This sold-out appearance, the first of three shows in the area, was Live’s first local show since its last album, “Throwing Copper” (Radioactive/MCA), hit No.1 on the charts. This was the band’s first chance to put on a real show here.
Throughout the 18-song set, Live played with an intense sense of purpose befitting the songs’ beauty and drama. Profound examinations of rural life, tragedy, and spiritual and romantic longing were couched in a driving, melodic rock style alternately reminiscent of R.E.M., Midnight Oil and U2.
Bathed in waves of evocative lighting, the band, led by intense singer Ed Kowalczyk, kept demonstrative embellishments to a minimum, instead focusing on the sheer power of the songs, certainly this band’s greatest strength.
The newly penned, Chris Isaak-style “Cheater,” the powerful love tome “Iris” (the show’s highlight), and the hard-rockin’ “All Over You” spotlighted Live’s adventurous sense of dynamism and diversity.
