PEEPING TOM + Pigeon John @ Spectrum

By Idle Matt - Idel Minds - 04/11/2007

In the summer of 1989, while on vacation with my family in the States, I caught the video for Faith No More's "Epic" on MTV (when they actually used to play videos). From that moment on, I was a fan of not only the band, but especially of their talented and versatile -- and possibly slightly insane -- lead singer Mike Patton. I've followed Patton throughout his career and various projects: Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, Tomahawk and now his latest project entitled Peeping Tom.

Admittedly, Peeping Tom does not rank very high in my list of Patton-related bands; I've listened to the album a few times, but it never caught me. Although his vocals are great, the songs just don't hold up after repeated listening. However, fellow Idle Mind Sandré saw Peeping Tom the last time they rolled into town in 2006, and raved about it. So when the opportunity came up to review the show, I jumped at the chance.

I caught the last two songs of opener Pigeon John, and was actually quite impressed. The last song "Weight of the World" was an incredibly catchy hip-hop song with a great chorus -- one of those songs you would guiltily enjoy if you heard it on Top 40 Pop radio.

Speaking of which, Peeping Tom is purportedly Mike Patton's attempt to make a "Pop" record. Besides a few hip-hop/rap elements thrown into the mix, there's no way this would get played on Top 40 radio.

The show started with guest DJ Dan The Automator playing some atmospheric sounds on his turntables. Patton walks out, escorting vocalist Imani Coppola, and looking stylish/pimpin' in his suit, slicked back hair and hairnet. As a side note, Peeping Tom branded hairnets were on sale at the merch table, along with Peeping Tom branded binoculars, panties and mouse pads!

I really enjoyed the first half of the show; watching Mike Patton perform his vocal gymnastics is always a treat, switching between smooth crooning, screaming, and vocal sound effects. Considering they only had one album of material to play, the show was padded by solo performances by the guest musicians. The absolute highlight of the show was watching vocalist/human beatbox Butterscotch do her thing alone on stage. I have never heard anyone do the human beatbox as well as she did, or be able to sing a song while also providing the beat. Amazing.

However, about halfway through the set, I honestly began to get bored. As they did on the album, the songs performed live just didn't do it for me, and started sounding the same after a while. The rhythm section, Brooklyn-based The Dub Trio, performed a very underwhelming punk/metal instrumental song as their solo section. I've heard that they're usually quite good, but they did nothing for me on this particular night.

The most surprising thing for me was how much I didn't enjoy the banter. When Patton wants to, he can be incredibly funny. On this night, he started grating on my nerves after four or five songs. There's only so many times someone should ask "are you having good time Montreal???". The crowd answered you the first time, give it up. Also, his rap persona that he's donned for Peeping Tom is just not that entertaining to me, although I did like the fact that he wore a -- I believe -- fake bullet-proof vest for most of the show. Also, pouring some liquor on the ground in honour of the soon-to-be-departed Spectrum concert venue was pretty funny, in a bittersweet kind of way (I'm really going to miss the Spectrum. Good times.)

I was also a little disappointed that Dan The Automator didn't solo on the turntables. In the scheme of things, it wasn't the worst concert I've been too -- Arctic Monkeys have that honour) -- but if I had to sum it up in one word, it'd be "meh". It just didn't move me as a concert should. On the other hand, I do now have that hairnet I always wanted.

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