"LIVEWIRE"
Concert Review - From Cleveland's
"SCENE MAGAZINE"

Just as the hard rock/metal scene became plastic in the late '80s, the once alternative/underground sound has crossed over into the pop genre with many bands capturing fans on both sides of the fence. One such band, the highly successful Third Eye Blind, made an appearance last Wednesday night at the Agora.

The venue was filled with giggly teenaged girls and excited boys, and this San Franciscan quartet didn't dissappoint. Their 13-song set featured the trademarks of all the pop icon bands before them: screaming fans, chaos and straight-ahead music. That said, these guys have the making of a pop sensation. It could only be a matter of time before the Third Eye Blind lunch boxes and blankets with matching sheets appear.

Taking the stage to T-Rex, the band, mostly dressed in black leather, blasted into the title track from its self-titled album. The hormone-filled crowd sucked up every beat. Next up was "Narcolepsy," and angry song of sorts. The highlight of this tune for the audience appeared to be when lead singer Stephan Jenkins took off his leather jacket. An while the band was captivating- the gritty fretwork and a steady rhythm section- Jenkins' anger appeared to be contrived at times.

Unfortunately, this wouldn't be his only downfall for the night. A slow version of "The Background" proved to be exactly what the sweaty crowd needed. Arion Salazar's bass took center stage before the rest of the band joined in. By the end of the tune, guitarist Kevin Cadogan's controlled outburst had the whole place rocking.

Next came the infectious "How's It Going To Be," one of their most popular songs. Aparently Jenkin's was either (a) so excited, or (b) too worried about his looks, to remember the first line to the hit song. Even thought the band rocked, you got the feeling that a choreographed New Kids On The Block Dance wasn't too far removed from Jenkins and the boys. Nevertheless, once the charismatic frontman remembered the words, the band did just fine.

Their major hit, "Semi-Charmed Life," opened with Jenkins not having to sing their first few lines, much to his relief. THe crow did a great job, sans musical accompaniment. Other tunes icluded the guitar-squealing "London," the energetic "Motorcycle driveby" and B-side "Horror Show."

Somewhat unexpectedly, Third Eye BLind ended the show with two incredible songs. The first, "I want you," put our forgetful lead singer alone on stage with his guitar for an utterly unforgettable, touching performance. Any questions regarding his talent were answered with this heartfelt display. Next up, the band delivered a ghost-like "God Of Wine." They definitely left their fans with something to remember.

The night started with Fat, and abrasive quartet that had the mosh pit rocking early on. With their heavy grooves and active stage movments,the packed house was definitely entertained. Fat's music sucessfully sways from in-your-face to engaging and friendly.

Next up were the highly motivationg Smash Mouth, who -justlike their disc- covered many sounds and styles before their set was over. Staying mostly within the friendly confines of a fuzzy, distorted guitar and a simple beat, this five-peice band lived up to expectations. Whether they'll admit it or not, Smash Mouth are fighting of the one-hit wonder status that "Walking on the Sun" has given them. And they did little to change any opinions. But that doesn't mean they didn't put on a good show.

Also included in the festivities were "Pet Names," "Beer Goggles," The Fonz," and "Padrino." A surprize cover of the House Of Pain's "Jump Around" was a perfect fit with Steve Harwell's rap vocals. And naturally, "Walking On The Sun" found everyone in the attendance singing along.

-JOHN BENSON