Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine Edited by Fiza Javid The Vic Theatre Chicago Wednesday - November 15, 2023 The mighty Baroness, on the road and as mighty and as tight as ever. A band's band. Worthy of your attention. And here goes: John Baizley- Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar. Gina Gleason- Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals. Nick Jost- Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals. Sebastian Thomson- Drums, Synths. Again- a band's band. Excitement thereof? Of course- more worthy of your attention, simply because the same members intact for consecutive records, leading up to their latest release, "Stone", which came out back in mid September. That says, lots, getting into a comfort zone with your mates, and fleshing out the cause and effect with the new songs, let alone doing whatever the fuck they want in zig zagging through the new material, much represented in tonight's show at the Vic, and also the tour in general. As for the new material from "Stone", opening with "Embers" on the PA as they enter the stage, followed by the mighty "Last Word". A barn stomp of a song, a crash and burn juggernaut of high end melody and slashing guitars. Yes, in the 15 songs for the set tonight, a lot on display from the "Red", "Blue", "Yellow & Green", "Purple", and of course "Gold & Grey". Make note though- John Baizley and company are advancing and capturing your attention. Tension builds, obviously, even with such a simple setup as there's outside of the cool backdrop lit up bright red, with "Baroness" beholden front and center. Locked in, throughout, emphasis on the mighty riff on top of the riff. Whiplash smiles between everyone, including audience- a resounding yes. Sweaty and radiator heat related vibes- of course. Wouldn't expect anything less from these guys. The cool thing about them as well- they never wish to repeat themselves- making something noteworthy (constantly), something you'll remember from them for years to come, including their live performances. Brute force with righteous intent- the theme throughout the night, no need for flashy displays, and costumey bullshit. With Baroness, all things Baroness- music always front and center. I'd rather not dive deeply into song witchcraft, and the glories and entrails of all that. With Baroness in particular, the simpler in regards to actual acknowledgment of a damn worthy show. The pictures presented- hopefully they can do some of the talking as well. Baroness- United and motivated to crack a whip, and snap your neck, at least for an hour and a half. Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago Baroness, John Baizley, Nick Jost, Sebastian Thomson, Gina Gleason, JBTV Music Television, Fiza Javid, Bobby Talamine
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Writing and Photography by Bobby Talamine Edited by Fiza Javid United Center Chicago Monday - November 13, 2023 The show at the United Center this past Monday with Depeche Mode- the second time through town in a span of over about six months- In my opinion, two completely different shows. Not a knock on the show back in April, which I attended as a fan, not to review, just to take it all in celebratory style. And yes- so grateful to see Martin and Dave perform together again, back I think in April of this year. That show was downright fun, a benchmark of sorts in seeing the lads up close and personal. As for Monday's show at the United Center, on their second leg of their North American tour, a whole different animal in energy and feel. The takeaways- the urgency of it all, song wise, performance wise, setlist wise. The drums- from their tour mate Christian Eigner- proplulsive blast furnace. Dialed up loud and menacing. Dave Gahan certainly knew it and enjoyed it, prancing about the stage as per usual, however making noticable pit stops off and on by the lip of the drum riser, and brandishing a vote of confidence on the proceedings. That's important to note- this is a full fledged band man. A band worth exploring more, high energy and all, if I feel compelled to scope out new material, and see where this goes. Look at it this way. The show was Monday the 13th. Here I am, contemplating this review some 36 hours later, having just completed my edit of images, over 50 or so. And I'm still reeling from the quartet of Depeche Mode, and the importance of all things Depeche Mode, and thinking that this can't be the end- no way. If I'm Dave, if I'm Martin- I know I've found a spark in Christian, let alone true multi tasker in Peter Gordeno, a guy who's confident and complex on all things keyboards and synths, all things bass. If I'm Martin, songwriting chops and all, I'm relieved that I got two guys who can carry the load that Depeche demands, especially live. If I'm Martin, it allows me to have fun onstage yet again, Dave as well, all smiles. So yeah- clearly one of the best, I mean best shows of the year, even if it's the inevitable end. They were not playing like they are in their mid sixties. They were playing like they were 24 year olds yet again. And yes, once again, that was so godamn fun to watch live, to the point of dreaming to join a caravan of Depeche faithful and head west and contemplate