Singer/guitarist Chris Trapper went onstage dressed to impress. But he soon discarded his blazer and tie in order to enthusiastically run and jump across the stage, and he left with his dress shirt completely drenched in sweat.
A sustained keyboard note paved the way for Athenaeum. The still-hungry crowd greeted the local heroes with roars and applause.
From the beginning of its set, it was obvious the band would depend on the power of the songs rather than on a unique or distinguishing stage presence. Arrangements were very similar to those on the band's two albums, Athenaeum and Radiance.
While they didn't change too much from their studio incarnations, the songs were indisputable in their power. The emotional zenith of the show was "Sweeter Love," a dark and effective number that frontman Mark Kano sang with intensity to spare.
A welcome detour from the onslaught of power during the main set, the first song of the encore was a solo acoustic tune by guitarist Mike Garrigan. As he sat and softly strummed, the crowd became silent and stood in rapt attention.
The rest of the band returned for the remainder of the encore and brought the music back to loud guitar interplay and hammering rhythms.
While the band certainly didn't disappoint, the overall lack of innovation rendered the music slightly unremarkable. The group stuck to the steady pace and jangly guitars of today's typical power pop.
Athenaeum is a tight, musically competent band that has written some very good songs. But judging from this show, it will be hard for it to launch itself above the rest in the sphere of live rock.
The Arts & Entertainment Editor can be reached at artsdesk@unc.edu.
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