brock's centre review

DAVID USHER KICKS OFF SPRING TOUR AT SOS

Author: Rebecca Lazarenko
Source: The Brock Press
URL: www.brockpress.com
Date: March 20, 2007

Usually host to the modest energy of a sit-down arena, Brock's Centre for the Arts saw a different experience at the Sean O'Sullivan Theatre in David Usher's performance on March 15.

Former Moist frontman and successful solo artist with four albums under his belt including Morning Orbit and If God Had Curves, Usher performed past hits and upcoming singles from his forthcoming release Strange Birds.

Usher's performance was preceded by Hamilton native Natasha Alexandra playing tracks from her two new releases, Behind Your Back and In Your Face. Although short on mid-song banter, Alexandra entertained with a soulful mix of Tori Amos-esque ballads and powerful lyrics.

Self-proclaiming her sound as a mix of PJ Harvey and Nine Inch Nails, Alexandra perfected her pitch at Toronto nightclubs El Macombo, C'est What and The Drake before making the move to New York City. The up-and-coming artist suggested it was a pleasure to be back in Ontario - and even more of an honour to be on the road with Usher.

Though touring solo for nearly a decade now, David Usher's performance - along with bandmates that included former Moist keyboardist Kevin Young - reflected a giddy sense of new artist excitement.

From allowing many female audience members to crowd the stage to over-the-top antics of solo sing-alongs and talking to someone's friend on a cell phone, many of Usher's onstage activities somewhat detracted from the overall experience. Many in the audience hoping to enjoy an evening of artistic entertainment found a rather disappointing display of celebrity worship.

Despite intermittent distractions, however, the musicianship of all involved was fantastic. Although the over-interaction with fans was almost off-putting for the many who remained seated, it was the musicians' inherent energy and sincere appreciation that made one overlook the overpopulated stage.

Usher performed for over an hour incorporating recent hits such as Love Will Save the Day with lesser-known tracks from Little Songs. Though penning most of the music himself, Usher shied away from integrating a Moist track or two, leaving older hits to an earlier era.

Having clearly rehearsed theatrical dance steps that were oddly robotic, but no less entertaining, Usher's performance was with no shortage of enthusiasm.

Returning for two encores, it was easy to see that few were outwardly concerned with this somewhat unusual performance and instead applauded a noteworthy experience.

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