And your ears shall hear…

The Whigs “Technology (Live)”

After the Features rocked, the Whigs did not.  Though they tried endlessly, it just wasn’t in the cards for them.  The problem wasn’t with them per se, it was with the sound guy.  Why do I say this?  Because they are both great bands, and The Features sounded great while The Whigs sounded distorted as hell!  As I just explained in my previous blog, The Features sound was immaculate, and they were the opening act.  They sounded so well balanced, and every instrument had its right place.  All The Features had to do was perform with passion, as their sound was completely dialed in.  They played an incredible set and would have made it hard for any band to take the stage after them.  But, this shouldn’t pose a problem for The Whigs, who have become one of the hottest bands this past year, after some extensive touring behind their latest release “Mission Control,” and the rocking single “Right Hand On My Heart.”  They are a trio known and loved for their progressive and anthemic  rock set.  I have seen them three times before this and have never been disappointed with their sound.  My only beef in the past was that they played too many songs off of  “Give’Em All A Big Fat Lip,” when “Mission Control,” was their newer record that was killing at the time.   But, after seeing them three times, I have really come to like that album as well!  Anyway, The Whigs were up against a wall of distortion from the instant they took the stage, and it barely got better throughout the show!  When I inquired about the horrible distortion, I was told that they brought their own sound guy, and they (the Bottom Lounge), could do nothing but put in ear plugs, which they offered me, and I obliged.  I was livid!  I walked back by the soundboard and saw this guy who looked like he was mixing in a club!  Seriously!  He wasn’t tweaking, but mixing!  Pushing levers up and down simultaneously like he was about to cross fade before a scratch!  It just didn’t make any sense!?  I have watched a lot of sound guys and they might tweak nobs here or there, but they don’t MIX!  It was a train wreck,  and mostly I was bummed because I told my friends how great they were live!?  I was just really disappointed.  I was hoping they would come on and play their new stuff and I would be blown away.  Oh well, what can you do, I have to start letting things go!  You know what I mean Ross?