Last Friday, November 6, I attended with my friend and faithful concert buddy, Zach, Skinny Puppy's concert at Salt Lake City's Club Vegas, part of their 2009 In Solvent See Tour.
Club Vegas isn't a bad bar/club. Their primary sin, which may or may not be their policy, was that I couldn't bring my camera in, though that didn't prevent some from smuggling in point and shoot cameras and cell phone cams to take blurry pictures with. Alas, I was unable to capture Skinny Puppy's intense stage presence. But Club Vegas is still a worthwhile venue that feels spacious and comfortable, while also being small enough to maintain a certain intimacy that helped to magnify the feeling that we were apart of something unique and special that night.
The crowd, as expected on a night like this, was saturated in gothic attire, with many looking like they'd just as easily beat you as talk to you, but (perhaps to some people's surprise) behaved better than several crowds I've been in, for shows much tamer than Skinny Puppy. More than once someone trying to slide past me would apologize for stepping on mine or Zach's toes or saying "excuse me" when squeezing by, moving deeper into the swaying crowd, fresh beer in hand. These people (with a few amusing exceptions) were there for the performance and were great to be around.
The show itself was a sonic assault to the senses as cEvin Key laid down some intense jams, proving again what an incredible musician/technician he is. The music didn't let up once, but continued without pause, transitioning smoothly from song to song for the entire 90 minute set (a short performance, but understandable when you note their energy level). Only once did the band take a rest and leave the stage, signaling the close of the main set, but Key's electronics continued during this brief pause.
Ogre's own performance was captivating as he displayed what strong stage presence he has. He hit the stage looking like a demonic member of the KKK who'd escaped the hospital emergency room mid-surgery. He had two walking canes held in bloody bandage-wrapped hands and his miming stage movements were hauntingly engrossing. His white cloth demon mask began to come off partway through the show, revealing his faceless black mask underneath. It wasn't until the encore that Ogre came out without his costume and we got to see his intense, perhaps possessed, eyes that unsettled me so much that I kinda wish he'd kept the mask on. Their screen visuals were also intricate and cool, with images overlaying each other and looping to great effect.
The set list, beginning with 'Love in Vein', was a solid one of classics and new stuff, singles and solid album tracks. How they have updated some of those classic songs to their current musical style was really great to hear, making me feel like I was hearing some of these very familiar songs for the first time, or at least with a new ear. 'Rodent' and 'Assimilate' were especially well performed. 'Rodent' pulsed and pounded with intimidating self-confidence and that steady not-too-fast, but certainly not slow or plodding pace, that I've always felt showed the band's incredible confidence in what they were doing. It doesn't feel frantic or insecure, but shows a band completely in control of itself and what it wants to accomplish. Live the song still felt that way and the deep, pulsing resonance of the song I felt deep in my gut. During the song Ogre entered a glass case they had on stage, singing from this contained space, where midway through a blood bag burst on the glass to gruesome effect. It was the only bloody stage effect of the night, but it remained on stage the rest of the show as a grisly reminder of what Skinny Puppy is often about: violent shock that is both them having fun, as well as a comment on brutality and violence. 'Assimilate', one of Skinny Puppy's foundational 80s songs, pounded forward with a driving beat and rhythmic flow that took the song to new places the album versions hadn't. It's powerful energy and rather beautifully soaring soundscapes and melodies made it one of the best songs of the night.
For their second to last song, they did my personal favorite,'Worlock', and it came off with incredible power. Ogre's vocals brought out the tragedy of the song more than they did the horror. It was another of those conflicted moments when beauty and horror blended together, becoming one and the same. They then finished with the old classic 'Far Too Frail', a poppy and satisfying concluding song that left us all feeling light and grateful to have shared the experience. As Ogre and Key left the stage they almost looked as grateful to us as we were to them. The night was a success.
Zach, who in years past has attended more aggressive concerts than I have, commented that while the show was great, its intensity was such that he doesn't think he'll be able to listen to Skinny Puppy for at least three months. A somehow fitting statement that might make the band very happy.
Thank you, Skinny Puppy, for a terrific night.
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