Oct. 13, 2005
Music, Movies and More
MUSIC USIC:: Franz Ferdinand and Green Day rock sold-out crow crowds ds in L.A. L.A. MOVIE: ‘Wallace and Gromit’ and ‘Gospel’ delight audiences MORE ORE:: Guide to partying in Fullerton, plus the latest entertainment news
2 THE BUZZ Contents
02 The Inside Buzz 03 Flashback Favorite Bar-hopping in Fullerton 04 Fra Franz Ferdinand Concert 05 Green Day Concert 06 New Music Reviews Concert Calendar 07 New Movie Reviews 08 Thri Th ce Concert and Interview ON THE COVER: Alex Kapranos, lead singer of Scottish quartet Franz Ferdinand, graced fans at the Greek Theater in Hollywood with renditions of tunes from their latest release on Friday. (Photo by Nicole M. Smith/Daily Titan Executive Editor)
THE BUZZ ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR AMANDA PENNINGTON A
ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR MAHSA KHALILIFAR EXECUTIVE EDITOR NICOLE M. SMITH DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING CAN SENGEZER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING EMILY ALFORD PRODUCTION AMANDA PENNINGTON, MAHSA KHALILIFAR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES LESLEY WU, DERRICK SALATNAY, VANESSA RUMBLES, RICH BOYD, KIMBERLY LEUNG, JACKIE KIMMEL The Daily Titan 714.278.3373 T The Buzz Editorial 714.278.5426 thebuzz@dailytitan.com Editorial Fax 714.278.4473 The Buzz Advertising 714.278.3373 ads@dailytitan.com Advertising Fax 714.278.2702 The Buzz , a student publication, is a supplemental insert for the Cal State Fullerton Daily Titan. It The is printed every Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSU system. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. Copyright ©2004 Daily Titan
THE INSIDE BUZZ By MAHSA KHALILIFAR Daily Titan Asst. Entertainment Editor
The celebrity world continues to bring on the news we love to gossip about … Mo’Nique, 37year-old star of “The Parkers,” gave birth to twins on Oct. 3, according to People. The boys were born in Los Angeles and were named Jonathan and David …
Mr. Slim Shady is back, this time he is busting out his greatest hits. According to MTV news, Eminem is releasing his first greatest hits album on Dec. 6, deeming the album his Curtain Call … Wyclef Jean has inked a deal with HBO. The deal includes him producing his own comedy series based on his life, according to BET ... Sean Paul’s The Trinity broke record-sales, making him the first to have the highest firstweek sales for a reggae artist, according to BET … Another break-up in the celebrity world: Babyface a.k.a. Kenneth Edmonds and wife, Tracy Edmunds have decided to officially go their separate ways after 13 years and two children The host of the “Daily Show,” 42-year-old John Stewart and wife Tracy are going to welcome their second child – a girl - sometime in February, People reports…
Want more Buzz? Check us out on the Web for the latest on hot new On The Web music and movies. www.dailytitan.com
Word
New notable CD releases that came out Tuesday were Ricky Martin’s Life … Former American Idol contestant George Huff’s Miracles … rapper Warren G’s In the Mid-Nite Hour … controversial female twosome t.A.T.u.’s Dangerous and Moving ... DVD releases this week include … Orlando Bloom’s “Kingdom of Heaven” in widescreen and full screen editions … Jason Bateman’s “Arrested Development – Season Two” … “Veronica Mars – The Complete First Season” … “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” in widescreen and full screen editions … Will Ferrell’s comedy “Kicking & Screaming” … Celebrity sighting of the week: Bobby Crosby from the Oakland Athletics checking out the Green Day show Saturday night at The Home Depot Center in Carson … Stay tuned for more news and gossip in the next Inside Buzz .
Quote of the Week “It’s nice to see you, though.” – Boy George, to London reporters who he wouldn’t talk after he was arrested in New York City for drug possession
MAINSTREAM
Flashback Favorite
Nicolette Reibold and Allison Lee sing along with Jeff Vance as he plays their song at the Rockin’ Taco Cantina in Downtown Fullerton Tuesday night.
