...TWICE!

My expectations for Art Brut last night were not super high, as I'd only had the album for a little over a week now and suspected their jokey rock anthems could come off with even more humour than on the record, or it could fall flat on its face.

As it turned out, the antics of singer/lyricist/humourist Eddie Argos worked really well, with him putting the audience into laughter quite a few times-especially when a small bass amp fire caused an awkward 5 minute or so delay. Argos used that time to solicit questions from the audience and detail how he had sabotaged most of the gear in favour of more attention for him. The band opened with the riff from 'Back in Black'-and with that, proved that they have the key to my heart! sigh.



Granted, the hazy sunday night audience was a little slow to respond, but everyone made the best out of what quickly became a memorable show.

Not sure if I can totally say the same for Bell Orchestre back on friday night at The Music Gallery. As the shyer portion of Arcade Fire, they are technically very proficient and are skilled composers, but have a live show that is not very involving.

Though there were moments of Arcade-like ferocity, things with this group are easily more into a abstract instrumental vibe, and though I did enjoy them quite a bit, I wonder how far they can take a project like this. At one point Sarah sort of scolded the crowd for not being up and into it, but you sort of have to give them a reason!