Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
(with Mark Gardener)
The Henry Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
October 4, 2005

B.R.M.C.’s third album, Howl, arrived with the band fractured with the possibility of drummer Nick Jago’s departure. That, along with a more acoustic sound, encouraged the band’s image to shift slightly to appeal to cynics and critics alike. Sure, the second album was a more of the same, but it still had some memorable tunes like “Ha Ha High Babe,” “Six Barrel Shotgun,” and “Stop,” which was performed tonight. Howl proved that the three-piece are no one-trick pony. How did the live show hold up?

For the first few songs, the only member on stage was Peter Hayes and his lonely guitar. This went on for several minutes until the rest of the gang showed up to add some push into “Ain’t No Easy Way.” The rest of the show was about half Howl songs and half songs from their self-titled debut album. No complaints here; past favorites, “Love Burns,” ”Spread Your Love” and the beautiful “As Sure as the Sun” kept older fans at bay while the bulk of the new album was masterfully played.

This was my fourth time seeing the band, and without a doubt, this was the best show I’ve seen them play. The usual sound and lighting problems that hampered other shows and all but ruined their 2004 Coachella appearance were thankfully not on display.

Mark Gardener (formerly of Ride) opened the show with an intimate and engaging set of tunes off his solo debut These Beautiful Ghosts. The songs sounded like they were written during Ride’s better years, and when he pulled out Ride’s very own “Vapour Trail,” the fix was in; he’s still got the goods. I guess shoegazers can grow up. Shoegaze ‘til I die!

www.blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com
www.markgardener.com

By Nick Hyman
10/2005