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October 17th 2003 Good Hurt Freak Circle took the stage and right away I could tell something was wrong. I was unable to hear the bass guitar and the bass drum. I have seen this band perform many times and I know this is not normal, in-fact it was sad! The quality was killed by bad mixing. I counted 4 bodies yet only heard 2 1/2 (no bass guitar and a partial drum set). I was able to enjoy the set knowing the ability and talent were there (however muted and tweaked by the sound mixer). Once the sound was finally set up decently the show did kick ass! Unfortunately most of the pictures turned out as well as the sound and were placed in the round file under my desk. 3D Arson took the stage having more sound problems than Freak Circle and still proceeded to put on a good show. I could tell by the way this band was playing that they have talent and quality (just didn't have sound). The lead singer was able to keep up a calm exterior with the numerous sound problems (such as no sound or speakers buzzing instead of playing) constantly barraging them. The Elvis impersonation was funny (while standing on a speaker assembly) along with the price is right mockery at the poor sound mixer's expense. When the sound was fully present (and not distorted) this band kicked ass! After the show I spoke with a few of the members and considering the BS they had to endure, they were still pleasant to talk with. Both bands put on a great show and neither let the sound misfortunes destroy them as they contend with one sound defect after another. The quality, ability and great stage presence were present in both bands. Good Hurt (yes the venue). I was astounded by the set up for this show. The small mixing board was on a portable table and the lighting controls are in the closet behind the sound station. Once a band started to play I was forcibly reminded why venues have a sound check before any patrons are allowed in. The usual problems were missing instruments, commonly the bass drum and bass guitar. I have never been to a magic music show (must have been as the instrument sounds kept disappearing and re-appearing constantly). The mixing tech had his hands full as speakers buzzed, squelched and distorted. I couldn't help but to notice that the poor guy moved controls like he was a DJ at a hip hop show and running around the stage trying to figure things out. Dude, one word.... "slowly"! My interpretation of "good hurt" is when your ears hurt, you leave and say "good, silence". I have minimal sound experience however I do know that with my ability I would want to have some one who has experience sit with me and make sure I don't look like a monkey. While I was having my ears assaulted by the distorted sound my eyes were burning and when I looked to the ceiling I noticed numerous sheets of drywall screwed in place with many areas of insulation visible. The sound had to have been knocking fiberglass fibers loose causing the burning sensation I was feeling (I don't want to think about the fibers I inhaled). Anyone who has had the misfortune of dealing with fiberglass knows it is a skin, eye and mucous membrane irritant. Someone let me know when this venue gets it together. On the positive side, the two pool tables were free to use, the staff was friendly and there were interesting furnishings present. ***PHOTOS NOT AVAILABLE***
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