the revelry of it all just to confirm my enjoyment, my satisfaction of the show from Monday at the United Center. These guys, and that awesome setlist. All songs- even the awesome sparkly ones such as "Wagging Tongue", let alone "My Favorite Stranger", both from their latest release "Memento Mori"- came across as more post punk and a bit of restrained sinister. Then they up the ante with conviction, songs blast furnace style, such as "I Feel You", "It's No Good", "Walking In My Shoes", and "John The Revelator" in particular. All sung and performed with urgency, more an intimate club feel, not an massive indoor arena, with lots and lots of angst and loud urgency. Pushed to the limits, these songs, with heavy drumming, followed by punishing and pulsating synth beats, thank you very much. The more intimate songs, the ones to catch your breath a bit, also demanding your attention, with understated angst. Songs such as "Ghosts Again", "Black Celebration", followed by "Stripped". The tension builds, yes it does. "Enjoy the Silence"? Always fun filled celebratory. Same with the innocent ones from their innocent times, such as "Everything Counts". Push and pull yin yang angst, with some more angst. Swing through the electronica and bop your ass off in place at your seat. Of course to end the show with their encore "Never Let Me Down Again", and ending with the concrete boot stomps from "Personal Jesus". The oomphs parlayed with commanding lyric always makes the 18,000 or so faithful release the heat from the indoor arena. 23 songs total for the night. And I'm not alone in looking around the section I was in, and everyone wants more. The guy in front of me, a row down- looks up at me, and screams, "How F'ing awesome is Depeche Mode!!!" I laugh in agreement, and give him a solid fist bump chest slap. He grabs my hand, makes a fist of it, and slaps his forehead with my fist, like a dozen times, smiling, while I'm laughing my ass off, not wanting to leave, and letting the guy know that we're not in a dream- what we just witnessed is the real deal. Yes yes yes. A show of high energy fun and games, band wise, certainly audience wise, with all the camaraderie ever evident from where I was standing taking it all in. Sure, I could've written a review that was methodical and technical, taking concise notes of this and that. But this show with Depeche was just off the rails oh so different- making me feel good inside, like I'm a kid again, young and youthful at heart. Have to relish shows like these, performances with artists like Martin and Dave, who clearly give it their all, gave it their all. So yeah- no notes, no outline to follow. I'm writing from inspiration, from the heart. Martin and Dave, the awesome touring quartet of Depeche deserves as such. And like I stated before- one of the best shows of the year. Up there in the Top Ten, somewhere towards the top, if not thee top. They're in the process of heading west with the "Memento Mori Tour", some 14 or so dates total. You're nuts not the see then live while you have the chance. Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago Depeche Mode, Martin Gore, Dave Gahan, Christian Eigner, Peter Gordeno, JBTV Music Television, Fiza Javid, Bobby TalamineWriting and Photography by Bobby Talamine Edited by Fiza Javid The Bottom Lounge Chicago Sunday - November 12, 2023 The fierce and honest Periphery, from Washington D.C., back on the road (thank god), and going about things a bit unorthodox. First off- they're also fighters. That needs to be said. As complex as all get out, heavy on sustained melody, along with power pack drumming, followed by hellaciously good singing, up or down, high or low, courtesy of Spencer Sotolo. And on top of all that, seconded, they are again fighters. The unorthodox part- intimate venues throughout this tour. Two night stands at each stop (except for a few dates), with a different setlist each night. It's also more personal, that being each individual band member has a chance throughout the set to explain honestly a certain song that's meaningful to them, that brings back a floodgate of memories that pertains to the specialness of that individual song, and more importantly, where their headspace was at during the fruition and cultivation of that particular song. So yes, all of this is different and unique compared to your typical metal show, with a full on bludgeoning from beginning to end. I like how they consistently take risks, especially such as this tour, let alone in complex musicianship that asks and demands you to know your prospective instruments bloody damn well. So with songs such as opener "Ragnarok" or further down with "Zagreus", or "Reptile"- could there be mistakes (although I didn't witness any) if your mind wanders and you're not completely focused on the complexity of said songs? I assume so- since again, complex everything is the order of the day. But that's the endearing part of a band where every band member is capable of writing solid songs to bring to the table, or have mighty riffs in their head that need further exploration, let alone also writing material that can come across wildly different and out of the ordinary. Amazing, when you think of it, holding to their truths, believing emphatically