The Faint
This past Thursday night, I went to the Trocadero in Philadelphia to see the 80's sounding band The Faint. I honestly did not know what to except since I started listening to them only two weeks ago. But at the start of their performance, it was clear that the Omaha, NE band can definitely rock, keyboards and all.Originally known as Norman Bailer, the band consisted of current members Clark and Todd Baechle, and Joel Peterson (bass). The group's first studio album, Media was a collection of songs from 1996-1998 (the post "lite rock" era). It featured a mix of a bunch of different styles of indie rock. Then the band realized that they wanted to put on a more energy-induced show and adding synthesizers to their sound was the perfect solution. Jacob Thiele joined the act as the band's full time keyboard player. The band re-entered the studio and created Blank Wave Arcade (Saddle Creek Records). The album focused on danceable beats, catchy keyboards, and an '80s-influenced sound. In August 2001, the group released their third album, Danse Macabre. Their latest album Wet From Birth was released in fall 2004.
The opening band on Thursday night was called VHS or Beta. They got the crowd dancing on their feet in no time, and I immediately bought their album Night On Fire the next day. Some good songs on the disc include Night on Fire and You Got Me. Before The Faint came on, a group of half-naked dancers came out on the stage and performed a little strip show for the audience. The show was sponsored by Camel cigarettes so they had a Vegas theme going on for the night. It was definitely interesting to say the least. The Faint finally came on stage at around 10:45 and played a mix of songs from Danse Macabre and Wet From Birth. The lead singer was jumping around in his tight black jeans and an all out dance party erupted in the audience. The group also used a video projector during the show so that trippy images were being flashed on the walls and the ceiling. All in all it was an impressive concert. I would definitely recommend listening to some of their songs, which can be a good addition to any party mix. Some of my favorites include Paranoiattack, Glass Danse World, and Desperate Guys
posted by Amy at 4:34 PM
6 Comments:
So I wanted to start off by saying that I absolutely love seeing concerts at the Troc. I love the atmosphere of the Troc with the balcony seating and the cool decor, so cool. Anyways I had heard and read about both of these bands before but never actually heard anything by them. I read an article about The Faint and they sounded real cool. The only thing I really remembered about them was that they were on Saddle Creek which is the label of Conor Oberst/Bright Eyes. I really like they way you describe the Faint though it made them sound real good. VHS or Beta sounds exactly what I thought they would sound like from the name of the band. For me they are too much 80's influenced. It really sounded like they were trying extra hard to sound like they were a mix between Duran Duran and someone a little more rocking. But its awesome that you keep letting me know about new bands. Keep it up. Rock On.
You have inspired me to listen to yet another band and I actually really liked VHS or Beta. They have a really cool beat and I love stuff that you can dance to. Good call. Night on Fire is a really cool song and I've been listening to it ever since I downloaded it.
On the other hand, I wasn't really a fan of The Faint. I hate to sound superficial, but they were a little too weird for me. It was almost too techno-esque. But I am glad you had fun at the concert. I love the information about new bands.
I’ve been to a lot of local music venues, but I haven’t yet made it to the Trocadero. I will definitely put it on my list of places to check out. Some venues are so terrible in terms of sound and condition, so it’s great to know in advance which places are nice and which aren’t. It definitely sounds nice, and it sounds like they have interesting events there.
I love the new 80’s retro sound that’s come into style recently, though I confess I’ve been concentrating on its resurgence in the U.K. more than in the U.S.. I downloaded a couple tracks off The Faint’s website and I thought they sounded kind of cool. I think I may prefer them live, since I think that style comes off better in person than listening to the recorded versions of songs.
To twentieth maine
Since you expressed an interest in the new 80's influenced sound that is a huge hit in the UK, I suggest you check out the singer Annie. My favorite songs are "Me Plus One" and "Heartbeat."
Okay Amy, I went to give The Faint a shot and download their music, however I read your blog too fast and actually downloaded VHS or Beta. Haha. Anyway, I was able to hear their two music clips from Amazon.com. I listened to Night on Fire and You Got Me. They both sounded a bit similar, but I liked them. They were a bit techno-y and punky, but fun. After I realized I wasn’t listening to The Faint, I downloaded Desperate Guys and How Could I Forget. Both bands definitely do have an 80s sound to it, but come on…. Who doesn’t love the 80s!! I liked their beat and their music seems fun to dance too.
I d/led the song, "Agenda Suicide." It's a pretty good song. I can't believe how much they sound like they are straight out of the 80's. I really like 80's music and this is band that I could grow to like. It seems like they are a really fun band to see live, so I'm going to keep and eye out for when they are planning on coming to my area. I think its cool how you find these smaller bands and then actually go to their shows. Most people aren't that serious about their music.
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