more developed reaction to the APTBS show
The venue was small - 20-30ish feet wide by 40-60ish feet long. We got there early enough to find a spot on a bench (old church pew) on the wall. I had intended to get up during their set, but I just didn't have to. We bought a bag of 20 ear plugs before going, and I held off on deploying them. Then they started playing, and I really couldn't get them in fast enough. You know the points where most shows will reach an uncomfortable decibel level when the singer screams or yells or some specific jammy part of the song where the stars align and your ears hurt a little?
APTBS just stays there. One of the band builds effects pedals for guitars as his day job, so he knows a thing or two about sound, and it shows. They've also got a pretty rad low-fi dual film projector setup using cards to obscure the image like an A-B switch. It was very effective and entertaining, since the dude in the back working just as hard as the guys on stage. I approve. They ought to credit their projectionist if they haven't already.
Anyhow, earplugs in, and the music reaches a comfortable level, except for two things. First - in your chest and the fatty parts of your body you feel the bass, and certain points you feel the highs in your hair (all of your hair, such as you have it). My motherfucking eyebrows buzzed at one point. I don't know how much of this you can attribute to me being a kool-aid drinking fanboy, or maybe it's got something to do with my own personal space issues, but finally the whole thing gelled or crystalized or whatever verb you want to use and the whole thing suddenly felt way more intimate and physical. It became euphoric. Definitely a great experience.
The album is great, the mp3's available online just don't do it justice. If you can, check brainwashed.com and keep an ear out for a show near you.
APTBS just stays there. One of the band builds effects pedals for guitars as his day job, so he knows a thing or two about sound, and it shows. They've also got a pretty rad low-fi dual film projector setup using cards to obscure the image like an A-B switch. It was very effective and entertaining, since the dude in the back working just as hard as the guys on stage. I approve. They ought to credit their projectionist if they haven't already.
Anyhow, earplugs in, and the music reaches a comfortable level, except for two things. First - in your chest and the fatty parts of your body you feel the bass, and certain points you feel the highs in your hair (all of your hair, such as you have it). My motherfucking eyebrows buzzed at one point. I don't know how much of this you can attribute to me being a kool-aid drinking fanboy, or maybe it's got something to do with my own personal space issues, but finally the whole thing gelled or crystalized or whatever verb you want to use and the whole thing suddenly felt way more intimate and physical. It became euphoric. Definitely a great experience.
The album is great, the mp3's available online just don't do it justice. If you can, check brainwashed.com and keep an ear out for a show near you.