in what they do, what they've created. Hence the two night stands on this tour. Won't be able to witness night number two at the Bottom Lounge unfortunately because of prior commitments- however- night number one at the Bottom Lounge: Polyrhythmic madness never sounded so good. 13 songs of sonic pummeling- crowd knows it- band certainly knows it. Besides the songs mentioned, more of a back catalog opening night, with only a couple songs from their latest release- "Periphery Number Five: Djent is Not a Genre". No matter- the sold out crowd was thirsty for the older stuff anyways- you could tell just by the heat coming off the main floor going into "Make Total Destroy", let alone the banshee wails from the Periphery faithful, and also the metal tech guys who constantly stated out loud how fucking awesome they still sound. These guys- Spencer Sotelo, guitarists Misha Mansoor, Mark Holcomb and Jake Bowen, along with drummer Matt Halpern, just continue to evolve into an unstoppable and througouly punishing and bludgeoning force. Their whole set, down to their last song "Dracul Gras"- like a constant punch to the face, played to impressive might, poor PA at the Bottom Lounge be damned. Their must be a team huddle on this, with local sound engineers, and how far can they go without everything snapping and giving in to the onslaught. Yeah- that kinda loud of a night face melt. So yes- Periphery, memorable as all get out. Highly recommend the remaining dates on this short and intimate tour, however all that remains is night number two at the Bottom Lounge, and to end the tour in Baltimore, which unfortunately are also both sold out. But if there's a will, there's a way as they always say. Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago Periphery, Wildfire Tour 2023, Mark Holcomb, Jake Bowen, Spencer Sotelo, Misha Mansoor, Matt Halpern, Fiza Javid, Bobby Talamine, JBTV Music TelevisionWriting and Photography by Bobby Talamine Edited by Fiza Javid Milwaukee, Wisconsin - November 1, 2023 Such a treat that you know Tool is still out on the road touring, both October and November, with some festival dates, and mostly arenas and covering secondary markets. I bring this up right off the bat in regards to fandom, and the reactions thereof, in regards to the band Tool and especially anything merch related. I travelled north to Milwaukee to catch the show, and made sure I arrived there early, like around 2pm, a few hours before doors opened. On the southeast corner of where the Fiserv Forum is located- that's where the set up the outdoor hookup trailer for all things merch- and that line....must've been a minimum 100 to 120 people deep. For all things- mostly if any limited posters were available, and of course the wide assortment of T shirts available, both long sleeve and short sleeve. And it was Milwaukee mid fall cold out- around 35 degrees or so, with a wind chill. Didn't matter. It's Tool baby- have to represent. I love this about the band and their fans, bordering on fanatical. And of course set wise, Tool didn't disappoint- from the opening salvo from Danny's drum kit for "Fear Inoculum"- and the chimed bells before the synth string arrangements proceed with the tabla drums, all done spiritual style, christening the proceedings. Gives you chills thinking back on it, how methodical the proceedings to start the show. So yes, as always, everything's so well though out, stage positions set with Adam stage right, Justin stage left, Danny front and center to the back, and of course Maynard perched in the back to the left and right of Danny on his rail platforms. Maynard's trademark mohawk configurations are evident as always lately, this time a bright yellow adorned and styled mix, and more conservative with the dress up, long sleeves rolled up white button down shirt with wide white collars, black vest, black pants, and- the raccoon and tight black burglar eye makeup. A look that transcends, and also is meant to add some wickedness to the proceedings. Having said all of that- it's still about the music, the glorious full on immersed into the wormhole and don't ever get out of dodge music, and of course the sophisticated visuals and sophisticated lasers to sink you into the wormhole even more. The setlist with break - some eleven songs. But don't let that fool you. These songs, some are twelve, fourteen minutes in length, with some breaks in the instrumentals to catch your breath before your ears burn for more technical prowess. It's audio might that's clean and unforgiving. And they as a band have to be spot on to attempt this kind of setlist show, from opener "Fear Inoculum" all the way to the end with "Forty Six & 2". And hearing "Rosetta Stoned" once again, and the vicious drum rolls from Danny knocking in the fierce lyric and bite from Maynard with "Holy Fucking Shit!", some eight times or so- yes- you feel like there's an alien in the room making advances, and proof exists, all the way down to the truth of a flaming melt banana that just split open the sky...that - and the poor guy who witnessed all this hasn't even graduated from high school. Leta alone the L. Ron Hubbard stiff upper lip thingy. All of this is my version of a Star Trek Spock mind meld- with comical purpose to ring out the