‘Mallrats’ cult phenomenon By EDUARDO VASCONCELLOS Daily Titan Staff
“One time, my cousin Walter got this cat stuck in his ass. True story.” Ah, “Mallrats.” What’s not to like? Especially after Jason Lee’s fantastic opening monologue about his cousin Walter and the menagerie stuck where the sun doesn’t shine? Nothing! Universal hired Kevin Smith, the indie phenomenon, to make a critical and cultural success like his first movie “Clerks.” Rather than having a film with social commentary mixed with brilliant comedy, in 1995 Smith gave us his dick-and-fart joke
opus “Mallrats.” Nobody saw it in the theaters, but it lived on in video, finding a cult following. It was also the film debut of a skating pioneer turned actor, Jason Lee. Each of his monologues is priceless. His portrayal of perpetual loser Brodie Bruce is sublime. The movie is an acquired taste that addresses the mating habits of superheroes and shenanigans to win back girlfriends, Jay and Silent Bob, Bob’s endeavor to become a Jedi knight, and Stan “The Man” Lee. The forgettable plot has Brodie and his pal T.S. trying to win back their ladies, sabotaging a dating game and Jay and Silent Bob’s schemes to take out the
feared mall security guard. The meat of this lowbrow movie is the memorable quotes and absurd dialogue. “You know what? There is no Easter bunny! Over there, that’s just a guy in a suit!” ”My cousin Walter jerked off in public once. True story.” Lee’s comedic timing is something many actors only dream about. This movie’s spiritual successor, 2001’s “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” is in the same vein, but doesn’t retain the witty banter found in “Mallrats.” Ten years after its original release, the film still holds up, lucky for fans everywhere.
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JAMIE FLANAGAN/ Daily Titan
Downtown Fullerton knows how to party By MAHSA KHALILIFAR Daily Titan Asst. Entertainment Editor
It’s time for the weekend again, which for college students starts Thursday night and continues on until Saturday night. It’s a time to let loose and have some fun. If you’re in the mood for a good crowd, drinks and music, look no further than a few of blocks away. With Cal State Fullerton and Fullerton College in the same area, the city is a mecca for students – not only for studying, but for having fun. Downtown Fullerton offers many festivities for the willing. Zings, Rockin’ Taco Cantina and Revolucion give bar-hoppers the chance to shake their stuff while enjoying music for the hip and mostly 21-and-over college crowd. For a mid-week interlude, check out Rockin’ Taco Cantina on Tuesday nights for 50-cent tacos and dueling piano players who always take requests. Zings is the best place to hit on Thursdays. The crowd is fun and trendy at Zings and those who go will enjoy hip-hop, new and old school, and reggaeton. The dance floor is small, but dancers can still move around and there’s a plethora
of seating if you want to sip on a drink while enjoying the music. Revolucion is the place to be on Fridays. The good vibe, decentsized dance floor and eclectic music create a fun place to mingle, drink and dance with friends. Most of the bars have outdoor patios, so if you need a break for fresh air or a smoke it’s readily available. The hot night spots usually don’t start bumping until after 11 p.m., so arrive late, but be prepared to wait in lines. A secret for ladies: Don’t always worry about the lines because you may not have to wait in it. Admission for each bar is $5, which is reasonable considering many clubs in the area start at $15. Saturday nights are generally the least eventful, but with the right combination of people and places, can still be fun. Usually Revolucion will have a crowded floor, but check it out before jumping in. The dress code is casual, but not sloppy, so go out looking great. Many bar-goers are CSUF students, so meeting people is easy. The bars are all located on Harbor Blvd. and parking is plentiful, Bring on the confidence and have some fun … after mid-terms, we all deserve it!
