I didn't see much of this gig, and most of the time I was there, I have to be honest, I was consuming white grape juice and rum concoctions. What I managed to absorb though was that the crowd was huge, excited, and clubby. Much different from the ol' raver scene I used to hang out in during the electronica heyday of the late 90's. I guess that's just all of us grown up and wearing tighter pants. I am afraid I don't have a very discerning ear for electronica, but I do realize the difference between Kevin Shiu, who was performing when I got there, and the Crystal Method, who took over from him. The audience went insane when they took the stage. I also realize that a live DJ set is much different from hearing the set songs on an album of the Crystal Method. Quite different indeed. It was powerful though - the beats were so different and so accomplished. Even me not knowing what the hell I'm talking about in this genre could feel the energy just change. That's of course not to say Kevin Shiu was unaccomplished or anything, but simply that you can tell how seasoned TCM really is. It was good to see. And wow do I ever have to figure out how those drinks are put together...

Elsewhere

By Andy Scheffler
Photos : Andy Scheffler
Published : April, 2007.