Just over 100 people have shown up for an unpublicized and somewhat intimate show at Mrs. Robinson's, a bar the size of most people's basement. There is increased tension during the 30 min wait after the opening act, Slaves on Dope, have played and left the crowd in an unsatisfied and anxious state. The lights dim and the feedback and the beginning of "Surefire" begins to spit out of the amps. The noise continues to get louder when with a sudden burst of energy the band explodes into the first track off of their new album. The guitars reverberate off every wall, hitting the crowd from every angle as everyone bursts into a moshing frenzy. At the end of what seems like an awakening of the crowd, starts the low and haunting guitar riffs at the beginning of "Elegant". Trevor Hurst soars around the stage feeding off of the crowd's energy. As the song closes Hurst humbly thanks the crowd and announces their third song of the night, "Home." The guitars continue to thunder as the first single off thier new album is played. Next comes an aggressive version of "Hollowman" with preeceding complaints from Hurst over technical probelms with the mike. Hurst then with a hint of irony asks the crowd if they've heard of the new cd and announces the title track, "the Devil You Know". After an amazing performance of the song that signifies the talent of Econoline Crush as a live act, the new comer fans are satisfied with "All that You Are"; the only song that seems to get constant much music airplay and has given the band a small taste of fame. Hurst earns quick popularity with the crowd after the song as he adds "I Love Kitchener!" The small interlude of somewhat laid back material is short lived as the band bursts into "Sparkle and Shine." The crowd is re-energized by the surge of angst emitting from the stage as not a single person is left standing still. The entire club transforms into a wave of energy totally in synchranization. In between songs Trevor comments on how amazed he is with the craziness of the crowd as they start into "Razorblades and Bandaides." Every word that Hurst utters during the song seems to be filled with emotion as it becomes evident that their is underlying frustration present. The height of his catharsis comes when he hollars "Kill the Magic, Suck the life out..." After a short silence the first song from a previous album is played. TDM, a song from the Purge EP seems to catch everyone off guard as the police officer sample permeates from the stage. Their is again a short silence after the song, when Trevor suddenly screames "Wicked" as the band begins to play the hit from their first LP, Affliction. Next comes a trashing version of Blunt which leaves the crowd thursting for more as the band leaves thre stage. The crowd continues to scream for 5 minutes when the band reappears and thrusts into a high voltage version of "Nowhere Now". This was the peak of high energy and appreciation for the band as the diehard fans begin to sing the words to the surprise of Hurst. After many thanks to the crowd, Hurst annonces the next song, a cover of a Killing Joke song that appeared on Purge called Pssyche. This is definately a trreat for all fans of the band. I for one was not expecting this song to be played. It seemed to be a fitting ending to a show that will remain in my memory for a very long time.
By: Roger Gilbert
A setlist for this show can be seen here.