REVIEW BY LAUREN LOYA
A glance to the left reveals a gentleman with a sudden urge to robot dance. To the right, a 40-something woman clad in leopard print squeezes her massive tits and bobs around happily. A vampire wannabe in a trenchcoat lurks near the bar, thirsty for victims but distracted by pulsating beats emanating from the stage. Not far ahead, a swirling assemblage of people lose control of their bodies. All are seduced by the force that is the Crystal Method.
Made up of partners Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland, this electronic twosome released its fourth album, Divided by Night, on May 12 of this year. It features a smattering of guest artists such as Peter Hook of New Order, Matisyahu, and Justin Warfield of She Wants Revenge, to name a few. Formed in the early 1990s, the Crystal Method quickly gained popularity in L.A.'s rave scene. Their debut LP, Vegas, made them one of the best-selling electronic bands in the U.S. The success didn't stop there, as they continued to draw fans with Tweekend (2001) and Legion of Boom (2004). A unique fusion of rock, hip-hop, soul and pop, there seems to be something for everyone -- hence the variety of people at this show at the Beaumont.
Opening Act LA Riots has its moments, but most of the growing crowd save their dance juice for TCM. Before appearing on stage, the Method's new single "Drown in the Now" blasts through the speakers. Seeing them for the first time, it feels like I've been sucked through a vortex, ending up at some psychedelic space club. Waves of liquid vibrations heat up to orgasmic heights and explode into euphoria. Kaleidoscopic rays beam across the audience, and a circular screen displays trippy visuals.
Images of windmills flash by, symbolizing the band's support of renewable and sustainable energy sources. Positive vibes surround me as I inch closer to the stage, receiving random high fives. The crowd is loving every minute. Ravers mingle with grinding couples and mesmerized fans. Some stand motionless in a trance-like state, simply in awe. Others are jerked around by invisible puppet strings.
The overall experience is exhilarating. Stellar lights and visuals contribute to an exceptional performance. The duo prove to be energetic and friendly with the crowd, obviously enjoying what they do. The audience clearly loves Kirkland's synthesized vocals. A few songs from the latest album are thrown in among older favorites. Finishing their encore with "Busy Child" and "Trip Like I Do," TCM leaves the building shaking with intensity.
I have to wonder now whether listening to their CDs might be a disappointment after attending a show this enjoyable. Not familiar with the band, I was skeptical upon arrival, wondering if I would be bombarded with generic techno. Each song left me more impressed, with fresh new twists and flavors.
Genuinely satisfied, I leave the club deaf and in high spirits.
Set List:
Dark Knight
Divide By Night
Roll it Up
Vapor Trail
Bad Ass
Bound Too Long
Double Down Under
Come Back Clean
Blow Out
Cherry Twist
High Roller
Wild Sweet and Cool
Born Too Slow
Now is the Time
Keep Hope Alive
Busy Child
Trip Like I Do
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