4 MUSIC REVIEWS Franz Ferdinand enters rock stardom By AMANDA PENNINGTON Daily Titan Entertainment Editor
Scottish quartet Franz Ferdinand plays concerts with the energy of 1,000 men. Well, it would seem so anyway. On a warm and inviting Friday night, as the band showed their camaraderie and danced around in tight black pants, they absolutely drove the sold-out crowd at the Greek Theatre in Hollywood to the brink of insanity. The band, all dressed in suits, were a force to be reckoned with as vocalist and lead guitarist Alex Kapranos belted out songs in tune with guitarist Nick McCarthy, Bob Hardy on bass and drummer Paul Thomson. Fans danced around uncontrollably only to sometimes be calmed down by a buff security guard. Even the most mod and stonefaced fans were forced to crack a smile every now and then. The crowd went wild with Kapranos’ every gyration and leg kick, especially when the band played “Do You Want To” off its latest release, You Could Have It So Much Better. The set was crisp and amazing, allowing every note played to resonate to the farthest reaches of the venue. The absolute best performance of the evening – a performance that showed the band in true rock ‘n’ roll fashion – was during the encore when Kapranos cruised back onstage with a bottle of good old Johnny Walker Black Label in one hand and a Red Stripe beer in the other. He has all the makings of a true rock god. Fans also watched in amazement as two musicians joined Thomson at his drumset and played in unison while Thomson played with one drumstick and his tambourine. The band said its final goodbye as Kapranos heaved his Fender Telecaster into his amp and the band bowed in unison and swaggered off the stage.
Top left: Lead singer Alex Kapranos strums a few chords while bass player Bob Hardy plucks along. Top right: (from left) Guitarist Nick McCarthy, Kapranos and Hardy rock in unison. Bottom left: Kapranos sings with drummer Paul Thomson. Bottom right: Kapranos points toward the sold-out audience at the Greek Theater in Hollywood on Friday night. (Photos by Nicole M. Smith/ Daily Titan Executive Editor)
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Fans connect with Green Day By AMANDA PENNINGTON Daily Titan Entertainment Editor
“This isn’t war, this is fucking rock ‘n’ roll!” So said Green Day front man, Billie Joe Armstrong, at the band’s Saturday night concert at The Home Depot Center in Carson. The sold-out show pulled people in from all different walks of life – from parents with kids in tow, to die hard 20-something fans like the ones I shared the good time with, to middle-aged rockers looking to listen to some good tunes. This wide spectrum of people in attendance serves as a testament to the band’s ever-growing popularity and its ability to retain old-school fans as the band and its music evolve. Green Day’s studio releases only give a slight glimpse into the trio’s heart and soul. No one can truly understand the band’s relationship with its fans until the make they trip to see a live concert. It was easy to question whether Armstrong, bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tré Cool, could rock a venue as big as The Home Depot (or SBC Park in San Francisco with 42,000 fans in attendance). But they proved that no matter how big or small the venue, they possessed the power to explode onstage and to rile up, and calm down, a crowd of any size with a single word or the flailing gesture of Armstrong’s arm. Back onstage, Armstrong did just that. “Now shake hands,” he said, continuing his point, stopping a song just in time to break up a fight erupting in the pit early on. With the roar of agreement coming from the monstrous crowd, Armstrong continued to mesmerize audience members, near and far. It would also be easy to say that this tour of sold-out stadiums is a slap in the face to what Green Day is supposed to stand for – the punk rock ideology of staying away from the mainstream and spitting on (metaphorically and literally) authority. But Green Day’s critics should realize that the band’s new music is more in the same vein as punk rock and contrary to those in seats of power. And although there were many pre-teens and pubescent girls and boys in attendance, the fury and heart of the band were able to shine through to the more mature members of the audience. The band’s earlier music and image walked a fine line between pop and punk, but was countered
by the venues where the band played – the places where punk rock thrived – in seedy clubs throughout Los Angeles and the Bay Area. But now, more than ever the music, not just the image, is more true to the punk rock cause. For any non-believers, or those straddling the fence, seeing a live show will rock their world and give the extra nudge needed to transform them into a fullblown fan. How can I say this? Because prior to two weeks ago, I was that person. Five or 10 years ago, I never would’ve thought I’d be watching two shows during a single tour, but there I was Saturday night, on the floor, screaming fans all around, seeing the band for the second time in as many weeks. Armstrong and his cohorts have the innate ability to stir up a crowd. I don’t know how they do it, but they do – with the same authority as huge rock stars like Bono and U2 or Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones. It’s absolutely amazing to think that