Static-X, The Aphex Theory, Deadsy

The Palace

September 1st

Most people leave town on Labor Day weekend but not us.  The BiteMe! Squad usually sticks around to see what good bands are going to be in town.  This year it happened to be Static-X.  I’ve lost track of just how many times I’ve seen these guys, but it doesn’t matter because I just can’t get enough of ‘em.

Deadsy was the opener, and we made it a point to miss them.  After getting an advance copy of their never-to-be released debut for Elektra records many years ago we’ve avoided them like Sunday mass.  Who knows, the band may have improved since then but their CD traumatized us so much we don’t want to risk finding out.

We did manage to catch The Aphex Theory, which was a mistake only because the band missed sound check and we had to sit through their annoying roadie pretending to be Mr. Rockstar for 20 minutes.  Message to geek roadie: “Testes, testes,” is sooooooo not funny.  It might have been when you were twelve but not anymore.  We weren’t the only ones annoyed with this guy.  The crowd booed him off the stage and cheered when he finally left.  If there are any aspiring roadies out there, please contact The Aphex Theory ASAP!  Needless to say, The Aphex Theory got off to a slow start.  Their heavy employment of Mediterranean melodies called to mind System Of A Down, and their driving grooves reminded me of Disturbed.  We didn’t stay for their entire set because roadie geek sat down in the row behind us, so we had to exit for the bar in order to restrain from beating the crap out of him.

By the time Static-X took the stage I was ready to let loose.  The rambunctious unit always puts on a high-octane show and tonight was no exception.  Bassist Tony Campos chopped off his long death metal-ish locks and looked much younger with his newly shaved head.  Ken Jay also had a new look—he’s no longer blonde but he can still pound those skins with an impressive machine-like precision.  Koichi is gone, and in his place is ex-Dope ax slinger Tripp Eisen.  With his aggro-industrial look and style, Tripp fits in like a glove.  His enthusiastic performance made it obvious that he felt comfortable in his new home. 

The show began with “A Dios Alma Perdida” and from there it was a high-voltage mix of old and new.  Wayne and crew maintained a strong and vibrant energy throughout the set.  Their energy did not dissipate.  Static-X was tight.  The members bounced and thrashed to the crushing metallic beats without missing a note.  As a whole they are a confident and professional outfit.  Their songs have power, which makes the band even more captivating to watch.  The night ended with and explosive rendition of “Wisconsin Death Trip,” that left the crowd foaming at the mouth.

Afterwards, the band held a little meet and great backstage for their fans.  We hung around for a bit and listened to the kids swap stories of their favorite Static-X shows while they waited for a chance to say “Hi” to their heroes and get an autograph.  -NIN