The Faint
The Glass House
November 21, 2012
If there's one thing you need to know about The Faint and their fans it's this: they know how to have fun. Whether they were touring in support of their acclaimed album, Danse Macabre, 11 years ago or playing it in its entirety today, both singer Todd Fink and his band use the stage as their dance floor and their audience follows suit. Last night at The Glass House was no different.
The Omaha, Nebraska-based quartet took a three-year hiatus to work on side projects and earlier this month embarked on a nation-wide tour celebrating its 2001 masterpiece, Danse Macabre. However, even though the tour centers around this record, it only accounts for about half of the band's set. Before delving into the album, the dance-rockers warmed up their audience with a brand new song called “Unseen Hand,” tracks off 2004's Wet From Birth (“Dropkick The Punks,” “Desperate Guys,”) and 1999's Blank-Wave Arcade (“Victim Convenience”). As soon as the first chord was struck, Fink let loose, flailing about the stage. The crowd mimicked the singer, losing all inhibitions and letting the music take control. By the time the band decided to begin playing its celebrated album in its entirety, the audience wasn't even phased, pleased to hear anything from its repertoire.
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“So, this is the album,” Fink muttered quietly and quickly before diving into Danse Macabre's opener, “Agenda Suicide.” As soon as the band began to play the song, Tetris-like projectors sprung to life, illuminating abstract images at the back of the stage. Though the audience knew what was coming next, it cheered for each song as if it were a surprise as the group used the opportunity to play songs it has rarely (or in some cases never) performed in a live setting. But The Faint successfully hid any inexperience as they executed each track without hesitation or flaw, proving that even after a few years of quiet time, they still had what it takes to put on a spectacular show.
“That was the end of our album, Danse Macabre,” Fink said after the last note of “Ballad of a Paralysed Citizen,” rang through the venue, “but we still have a few more for you.” Eight to be exact. The band ran through selections chosen from its discography and another new song, “Evil Voices.” By the time the four-piece began its last song, “Paranoiattack,” nearly every person in The Glass House was dancing, welcoming The Faint back from a long hibernation.
Critical Bias: The Faint's still got it.
The Crowd: Fans ready to get their dance on.
Overheard in the Crowd: “This is so much fuuuun!”
Random Notebook Dump: There's just something about The Faint that makes even the most introverted fans come out of their shells.
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