The awe of the Fugazi film ‘Instrument’, kept me from arriving on time to view the opening act, Starboard. But from all reports, the crowd that had assembled early enjoyed their set.



Death Cab For Cutie is a band from Seattle, who I assume popped up after the grunge revolution took a backward seat to commercial punk rock. I suspect some of the crowd, who looked like extra’s from the 1996 Seattle music scene documentary, ‘Hype’ were expecting something closer to Kurt Cobain then what they got.

Not having ever heard of Death Cab For Cutie before this tour, the slate was clear. While I will not be rushing out to buy their albums, those in the know quite enjoyed their set.

When one knows nothing about a band, it is best to gauge the reaction of those who do. While such an observation may lead to accusations of bands infallibility among its audience, the fans of Death Cab were greeted the end of each song with rapturous applause, and treated the performance as something more then ‘just another fucking gig’ (Bette Davis). On stage, the band were in good humour, and actually looked pleased to be here. Upon completion of their set, the act received an elongated applause. Apparently, their solo show at the Annandale the following night sold out, so obviously they made an impression. Selling out the Annandale is an achievement for a well known band, so for a virtually unknown act to do it means they must have hit the right nerves.