these three guys from the Bay Area, who started playing the Los Angeles scene in small clubs with NOFX 15-plus years ago, can channel their music effectively to so many thousands of people. These guys played with ease – with utter perfection – as they combined songs old and new from as far back as the 1991 release, Kerplunk to the latest mega-hit, American Idiot. The band began its set with selections from the politically charged American Idiot, soliciting from the crowd a barrage of middle fingers and shouts of support for the fervently anti-George Bush group. “This song is a big ‘fuck you’ to George W. Bush. This song’s called ‘Holiday,’” Armstrong screamed. In between the immensely overused throaty screams of “Los Angeles,” – which towards the middle and end of the show became tired as the fans answered back less and less – Armstrong continuously ran back and forth on the massive stage like a track star – infecting the audience with his never-ending enthusiasm and energy. At one point in the show, Tré Cool sang his silly song – a hidden track on 2004’s Dookie – in which he describes a moment where he was all by himself – complete with his signature funny faces (that he’s known for
making every time the camera passes him and his drum set). Shrieks and screams poured from the audience as Cool strutted
REPRISE RECORDS
around the stage while singing the song
that, no matter how silly, is a rare treasure among Green Day’s live shows. A highlight of the band’s recent tours comes when the band invites three lucky fans who can play the drums, bass and guitar up to the stage to play an Operation Ivy cover, “Knowledge.” It’s a rush for those watching and must be almost an orgasmic experience for those who venture onstage to take over the band’s instruments. During this particular show in Carson, Armstrong had a hard time coming up with someone worthy enough to play the guitar onstage in front of thousands of screaming fans, and finally found and brought up who he called “the smallest punk rocker in the world” – a kid who could not have been more than 5 years old. Unforunately, the shoulder strap on the guitar was too long, but as a consolation prize, Armstrong gave the guitar to the kid to take home. As with most concerts, Green Day’s encore was the most memorable and emotional performance of the evening. The trio gave another rare per-
formance when they played “Maria,” an amazing lesser-known track from the b-side of 2001’s EP International Superhits. What did it for me, though, at both the San Francisco and Los Angeles event was the final performance of the night. The band sealed the evening with the beautiful, heart-wrenching and popular “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” from the band’s 2001 release, Nimrod. As if the band wasn’t already written down in my band hall of fame at this point, the performance of this song at the two shows I attended just inked it in permanently. Every person in the audience undoubtedly had a different and personal attachment to the song – it’s absolutely inevitable for anyone not to – and it was no different for me and my pals, who had emotionally anticipated hearing this song for weeks after the unforeseen death of someone near to our hearts. So, like many others did, I’m sure, our eyes welled with tears and we embraced, as the entire crowd swayed almost in unison, as if we all shared the same story, while the glimmer of lighters and cell phones twinkled in the night. With that, the stage went dark, the band walked off a final time and the crowd dispersed. Thanks for the good time Green Day and rest in peace Brian.
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Fiona worth the wait Franz Ferdinand can
By SUZANNE SULLIVAN Daily Titan Photo Editor
Inventive and more emotionally eclectic, the new Fiona Apple album is well worth the six-year wait. Amid rumors that her new album was shelved because of the lack of “radio friendly” songs, Apple was actually pursuing a new producer to re-record tracks that Sony considered finished. Although Extraordinary Machine could be considered just another Apple album about break ups, she has matured in her song writing, evolving as a more diverse composer. She is now more focused on creating storylines, while still acknowledging weaknesses, which leads her album to feel more volatile. Songs like the title track and “Tymps (The Sick in the Head Song)” show Apple’s willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles. “Extraordinary Machine”
creeps along theatrically with clever staccato notes while Apple changes her vocal style from a soulful alto to a whimsical soprano. “Tymps” sounds funky and new, driven by a unique rhythm with a pseudo-rap vocal style. A few songs on the album resemble her older works. “O’ Sailor” focuses on her signature piano style accompanied by stark drumbeats and repetitive and driving lyrics. Most of the album’s tracks deal with familiar Apple themes: Weakness, desire, loss of love and selfawareness. These themes are what keep her music interesting; she is able to tap into strong emotions and instead of wallowing in them, she is able to create power behind them. Despite the wait, Apple created another wonderful album that will endure the test of time while the Kelly Clarksons and Michelle Branches of the world will quickly fade into the background of pop culture oblivion.