bath soap that's in your ears. All the way home, a two hour drive, I'm occasionally breaking the speed limit on 94, just humming that refrain from the song, all smiles and giggles, and just how powerful it is, let alone the fucking alien, and finding the chosen one, even though he's obviously not a bright guy, and he shits the bed. I know right? Laugh out loud funny/ awesome- on repeat in my head. Have already mapped out an explanation god forbid I get pulled over on 94 for speeding- I want the officer to hear this song as an explanation, the pulverizing nature of it all- speeding ticket can wait a bit. And so it goes with the mighty Tool, emjoying their ride while they're still good and healthy. It's not like the writing's on the wall with this kind of monumental juggernaut touring- but they're getting up there in age folks. It's not like they're the band "America" with "A Horse with No Name", or the band "Bread" from back in the day- lighthearted singing / songwriting from the easy going seventies. No no no. They're the exact opposite of that, with bull horn/ megaphone stories to tell, protest style, demanding your attention with lit up lighter fluid statements to pass judgement on individualism and the occasional bite of simply being. Always a lot to take in, with nary a romantic heartbreak lyric in sight. The purpose- it's evolved meaningfully, psychologically, menacingly for a show that packs a wallop, with songwriting and a back catalog that doesn't get old, doesn't get stale. Man, these guys..I so wish I got pulled over on 94 traveling at 85 miles an hour just to explain everything to a strange officer, not that I recommend that sorta thing. But it's Tool baby...strangers and oddballs and serious folk of all shapes and sizes need to know about this band Tool, if they don't know already. Hope the images provided are worthy of your applause as well, to get the gist of the whole presentation and show of might. Some ten or so dates remain on their North American Tour, up to November 21st. Try not to miss out as they head east up to the end in Toronto Canada. Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago Tool, Tool (Band), Maynard James Keenan, Justin Chancellor, Danny Carey, Adam Jones, JBTV Music Television, Fiza Javid, Bobby TalamineWriting and Photography by Bobby Talamine Edited by Fiza Javid Thalia Hall Chicago - October 31, 2023 Kazu, Amedeo and Simone of Blonde Redhead, playing Chicago's Thalia Hall on Halloween night. A documentary film crew are on hand for the proceedings, to take in all the costume revelry from Thalia Hall, this being a special night to perform, even if Halloween falls on Tuesday. And the overall mood is subdued, tranquil. Yes- there are plenty of people in costumes throughout, along with the regulars who didn't play "dress up". No matter- the band played the part for the festivities , decked out with Kazu adorned with long black rabbit ears, and the Pace brothers in what appears to be long and black hoodlum or burgler caps. Not that Amedeo and Simone comes across as renegades- their music is anything but. But still, nice to see all three get into character a bit for Halloween's sake. As for their latest release "Sit Down for Dinner", and the tour that follows this gorgeous release- They still have their magic, they still have their elegance in sophisticated and simplistic songwriting intact. A true thinking man's band, with all things mysterious and surrounded by exotic melodicisms. Hearing the actual album when it was released this past September, and then hearing some of these gorgeous songs performed live- just so memorable, justifying their rather lengthy absence since the last time they came through town. Songs such as "Snowman", and "Sit Down for Dinner", parts one and two, along with "Kiss Her Kiss Her" to close out their set- new songs worthy of your attention and taking in the beauty of it all, let alone that immense back catalog of nuggets as well, opening their show with "Falling Man", followed by "Dr. Stangeluv", before even getting to their new songs. And their earlier material still holds up, showing us all yet again that the power of beautiful melody, followed by the innocence of Kazu when she sings, and the same with Amedeo as well. Nothing beats dense and exotic arrangements, done with intelligence and sophistication and flair. Their whole set was over in a flash, leaving you in a dreamlike state when getting organized and prepared to vacate the premises- what's the rush actually, having waited this long to see them and hope they live up to your expectations. They certainly did, capturing the magic and wonderment of it all, down to the campy tombstones on the front of the stage and along the drum riser, let alone the gothic cathedral like lighting backdrops, and purplish Halloween mood. An unforgettable show, as delicate and meaningful as I ever witnessed- just so lush and genuine. Blonde Redhead- "Sit Down for Dinner"- one of the best albums of the year. Blonde Redhead- One of the best shows of the year as well. Bobby Talamine - JBTV Music Television Chicago Blonde Redhead, Kazu Makino, Amedeo Pace, Simone Pace, Thalia Hall, JBTV Music Television, Fiza Javid, Bobby Talamine |
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