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June 18, 2007
Dispatches from Bonnaroo, Day 2
Tortoise under a shell
Start with two drummers, and place them right up front, where a singer would normally stand. Then go ahead and have two basses, just to be, you know, fair; add some keys and synth textures, a vigorously played vibraphone, and musicians that each know how to wield pretty much all of the above with fierce skill, and that's Tortoise.
A few hippies, perhaps somehow led into thinking that they were seeing "Terrapin," bolted for the nearest tent edge when the first onslaught of distorted notes emanated from the stage. The popped, terse opener quickly gave way, however, to a couple of hours of sequined, studied, and altogether mouth-watering instrumental inventiveness.
This band knows how to introduce fresh elements, and use them consistently in a given setting, without sounding in any way like they're employing a gimmick, or anything close to that. The tasteful use of dissonance is (occasionally or usually, depending on you) an elusive quest, but these guys are pretty good at reining it in, and then complementing it with hypnotic polyrhythms and modal sequences. The layered outcome was a true great find, and I'll be digging into the archives (Tortoise has been around since 1990) after I get home.
Kings
The heat abated for just a few moments as a popcorn thundershower skirted the festival grounds and provided cloud cover and a few sprinkles. I was seated outside The Other Tent, where Gillian Welch was just starting her set. I heard a few well-delivered folk songs, and then went on to catch some rock 'n' roll.
Nashville's own Kings of Leon played a set on Bonnaroo's What Stage (that's the biggest one) that sounded a bit pulled up short, but good. The vibe just wasn't there for a "barnburner." Sound equipment malfunctions also marred the overall experience, but it's not as if the boys weren't trying. They stayed strong and made a great impression in style and showmanship, even if they didn't rock as hard as (legend has it) they are able.
How Tool saved the Universe
Powerful, mesmerizing, bone-jarring, intricately patterned, beautiful — that only starts to describe Tool. Aw, shucks, I think I just gave away my bias. Seriously, even though I'm old enough to have sired most of the audience members, I join them in admiring this quartet of dark-themed rockers. Tool stole the spotlight, in my opinion, from the other headliners (Police, Widespread Panic), and on the first full night. Looking around, I could tell I wasn't the only one having a peak experience. The combination of sound quality, light/video/laser work, complex songs, and full-throttle roar made this, in my opinion, the best rock show on the main stage at Bonnaroo 2007. I've liked the band since Undertow, and that was before I got the full experience. Now I like them even more. [Edit: my sole humble request to the band is that they play some songs in a key other than "D" or its dominant minor. But I'll work with them until then.]
Some felt that a "heavy band" like Tool didn't belong at the festival. I disagree. I think that by including quality music that the kids dig, Bonnaroo's entertainment board made a smart move.
Bonnaroo 2007 | By pulseblogger | 05:32 PM
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