Built To Spill

Built To Spill recently played two sold out performances at the Troubadour on September 10th and 11th. Rather than playing a medley of hits, they chose to focus on their 1997 Warner Bros. debut album “Perfect From Now On”. Though Built To Spill formed in 1992, “Perfect From Now On” was their first album to accomplish critical success.  Their present day influence is clearly visible in the form of fellow pacific northwesterners Death Cab For Cutie and Modest Mouse. Built To Spill is set to begin work on their next album which will probably show up in late 2009ish, although the release date is far from certain at this point.

I treat my newly discovered bands like a fresh pair of tennis shoes. At first it can be hard to decide what I like about them, and inevitably I wear them out. But the ultimate test is whether or not I go looking for them again. For some reason I trust Built To Spill like my old pair of Asics. I don’t wear them that often, but I always have them on stand by.

Unfortunately, I missed Built To Spill in their prime. As common as that scenario is for me, it is even more common for my favorite bands to be on hiatus. Luckily Built To Spill still “brings it” as much as they probably used to. Their live performance and stage etiquette says it all…but they don’t say much. They managed to move through “Perfect From Now On” almost as if it was being played non-stop (except for short tuning breaks and a “thank you” after each song). Their performances feel honest. Rather than presenting a flashy live rock band image, they appear as a band playing in a bedroom. Each member was in their own moment, allowing themselves to feel every inch of what they were creating, as they invited the audience to be a part of the experience.

While I was not scheduled to work either night, I did voluntarily do lights for both performances. I have started to treat my lighting concepts as more of a medium to express my personal feelings from each song. In that aspect, I become part of my own nightly experience, thus creating a loop of creativity in my own mind.

I want to thank everyone in my life whos existence motivates me to capture what constantly seems impossible. You have helped me uncover something in myself that I can not begin to explain. Thank you.

Built To Spill – “Randy Describes Eternity” September 10th, 2008 at The Troubadour

Anthony Green

Anthony Green recently played a show at The Troubadour on August 20th. I have taken this opportunity to write a review focusing on his music and my impressions of his performance. Included below is a video clip of Anthony Green singing “She Loves Me So” from his newly released solo album titled “Avalon”. Members from the band “Good Old War” (ex. Days Away) serve as his direct support and backing band on the record and for live performances. Anthony Green is the frontman of Philadelphia based band “Circa Survive”, and former member of “Saosin”. He also is part of “The Sound of Animals Fighting”, a collaborative effort led by Rich Balling that features members of Rx Bandits, Circa Survive, Chiodos, Days Away/Good Old War, Finch and The Autumns.

With one of the most recognizable voices in rock music today, Anthony Green’s energy and extremely human presence is capable of filling rooms larger than that of the 500 person capacity at Doug Weston’s Troubadour. Luckily enough, sold out nights at the troub offer the kind of equal energy that can create something spectacular. The result of his latest Los Angeles performance was an expected musical explosion complete with beautiful vocals and soft hooks that kept the audience dreaming for more.

The easiest way for a performer to create a positive environment for their music each night is to start sound check with the correct attitude. Introducing yourself with a smile to the house engineers instantly puts a few people on your side. These same people will later decide how much rhythm guitar they want to give you in your monitors, as well as how hard your guest engineer will be allowed to drive the sound system. Anthony Green had one of the best introductions I have seen, and it set the bar for his performance.

Green started his full assault of the senses part way through the set of Good Old War, offering vocal collaborations much like he did on Good Old War’s recorded version of “Weak Man”. I had no trouble getting his vocal to cut through the mix. I did not have to make many changes to the EQ, other than my standard cuts. It was refreshing to hear his vocal start off strong. I have heard a few people say that he isn’t good live, but i quickly recognized that wouldn’t be the case.

The show had strong momentum throughout, starting off with Person L (New Project of Kenny Vasoli from The Starting Line). By the time Anthony Green came on stage for his set, there was a massive boulder of energy that only Indiana Jones fans could begin to comprehend. His set was very smooth. I was planning to list some memorable songs from his performance, but I just realized that I remember each one. I recommend listening to his album “Avalon” twice, just in case you don’t groove with it the first time. (That happens to me all the time.)

Working with Anthony Green was a teenage dream come true. I remember when Circa Survive’s debut album “Juturna” was released. I have listened to it so many times in over three years since its release. Each song feels like home. Anthony did decide to play a few Circa Survive songs, one of which I believe was “Semi Constructive Criticism” from the album “On Letting Go”. Following his encore performance of “Meet Me in Montauk”, Anthony proudly shouted “Circa Survive 2009!!!” before exiting the stage, acoustic guitar in hand.

Anthony Green – “She Loves Me So”. August 20th, 2008. The Troubadour (9081 Santa Monica Blvd.)