** I came away from this concert with mixed emotions.
After hearing so many positive things about this, the fourth and final leg
of the Tape Head tour, I was pretty psyched. There were several reasons
for my unbridled enthusiasm. First, the set
list was much closer to what I would refer to as
a 'dream' set list. Second, the internet
broadcast from Atlanta was nothing short of excellent.
Third, each KX show I've attended has been better than the last.
So why, you ask, do I have mixed emotions? Well, first off it was oppressively
hot at the venue. It definitely took a toll on Doug, and I'm sure that it
didn't do Ty or Jerry any good, either. Not that they didn't give a spirited
performance. Second, I chose a poor place to 'hear' the concert. During
the soundcheck, I was in the middle of the club, and Jay did his usual masterful
job of mixing. But come show time, I chose to stand on a platform to the
left of the stage, right in front of the PA tower. Here it is, 24 hours
later, and I still can't hear out of my left ear. Third, although the opening
acts did a fine job, I missed the rowdiness of the Galactic Cowboys . The
opening act, The Gathering grew on me. Not even sure how to describe them,
other than maybe a cross between Real Life and U2 . Protein played an energetic,
but brief set. They ran short on time as a result of technical difficulties,
and were limited to 6 songs.
Now don't get me wrong, it was a great show. Doug, although looking weary
from the heat and rigors of the tour, was his usual playful self on stage.
And I've never seen Ty let loose like he did, especially on the solos of
Cigarettes , Looking For Love , and Moanjam . And maybe the best part was
the crowd chanting for Jerry before the first encore. It's nice to see him
get the attention and admiration that he so justly deserves.
I was able to hang around for the soundcheck, and had the opportunity to
talk to all three of the guys before the show. I was very happy to hear
that there will be plenty of KX material coming out in 2000. Jerry said
that he is hoping to finish his solo project after this tour ends. Ty said
that he will be busy recording the guitar parts for the second Platypus
album. Once those are done, he can mix it and hopefully get it released
this Winter. He also plans on recording his next solo project after the
Platypus work is done. Doug said he will start work on his second solo project
as soon as he gets home, with a MASSIVE GROOVES tour a slight possibility.
And best of all, they already have some ideas ready for the follow up to
TAPE HEAD . They wouldn't give any details, other than to say it will be
a far stretch from anything they've done in the past. My guess is that we
should look for more of a techno - industrial sound, with the guitars and
bass tuned waaaay down |