Franz Ferdinand w/ TV On The Radio, Cut Copy
Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2005 @ Ricoh Coliseum, Toronto

First off, let me say, Ricoh Coliseum is a fine venue. Most seats are good seats, the sound is excellent and it’s an overall really good sized place for a show, somewhere between Varsity Arena and Maple Leaf Gardens. The stage is just the right size for a band to make good use of, and security is lax enough that the show doesn’t feel like sanitized rebellion.

Australia’s Cut Copy hit the stage looking like indie rockers, though their music is electro pop. I’m not too familiar with their music but I’ve enjoyed the few mp3s I’ve heard, as they are not too far removed from the Postal Service. Live they were energetic and enthusiastic, although I got a little anxious for them to leave the stage so I could see the band I came to see. Their last song, which I can’t identify at this time, was their best, and left a good impression on the audience, and myself, and I intend to listen to their album soon.

NYC’s TV on the Radio were out of their element here, too arty for the well, young and generally immature fans Franz Ferdinand attract more and more of as they become a bigger band. (Sorry to sound snobby, but there was a disconcerting amount of screaming girls here.) Regardless, they put on a passionate and unique live performance, with their strange vocal dynamics and thick wall of sound. Their slower songs, such as “Dreams”, “Young Liars” and “Ambulance” were their best moments, compared to the faster songs which are punkier and more organic live, less recognizable than on their somewhat mechanical album sound. Still, TVOTR left me wanting more, and I can’t wait till I get a chance to see them on their own terms in front of a crowd more suited to their style.

I wasn’t all that excited for Franz, since I’d seen them before, but the Scots impressed me with how much they’ve grown since I saw them last. I’m sure part of this was because I had seem them before at the dreadful Kool Haus, and this time they had a big light show, more energy, confidence, and a better variety of songs. They drilled through most of their material with a tight precision to their frenzied fans, and were not once boring. At a lot of shows, even when I’m enjoying myself I tend to check my watch, but here, it was over before I even knew it. The only disappointment for me was they didn’t play my favorite song on their new album, “Eleanor Put Your Boots On”, even though they did have an acoustic guitar and piano with them.

I had a great night. Great sound, good view, good music, and I hit my train home just on time. — Goon

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