Janes Addiction & Band of Skulls Cut Short At Musikfest
WHO: Janes Addiction & Band of Skulls
WHERE: Musikfest 2012 – Bethlehem, PA
WHEN: Thurs: 8/16/12
There is nothing more depressing than the laments of aged rockstars. The inability to transcend past prototypical song structures; the lack of gusto to move past the nostalgia identifying their Rock and Roll and compensation in theatrical endeavors. However to much acclaim, Jane’s Addiction had risen to the occasion at Musik Fest. For all of thirty minutes…
This was the most astounding yet disappointing show for any audience in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to date, as they had teased us with the moxy of their original form, only to succumb to the inclement weather as a means through which to postpone the performance.
Jane’s addiction had taken us through a few classics like “Mountain Song,” and “Been Caught Stealing,” however when their time of judgment had arrived, through which to determine if they truly still invoked the Rock & Roll spirit; they had retreated to the tour bus as the lightning and drizzle pursued shortly thereafter.
It was glorious to have witnessed that they still had the passion in them, complete performance intensity assisted by the wire dancers and the screeching vocals piercing with the erudite melodies – the legendary Jane’s Addiction intact and in original form. The sad legacy left with Bethlehem was deduced to the showmanship of leaving the audience wanting more, without actually performing the allotted time. Or compensationally finding a way for the show to go on…
It is a breath of fresh air knowing that these musicians are still passionate about the message and refuge they provide their followers. The subculture that reflects freedom from social and physical oppression with a means to advocate the exercise of these unique Rock & Roll instincts. A truly eclectic referendum against what Rock & Roll has become, with a healthy dose of D.G.A.F.
The only regret one could come to attain is that they had lost an opportunity to leave their mark and solidify that they truly are what they are. A bad habit, if not an addiction, that we all wish to experience. Only time will tell if Jane’s Addiction can truly maintain the reputation that precedes them, and come through on taking the helm as one of the greatest acts to helm MusikFest.
Don’t get it twisted, Band Of Skulls is blues…
It may not be the blues one comes to identify my demographic with, being that I am an older black male; but the laments and angst of being a suburbanite resonate just the same. As the musical language barrier is dropped when the lyrics and harmonies collide to create a negro-spiritual persuasion.
I don’t know whether people fear that three British rockers, (one of them being a girl) could identify with truly having pain or heartache. Especially for any other reason than schtick. But fair credit to these musicians is due. They are far more than what their exteriors suggest. They must be internally possessed to create music in this fashion.
The oscillation of “I Know What I Am” feels all so familiar to when one barks back at those trying to define him/her. They bring an optimism that relieves the musical obligation one comes to recognize as motorcycle rock, and sprinkles gospel and reggae as a means through which to separate their classical rock structure.
It presents itself as a genuine homage to the lifestyle accessions that assert taking negative experiences and making them positive; These theories so effortlessly approached through the most aggressive and controlled sound propagation.
Being that they have yet to be knighted with the privilege as an opening act, I grew curiosity as to where the energy I see in the music videos does not translate well to the stage. Rest assured that to the precedence of importance the sound they provide is bigger than their three man army. The only thing that makes them prototypical is their rebellion without a cause; but it is these same attributes that makes one nod their head in agreement with their cause. To exert the simple sufferings one comes to be associated with in a lifetime, through a means where their expression can resonate with a truly Rock & Roll audience.
Words by Maurice Charles & photos by Timothy Becker