By EDUARDO VASCONCELLOS Daily Titan Staff
Today’s society is diseased with bad music imposed on the public by the likes of MTV and KIIS FM. But fortunately, we do have a handful of bands doing their best to keep the populace entertained, despite not being quite as renowned as others. Once again, Franz Ferdinand released an excellent record. Following 2004’s self-titled debut, the band’s new album, You Could Have It So Much Better aims to prove just that. Following the trend set in the Scottish band’s first album, So Much Better is a myriad of simple sounds combined to create an exquisite audial experience. The enjoyable lyrics enveloped by the band’s great use of guitars and percussion are a welcomed addition to any music lover’s collection. The album sticks with the same formula, starting off with “The Fallen,” a catchy number about a young lad who goes against society’s norms. With its upbeat tempo, the intro will suck all who listen into the record with ease.
“Do You Want To” is easily this year’s equivalent of last year’s mega-hit, “Take Me Out.” The song is the stand out track of the album, infusing a complexity in simplicity as only this band can. The lyrics are fun, but vague and it’s anyone’s guess as to what they mean, but its crafted into a supremely pleasing song. From there, the songs slow down and give listeners a rest. The title track, “You Could Have It So Much Better” is a resonating track resembling the Queens of the Stone Age. “Outsiders” closes the album and tells fans that their time wasn’t wasted listening. It’s different than the band’s norm, with a groovy baseline and a cool “wah-wah” guitar on top of a funky beat. Consistent with the band’s signature sound, all instruments use simple structure, using few notes in a song. However, much like the Ramones, when the entire package is put together, it produces some stellar music. While it’s not quite on par with their debut, Franz Ferdinand’s sophomore effort is still two steps beyond most and they tell us exactly what listeners are with this album – so lucky.
Concert Calendar Fri. Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m. Santana The Home Depot Center Carson Sat. Oct. 15, 2 p.m. POWER 106 Presents Live at the O.P. with Twista and Mack 10 Orange Pavilion San Bernardino Sat. Oct. 15, 7 p.m. The Vibrators Showcase Theatre Corona Sun. Oct. 16, 7 p.m. Turbonegro House of Blues Anaheim Sun. Oct. 16, 7 p.m. The Misfits Galaxy Theatre Santa Ana Sun. Oct. 16, 9 p.m. The Bravery Avalon Hollywood Hollywood Mon. Oct. 17, 7 p.m. Coheed and Cambria The Grove of Anaheim Anaheim Mon. Oct. 17, 8 p.m. Busta Rhymes House of Blues Hollywood Tues. Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m. The Exploited House of Blues Hollywood Tues. Oct. 18, 8 p.m. Matt Costa Troubadour West Hollywood Tues. Oct. 18, 9 p.m. Wed. Oct. 19, 9 p.m. The Black Crowes Henry Fonda Theatre Los Angeles Wed. Oct. 19, 9 p.m. G. Love & Special Sauce and Blackalicious House of Blues Anaheim Thurs. Oct. 20, 6 p.m. Bad Religion Canyon Dinner Theater Agoura Hills Thurs. Oct. 20, 9 p.m. The Go! Team El Rey Theatre Los Angeles
7 Movie shapes into hit, traps No. 1 spot MOVIE
By CHRISTINA SCHROETER Daily Titan Staff
Today everything seems to be mechanical and automated; computers are outdated as soon as they hit the market. The Internet is accessible through handheld, wireless gadgets. Movies are created with the latest technology and graphic effects. In a time when technology seems to be taking over the world, it’s astonishing to see some good-old physical manpower. In “Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit,” Claymation master Nick Park brings his Oscar-winning, bug-eyed clay characters to the big-screen with his own two hands. Instead of picture-perfect images, fingerprints are embedded into Wallace’s skin. And on his shirt. And on Gromit’s paws. In fact, fin-
gerprints are almost everywhere. a machine that will make him love In “The Curse of the Were-Rabvegetables and make rabbits love bit,” cheese-loving invenhis weakness, cheese. There is tor Wallace (voiced by a n unforeseen glitch in Peter Sallis), runs an the process, animal-friendly rabhowever, bit-control company that creates along with his quiet dog a werewolfand companion, like rabbit Gromit. With that runs around the annual Gitown in a vegetableant Vegetable devouring frenzy, destroyCompetition ing anything in its path. approachWhen Wallace is unable ing, rabbits to trap the beast, his animal run amok in rights love interest, Lady growers’ garTottington (voiced by dens, feasting Helena Bonham Carter), on carrots and reluctantly appoints moneycabbage. It is hungry hunter Victor Quarup to Wallace’s termaine (voiced by Ralph Ficompany, Antiennes) to trap and kill the vegetable Pesto, to save pillager and save the vegetable the contestants’ DREAMWORK ANIMATION competition. Gromit discovvegetable patches. Wallace invents ers that Wallace is the were-rabbit
