Firstly, I want to start by saying Say Anything killed it. They played an amazing show, had incredible energy, showed great variety in their setlist and played a pretty long set.

This posting is about the ridiculous sound provided by Clutch Cargo. Absolutely shameful. Maxs vocals were hardly audible unless he was in his screaming voice. There was no kick drum, didn't hear a single kick all night unless there were no guitars playing. The guitars were a melded hodgepodge with no discernation between one or another to create a constant buzz with only the bass guitar providing any sense of scaling or chord change. The only instrument which was plainly clear all night was the cymbals. I've heard better sound at the Flint Local 432.

I haven't been out to a show since the Small Brown Bike reunion in Hamtramck over a year ago and I am by no means a music snob(for petes sake three of my favorite bands are Cradle of Filth, Say Anything and Lifetime yet just two weeks ago I picked up the newest Beyonce and Black Eyed Peas and like them very much). I think it's pretty safe to say my tastes span pretty well musically speaking. But I couldn't help but feel how out of touch I was with the crowd at the show. The crowd went off!! It was as if they had no sense of how bad the sound was handled, they just belted all night long and represented Michigan well. I didn't have it in me, I love all the songs they played but still left the show feeling ripped off and completely underwelmed by one of my favorite bands due in no part to their efforts/abilities.

During the last song of the encore Max removed his innerears and I couldn't help but wonder if he was getting a sense of how fucked the mix was. If he did, it didn't show and good on him for keeping on.

They were very gracious as a band throughout the night and I can only hope their next trip to Michigan either includes a different venue such as St.Andrews or at least sound guys with a clue as to how a good mix is accomplished.

-- Posted from my iPhone