CONCERT REVIEW: Garbage / Girls Against Boys, La Jolla, California
- Joann D. Ball
Girls Against Boys are definitely doing something right. They've been winning over music fans and critics everywhere with their new release FREAK*ON*ICA (DGC Records). And on last summer's headlining tour, they generated a new level of intensity in clubs across America. Maybe that's why a group of their biggest fans, otherwise known as the band Garbage, handpicked Girls Against Boys to fill the coveted opening slot on their 1998 North American tour.
It was clearly evident at the recent La Jolla, California show that Girls Against Boys are extremely qualified for the job. With a sound that blends rock, metal, disco, funk, techno and more, GVSB are down with the new and deliver on the promise that it holds. And Scott McCloud's supersexy rough-and-ready rasp, drummer Alexis Fleisig's block rockin' beats and the double bass assault of Eli Janney and Johnny Temple are even better live than on their satisfying studio efforts. In a set that mixed songs from FREAK*ON*ICA with older selections from their Touch & Go outings, Girls Against Boys pulled out all the freaky effects from its bag of musical tricks on a largely unaware crowd. And GVSB made the most of the double bass grooove approach (one sadly missed since the demise of Ned's Atomic Dustbin) which kept the heads bobbing and the bodies moving.
From the very first note, GVSB made it plain that they were there not just to warm up the stage for Garbage but to get the crowd's blood hot and pumping. The band immediately grabbed and pulled in the crowd at the RIMAC Arena on the University of California, San Diego campus with the self-described 'disco-tortion' of "Park Avenue." This lead track and single from FREAK*ON*ICA was much louder and more aggressive during the live performance, an approach which suited the crowd just fine. It was all systems go on "Vogue Thing," also from the new record, and Girls Against Boys delivered a scorching version of "Super-Fire" from the earlier Touch and Go release House of GvsB. Crowd surfing began during the current single "Roxy," which was vibed up for the live show. And "Exorcisto," the last dip from the new record, was funked up for everyone in the house.
Forty-five minutes of aggro-techno-funk-rock never sounded and felt better, and Girls Against Boys were triumphant in their effort to win over the crowd with their heavy fueled nine-song set. And to make sure that the newly converted committed the name Girls Against Boys/GVSB to memory, the band headed to the t-shirt booth during the show break to meet their new fans with smiles and autographs. Surely there is no doubt that Girls Against Boys will be bigger than cult favorites when they complete their show opening duties later this year.
Concert headliners Garbage kicked off their rousing show with "Temptation Waits," the first song on their current long-player, Version 2.0 (Almo Sounds). Lead singer Shirley Manson indeed proved that she is a wolf in sheep's clothing throughout the night as she stalked the stage with hip-hop attitude in a simple outfit of red top and black jeans. Manson's vocals were loud and clear and she was up front and personal throughout the night. Holding down the musical fort behind her was drummer Butch Vig, who kept the beats coming all night long. Filling out the minimalist, open stage were guitarist Duke Erikson, guitarist/keyboardist/special effects man Steve Marker and a session bassist who all made sure that this was indeed a live show with a big boss sound.
There were numerous highlights during the 17-song set , and they began early on with the dual guitar assault of "Not My Idea" from the self-titled debut record which got the crowd jumping and dancing in a frenzy. The single "Paranoid" was immediately recognizable from its slinky bass intro and Erikson's slashing guitar solo over the sample break made a huge impression on the audience. By the time Garbage tore into "Stupid Girl" and "Vow," just over halfway into the set, the crowd was already on its third wind. The band recreated all of the sonic effects from the studio versions of the two songs and gave them a heaping dose of venom by adding fresh live guitar chaos and bringing both to loud thundering finishes. Manson later gave a sincere heartfelt thanks to the crowd for supporting the band by dedicating the lead single "Push It" to those who came out to the show. And Manson gave the song some hip-hop flavor, hinting at Salt-n-Pepa's song of the same name, as she whipped up the sing-along crowd. And in what was the most spirited moment of the night, Manson changed the chorus of the encore closer "When I Grow Up" dropping in the lines " when you grow up" and "when we grow up" in a nod to the youngish audience.
Not only did Garbage prove themselves a live band of the highest order, they also exhibited their talent for recognizing the cutting edge by bringing GVSB along with them on their eagerly awaited American tour. It's a double bill that works extremely well -- one that's big on sound and energy and is guaranteed to please. Don't miss the tour as it winds its way eastward across the country.