and that he must help Wallace avoid Quartermaine’s bullets and continue with the competition. “The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” is a fascinating film for children, but an even better flick for adults. The story structure is more complex than the typical rising actionclimax-falling-action, but not too detailed that children will get lost. The movie embodies the dry humor and witty puns of Nick Park’s “Wallace and Gromit” series, which will charm and amuse adults. The creation of the film is truly extraordinary. Animators completed around five seconds of film per week and used over 44 pounds of glue each month. When viewing the film, it may seem that only the clay figures were created by hand, but almost everything was handmade – even the wallpaper used in the film was hand-painted. Wallace and Gromit’s Anti-Pesto van was
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modeled after an A35 Austin Van, and each of the models were made for more than the actual van costs. The models have functioning lights, suspension, doors and hood. Despite the uniqueness of this hand created film, 772 computer graphic effects were applied throughout the film. The wererabbit’s fur was created completely with computer effects. Other CG elements in the film include floating bunny rabbits, flying mud and the were-rabbit’s imprint in dense fog, all of which integrate seamlessly with Park’s Claymation. This mostly hand-animated film will knock audiences of their feet with its marvelous raw clay figurines and action-packed storyline. Wallace and Gromit, who came in first at the box office with their new movie, also star in their short films, “A Grand Day Out,” “The Wrong Trousers” and “A Close Shave.”
Choir welcomes viewers home By DIANIKA ABBOTT Daily Titan Staff
Exalted praise, fervent handclapping and soul-stirring music fills the big screen in “The Gospel,” a contemporary adaptation of the parable, “The Prodigal Son.” Set in Atlanta and written and directed by Rob Hardy, it tells a tale of love and forgiveness, while painting a picture of the workings of a black church. After the death of his mother, David Taylor (Boris Kodjoe) turns his back on the church and his father (Clifton Powell), a bishop, who is so preoccupied with church business that he doesn’t make it in time to see his wife be-
fore she dies. An infuriated Taylor storms out of the hospital and renounces his calling as a minister in his father’s church. Fifteen years later, a more matured and sexy David, a thriving R&B singer, is basking in his newly found celebrity and falling deeper into a life contrary to what he was taught as a child. Upon hearing his estranged father is deathly ill, David cuts his successful tour short and goes home to tend to his father. While trying to re-discover his role in his father’s church, David falls for self-assured Rain (“American Idol” contestant Tamyra Grey). When it seems as if all is well,
David learns his church is no longer thriving and is in dire need of money. He proposes that the church have a benefit concert to raise funds. While many welcome David’s suggestion with admiration and appreciation, his childhood best friend turned arch-rival (and his father’s successor), Frank Charles (Idris Elba), has other plans for the ministry. “The Gospel,” invokes a feeling of authenticity with the help of some of gospel’s real-life SCREEN GEM artists, Yolanda Adams, Donnie The Gospel choir performs and inspires the congregation in ‘The Gospel’ McClurklin, Martha Munizzi, Fred Hammond and Hezekiah Knight-Pulliam, and Omar Good- how the conflicts endured by the Walker. ing to convey messages of hope congregation relate to the lesHardy uses more notable cast and determination. sons of the church, some of the members including, Keisha Although Hardy tries to show characters are underdeveloped, which causes the story to become muffled. While the movie may seem like its preaching to the choir with its overt message of salvation, “The Gospel” will welcome believers, as well as non-believers home.
