KMTT Deck the Hall Ball -- You Know, For Kids!

At the Key Arena, of all places, KMTT (The End) held its annual Deck the Hall Ball. To reflect its new format (i.e. less Linkin Park, more Killers... or something to that effect), the lineup this year was an indie heavyweight blowout, featuring Snow Patrol, Keane, The Shins, The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, and local boys made good, Modest Mouse.

So seriously, Key Arena? KEY ARENA?!? Come on, people. When it was called the Coliseum, we knew the accoustics were horrific in there for shows. Just because Key Bank spent some money to change its name doesn't mean the accoustics have improved at all. And plus, it's just huge. I think KMTT would have served its listeners much better by holding this event in the more intimate Paramount or even the Moore. Yea, less people could have attended and it wouldn't have been GA, but would that have been so bad? At least we could have seen these bands as they're meant to be seen... in a theater atmosphere with a design built for accoustics. The Key Arena is a basketball stadium, seriously.

Snow Patrol, from Scotland, hit the stage first and shocked the heck out of people who had just heard their single, "Run," on MTV2, which was most of the very very very underage audience. All around us I could hear people saying, "wow they're much harder live than I would have expected." Basically Snow Patrol are a band best served live. Gary Lightbody's voice translates beautifully when you're hearing him singing in front of you... recorded he sounds breathy and affected. Live he sounds strong and powerful. They showed off their chops and really kicked off the whole evening on a high note.

Next was Keane, from England. The crowd was a bit confused as to who Keane actually were, but that didn't stop these three guys, one on drums, one on piano, and one voice, from putting everything they had into the performance. At one point I thought Tim Rice-Oxley, pianist/songwriter, was going to just launch off his chair and spiral into the audience, he was rocking out so hard. Frontman Tom Chaplin's voice was as transcendant as ever, with the new effects at the end of their traditional closer, "Bedshaped," being so breathtakingly beautiful that I think I lost conciousness for a minute there. If the crowd hadn't heard of Keane before, they certainly know who they are now.

Coming up next were The Shins, from New Mexico and Portland, the nicest band in rock. They are truly The Band Who Will Do Your Chores. Instead of the typical roadies setting up the stage for them, the guys walked on and tuned their own instruments. Most of the audience (did I mention they were very very very underage? Yea) had no idea who they were as they tuned their guitars, did their mic checks, and wandered around, stopping every once in a while to wave at the crowd. It was beyond cool. As with Keane, I don't think the crowd really got who The Shins are. They are not a barnstorming live act, and I think they were much too "indie" for the crowd. The lyrics are practically unsingable, as they're so intelligent and verbose, there's not a whole lot to grasp on to. Also, James Mercer has a very small voice. The juxtaposition between Tom Chaplin's strong, soaring, clear vocals and Mercer's small, quiet voice was a little too obvious. They seemed to be swallowed by the enormity of Key Arena, which is really a shame. Basically they were in the exact wrong place in the lineup - they should have been first, but having them on 3rd just highlighted their obvious differences from the other acts, and it lost any momentum Snow Patrol and Keane had gained with the audience.

After The Shins, again highlighting the weirdness of the lineup order, came The Killers, from Las Vegas, of all places. This was very much a Killers crowd. Everyone literally lost their minds when The Killers took the stage. The floor was PACKED, and people were just freaking out. The Killers were flawless. All wearning red velvet blazers, white shirts, and little skinny black ties, with their rinestone encrusted synthesizer center stage, they brought the 80s with a vengeance. Frontman Brandon Flowers strutted and showed a bit too much attitude and too little emotion, but that voice was really flawless as they blazed through a set which included their hits (and crowd favorites), "Somebody Told Me," and "Mr. Brightside." It was, without a doubt, a blistering set.

Coming up next were Franz Ferdinand, from Scotland. Franz Ferdinand has released probably the most important indie record of the year, and have become one of the most respected acts in music. If you put the Plimsouls, Haircut 100, and Roxy Music in a blender, basically what you would pour out is Franz Ferdinand. I know it sounds weird, but trust me. It works. I had heard they put on an amazing live show, but nothing prepared me for what I was about to see. Their amps were all color-coordinated, in a tasteful burnt orange, and they all came out, skinny ties, skinny legs, and silky shirts. They were simply a joy to watch. They were one of those rare acts that you wish would never end. Onstage their a bit reminiscent of DEVO, with their jerky dancing and marching around. They have this way of connecting with a crowd that's just rare these days... they're all energy and loungey, sexy humor, and somehow actually come off as rock gods, even though they're skinny little white kids from Scotland. Although I was nervous that Franz wouldn't be able to hold the crowd after The Killers, they worked their asses off and maintained the energy level into Modest Mouse.

Speaking of Modest Mouse, I have to be honest. I don't like their music, so I didn't stay past my bedtime to see them. Come on, give me a break. I'm no spring chicken, and I had to get up early the next day.

On the whole, the show was a smashing success. The only real complaints I have were the choice of venue (sooooo not right for bands of this style. It just doesn't work) and the order of the lineup. The lineup itself, with the exception of Modest Mouse, I could not have wished for in my wildest dreams. It was just unbelievable. But next time, I think maybe the organizers should actually listen to the music and order the bands accordingly. Snow Patrol is not an opening band. They rip the place up, as anyone who has seen them live can attest. The Shins, with a lineup like this, most definitely are an opener. And The Killers should have followed Franz Ferdinand, not vice versa. You know, stuff like that. Otherwise? Good on ya, KMTT. Your first Deck the Hall Ball with the new format worked! People like you! They really like you!