INDIANAPOLIS MUSIC - review of Devival

Concert Review
Indyvival - Apr 20 @ Radio Radio
Copy/pics by Dustin Gyzm
As musicians, we never seem to be on time for anything. This night was no different as I pull into my "secret" parking spot at Radio, Radio. When I exit the car, I can already hear what sounds like a Sunday sermon going on inside the club. This show, quite possibly, took more research then anything else I've explored. Music is so much easier to understand. This was so much more then music, this was a whole way of thought. This was the Church of the SubGenius.

Upon entering Radio, Radio I was pleasantly surprised at the turn-out for this event. I, obviously, wasn't the only curious person in town. Papa Joe Mama was on-stage, in his trademark Nazi uniform, speaking about current political trends after 9-11. I scurried to get a beer, as quickly as I could and joined the others sitting in the middle of the dancefloor at Radio, Radio. What an unusual feeling it was sitting there in the middle of the dancefloor, listening to someone speak about political and social scenarios, in a music geared venue.

After Papa Joe, DJ Sellyout AKA stallio!, played his brand of "anti-music". It was comprised of a blend of experimental and noise that wore hard on this DJ's ears. I think it's safe to say that was the intended result of the music he played. The most positive thing I can find to say about the performance is that it was short. I was thankful for this, after witnessing the next attraction, Crimson Mane.

Right from the start, when they dragged a Jesus looking character to the stage and placed him over the wooden X , I knew I was going to be offended by this performance. Most of the Church of the Subgenius seems to be a mockery of Christianity to me as it is. That doesn't offend me, I feel it needs poked fun at. But, Crimson Mane went for the gusto right from the start and then failed miserably to back it up in any way, shape, or fashion. Two girls rushed out to "save" Jesus and were taken into custody by the mean guys in black that meant harm to Jesus. The girls were then traded back and forth between the evil duo for what seemed like forever.

I won't even go into all the details of the debauchery. I will just say this: If you going to attempt to shock me, then don't hold back. If you are going to be on-stage whipping a girl for 20 minutes, I want to see blood, sweat and welts. I want to hear screaming at the top of your prisoner's lungs. Then, I will walk away impressed with the manner in which you have shocked me. Do not send a large assed man in skin tight leather pants to whip a girl for 20 minutes unless you intend to do some damage. If you are going to shock me by using Jesus, then you better really shock me. Only then, will I be truly impressed with your performance.

Rev. Ivan Stang finally came and rescued us, demanding we think about deeper things. His half hour sermon about all of the ways of the Church of the SubGenius was absolutley stellar. The social and political commentary mixed with the comedic approach reminded me of a few great minds of our time: Bill Mahre and Dennis Miller, specifically. Rev. Ivan Stang was the highlight of the evening, in my opinion. His wise words transcended many parts of life and our world. I could have listened to this man speak all night.

Saint"N and Sista Hellena Handbasket rounded out the evening with her mix of Church favorites. Mostly covers, but still her own, Sista ran threw songs like REM's, The End of the World and other motif fulfilling numbers. If I had only heard a recording of this number, I would have sworn she was on-stage with a lyric sheet reading along to the music. I witnessed it, however, and there was no sheet. I strongly encourage Sista to look into buying some emotion.

Indy has become a very tough crowd from a musical standpoint. We expect so much more from our musical acts. Yet, Indyvival was so much more then the music, or Crimson Mane. Indyvival was an introduction to the Church of the SubGenius, an introduction to Bob. Indyvival was an experience that I would attend again and again, if given the oppurtunity. - Gyzm

Back to document index

Original file name: Indyvival-review fro.txt - converted on Thursday, 29 May 2003, 16:43