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Twice the energy, Thrice the fun By BRYAN BARNETT Daily Titan Staff
Few words give justice to a concert as intense as a barbed-wire wrapped baseball bat to the unsuspecting cranium. OK, more than a few. The band is Thrice, whose sold-out Friday night show at the UCI Bren Center tore down the barriers between pop and metal with a wrecking ball of riffs and vocals, creating a new genre where only Thrice reigns supreme. Thrice has done something different here – they’ve added melody. Heavy rock doesn’t have to be defined by violent throat noises anymore; with a slower, catchier element, Thrice is straying from the traditional barrage of shouts. Awaiting the Oct. 18 release of their fourth album, Vheissu, the band successfully blended leisurely, heartfelt melodies together with shredding guitar solos for a more mature record. The band previewed some of the new music onstage, provoking screams of approval from the sea of arms and heads. Some bands can’t change their pace without losing their core au-
dience, but while Thrice has made changes, they haven’t strayed so far as to upset the fans who have made sold-out shows standard. Bodies tossed over the audience like little ships in a dark storm-tossed sea become a testament to the fan’s satisfaction. In fact, by incorporating the new tunes, Thrice’s fan base might grow to encompass those who enjoy rock but not the metal screaming component. The band’s new producer, Steve Osborne, who has worked with U2 and Peter Gabriel, steered Thrice in the right direction with Vheissu. “One of the things we tried to consciously do was give the record a bigger feel,” singer Dustin Kensrue said to AcclaimedPunk.com. Preceding Thrice on the night of their Irvine show was Veda, a Foo Fighter-esque band led by the powerful vocal talent of Kristen May; The Bled, a very loud unintelligible metal band; and Underoath, a more talented unintelligible metal band (because they have a singing drummer). The second two bands pumped an intense energy into the already dangerously eager crowd with relentless vocal assaults, guitar
The drummer speaks ... By BRYAN BARNETT Daily Titan Staff
NIYAZ PIRANI/Special to the Daily Titan
Dustin Kensrue and Teppei Teranishi play at the UCI Bren Center. work and numerous Thrice references. Fans exploded at the mere mention of the word. After the onslaught wreaked by these hardcore fans, the lights dimmed and the roar of the audience filled the arena. Anyone there couldn’t help but feel as if they were a part of some new glorious improvement to the whole spectrum of modern music. Like an addition to a house, or a caterpillar’s metamorphosis, a mature Thrice is provoking the world with its new album.
Riley Breckenridge, drummer for Thrice, talked to the Daily Titan from Boise, Idaho on Tuesday. Though the background noise had party written all over it, Breckenridge came through loud and clear. DT: So what was the biggest difference you experienced in recording this album compared to the last ones? Riley: The biggest thing was we had a lot more time to write and experiment, which enabled us to incorporate more instruments. In previous records we were always under the gun. We would write a song right before we recorded it. We didn’t have time to write or record, but we were very prepared for this one, and I think it shows. DT: How was it working with the new producer, Steve
Osborne? Riley: It was awesome. It wasn’t the most conventional choice because he hadn’t done a hard rock record before. But what he was lacking in the aggressive area, we thought we could make up for. DT: This record sounds a lot different from the last few. How has the feedback been? Riley: The feedback has been very positive. People have had very nice things to say. It’s always a compliment in person though, because people save all the bad stuff they’re going to say about you for [the Internet]. DT: So which song is your favorite? Riley: My favorite song at the moment … well it changes all the time, but right now it’s [Thrice’s] “The Earth Will Shake” because I like the heaviness of it and it gets a little bluesy at times.
