LIVE: The Breeders Brave Blizzard For "Experiment"
Monday March 10, 2008 @ 03:00 PM
By: ChartAttack.com Staff

March 8, 2008
Phoenix Concert Theatre
Toronto, Ontario
By Matt Littlefair

"What? Aren't you people at home? It's a fucking blizzard!" implored Breeders guitarist/vocalist Kelley Deal very early in their set on Saturday night. The Phoenix was far from packed, but those who fought through the driving snow knew exactly why they were there: to see one of indie rock's seminal acts, reportedly back at the top of their game. That, and a persistent, nagging fear that you might not get another chance to see a band as tempestuous and frustrating as The Breeders.

The Breeders took to stage, looking less punk rock and more like the denizens of your local Tim Hortons. Nevertheless, the band were in fine form as they jumped into new material right from the get-go. The perpetually smiling Deal sisters and company started off with "Overglazed," the opening track from their forthcoming effort, Mountain Battles. The track's simple repeated refrain, "I can feel it," was drenched in glorious reverb as it floated over top of the rushing guitar riffs.

Kelley let everyone know we were part of a Breeders set list experiment on a number of occasions. Nobody cared, though. If anything, they seemed honoured to be part of a snow day rejig. When Kelley meekly said she thought The Breeders were doing "OK" so far, the crowd erupted. In truth, the band were miles better than just "OK." They looked like they were having a great time as they offered up a good portion of Mountain Battles, even though it won't hit stores for almost a month. Some cuts worked better than others, like the driving "Bang On" and off-kilter "German Studies," while the Spanish lyrics of the quietly strummed "Regalame Esta Noche" were slightly tiresome. Naturally, the hugest groundswell of audience elation was reserved for the classic "Cannonball," which razed the Phoenix about halfway through the set.

Lead singer/guitarist Kim Deal and her twin sister Kelley concluded the main portion of the 65 minute set without the help of their bandmates. Kim had an acoustic guitar and Kelley provided the harmony on the dulcet and affecting "Here No More."

Having done away with the suspense of "Will they or won't they come back out?" (a roadie had quickly emerged to tune guitars when the band first left the stage) people roared as they perched on the toes of their sodden and frigid footwear. The band returned to the stage and unleashed "Only In 3's" and "Fortunately Gone" to the by-now rapturous bunch. Everyone in attendance could now rest easy in the knowledge that regardless of what happens from here, they've seen The Breeders. The band are back in fine form, and maybe, just maybe, better than they've ever been.