by Guest on 2008-12-23 23:06:38
Your obviously ignorant message will no doubt fall upon deaf ears (or blind eyes, in this case) to anyone that has ever stood and watched Shinedown come into their own over the past six years. From Fly From the Inside to Devour, they have evolved into a band that Nickelback could only dream to be. Whether it be the depth of the lyrics or the passion for their fans, Shinedown has struck a perfect chord with fans worldwide. Before you damn Brent for speaking his mind, know that you are not required to agree with his opinions - but we as fans stand behind him and the right he has as an American to voice them.
That being said... I make it a point to see the band anytime they are anywhere near and can only say that I hope I never see you at one. Shinedown's message and passion should not be wasted on someone with your lack of intelligence and taste. | WOW
Written by publisher on 2008-12-26 14:20:02
While of course we love everyone's opinion we would prefer it in a safe manner. As "Take heed" mentioned, no one has to agree or for that matter, like everyone's band. There's a reason why Shinedown is still around and making music, it's the fans. Glad you are one of them and glad you are reading Lumino. Sorry we didn't share your appreciation with Shinedown in our recent review. |
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