A PERFECT CIRCLE: THIRTEENTH STEP 2003-2004
WASHINGTON, D.C. [9:30 CLUB]
8.2.03
By Mandy
I recently (08/02/03) saw APC at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. and without being too God-awful wordy, I'm going to make an attempt to tell you what I think/saw...
First on the agenda, but not in order of importance - "Pigmy Love Circus"... incredible sound and barely recognizable lyrics made this "Radiohead meets Lynyrd Skynyrd" kind of disturbing. The band showed a ballsy stage presence, but I was almost embarrassed for the lead singer. He donned a clown mask at one point, which was like watching a lost "Insane Clown Posse" member in bib overhauls spouting jibberish about being "the band from the Appalachian Mountains". (You see where this is headed, right?) My point is, APC did a great job if their intent was to not be undermined by their opening act. I was actually shocked and somewhat appalled member that Danny Carey from TOOL would be their producer, given the nature of his own talent.
After standing in the club for almost 2 1/2 hours, sweating my ass off in this overcrowded cluster-fuck of a club in the middle of the ghetto and while trying to avoid wretched smell of the pig standing next to me, we were finally graced with APC's presence...
The lighting was fabulous - the sight and sounds were surreal, and when Maynard broke into song, I forgot where the hell I was and it all became clear to me - this would be one, if not the best show I had ever been to in my life. Jeordie White was incredible, though like others, I was skeptic of his having replaced Paz. Obviously she didn't leave shoes too big to be filled by that of Jeordie because he was and is a phenomenonal bass player. I would like to note, however, J.W. seemed a slightly out of his element without the bravado of make-up and costume from earlier Manson days, but managed to pull it all off unscathed. James Iha's talent intwerwoven with that of Billy Howerdel was a genius move on APC's behalf, and Josh's drumming was so fucking intense, an octopus would've had a hard time keeping up. Maynard moved in a way that was hypnotic, almost trance-like to the onlooker - powerful in voice - poetic in motion - he was at the center of the stage like the proverbial eye of the storm.
In summary, all I can say is, anyone who hasn't had the fortunate opportunity or privilege to see APC in concert is missing out in the worst way and should be willing to forego any itinerary (including emergency surgery) if it doesn't include seeing APC.