Morning:
8°c
André Paine's rating
Jet-lagged Jakes are less than impressive
By
André Paine
12 Sep 2007
There has been a growing trend for bands playing albums in their entirety, with the current Don't Look Back series recreating classics by The House of Love and Sonic Youth.
However, ska-punk veterans Less Than Jake badly mishandled the concept at the disastrous opening of a six-night run. Surely the loyal followers down the front who actually bought a £76 "season ticket" won't be able to endure another five shows?
The first of six albums to get an outing this week was 2003's Anthem. But it was a listless performance, almost entirely lacking the furious energy the Florida band - including a duo on trombone and saxophone - are supposedly able to summon.
This sort of music needs to combust on stage but vocalists Chris Demakes and Roger Manganelli performed as if suffering from jet lag. A few fans jumped around and sang along dutifully, but there was never much of a real connection.
"Maybe it's because it's a Tuesday but you guys are pretty quiet," said a slightly desperate Demakes. When he noted that the security guards hadn't been troubled by the crowd all night, it felt like an admission of defeat.
The questionable humour didn't help, with Manganelli and Demakes a pretty lame double act, claiming they had demanded a strip search from a "hot customs girl" in London.
There were glimmers of hope during the power pop of Escape From the A-Bomb House and Less Than Jake have written some decent tunes. But it was hard to escape the feeling we had been short-changed: in the US, they had their own game show theme with fans invited to spin a wheel to decide which album would be played that night.
Sadly, this was a no-frills affair - but it had a twist. When they finished the album, Demakes suddenly revealed he'd been wearing a shaggy brown wig, and the band exploded into life as he exposed his spiky blond hair.
It wasn't enough but they seemed more at ease and the finale of All My Best Friends are Metalheads had everyone dancing. They should play it first tonight.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (6)
My girlfriend and I came up to stay in London to watch all 6 nights of Less Than Jake. It was one of the best weeks ever. The whole crowd sang along all night, every night, for 6 nights in a row. And a huge percentage of the crowd actually attended all 6 nights and came away every night grinning.
Less Than Jake hit the spot. It was a punk gig. They're going to make stupid jokes. Half the point is that it's stupid and not funny.
Less Than Jake were awesome. All 6 nights. I was surprised and impressed by them. Their ability to carry off their songs live is equal to any punk band I've seen, perhaps only Green Day surpassing them.
As I said at the beginning, one of the best weeks ever. The band took a gamble playing all 6 albums, and it's nice to see a band doing something innovative rather than just churning out the hits in he biggest possible venue for the highest price ticket - which is what most bands do.
Thank you Less Than Jake.
- Nick, Brighton, UK, 23/09/2007 19:02
Report abuse
I was amazed by the energy; the devotion of fans; the stamina of both band and fans. They renewed my spirit of all the albums they have ever written (and reminded me they were phenomenal) and showed me the real side of the new songs. I had such a wicked time, despite tearing a ligament in my ankle on Friday and spending the finale weekend on crutches, I was happy and I felt young and stupid again, and I will cherish the memories of that week forever. I concur: Long live LTJ!
- Reeb A Ford, London, England, 19/09/2007 20:40
Report abuse
OMG thats so funny, of course they were jet lagged, duh! The crowd exploded on the first track.
The best part was the anticipation of those first few notes that would denote which album it would be each night!
Yeah it wasn't like the early days but the live scene has changed, crowd surfing is generally frowned upon and I myself was beaten up by two security guards just for getting on the stage. It'll never be like the 90s again, but hey these dudes have been doing it for over a decade and they still do it better and faster than any of their peers from the same era!
- Ali, Nottingham, UK, 19/09/2007 13:06
Report abuse
That show was insane. I flew all the way from Florida for 6 nights of LTJ heaven and I got it. Anyone who didn't enjoy themselves either hates LTJ or is deaf. Great shows, great fun, and I made a ton of great friends. London is amazing but so is Less Than Jake!
- Jt, Orlando, FL, USA, 18/09/2007 19:04
Report abuse
I was one of those season ticket fans down the front, and I can honestly say that whoever reviewed this gig was NOT at the same show I was! It was one of the most amazing nights, a great opening for the whole week. I'm sad it's over, it was the greatest week ever. long live LTJ!
- Sye, Aberdeen, 18/09/2007 16:04
Report abuse
Fantastic as per usual opening with one of their best albums. Plenty of energy, can't wait for the next show!
- Lucy, Essex, 12/09/2007 22:14
Report abuse
