LIVE: Finger Eleven

Lee's PalaceToronto, ONJuly 5, 2000Review By: Amanda KowalFinger Eleven impressed the hell out of me and a few hundred people at Lee's Palace last night. They came out, the place was quiet, and to tell you the truth, almost every person kept complete focus on the stage. I couldn't help but notice the stage presence they had. I mean, I've heard stories and I saw the video shoot for their new single "Drag You Down," but what glorifies this band so much is the way they perform. It's frustrating when I go to a concert and try to listen to a band play, but can't understand anything that's coming out of the amps. Most of the time all I hear is a really loud, piercing guitar and mumbling over the microphone. Finger Eleven defied that sound as they played an array of songs from their sophomore album, The Greyest of Blue Skies. The show gave friends and fans a little taste of what to expect from the boys before the July 25 release. Not only was the sound dazzling, but the guys also have incredible charismatic personalities. The audience stared in awe with their eyes glued to each of their favourite band members. I kept my distance from the front and laid low as a bunch of buff guys sprang up and down, pushed each other from side to side to create a semi-mosh pit. The hardcore penetration of Scott's vocals and the turbulent resonance of the rest of the band drove those buff guys mildly insane. Like all concerts, the crowd showed excitement for the familiar, radio friendly songs, "Drag You Down," "Quicksand" and "Tip."