Concert Review: The Brian Jonestown Massacre at the Roadrunner (Boston 4/1/22)
- Vinnie Stravinski
- Apr 2, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 11, 2023
While delivering their trademark swirling wall of psychedelic sound – the live version of BJM seemed to be filled with more moments of disorganization and awkward silence, than actual musical viscosity.
The trippy, psychedelic musical mind trip, known as The Brian Jonestown Massacre, has been blasting out unrestrained and unfiltered recordings for the better part of 30 years.
A late 60’s era-influenced, psychedelic, acid house “American Music Project” — The Brian Jonestown Massacre (BJM) formed in 1990 and has seen over 40 different musicians pass through its timeline. The results have been over 18 complete albums, plus various collections of compilations, live releases and singles — including a fictitious film soundtrack.
The unifying thread throughout all of it has been Anton Newcombe, the eccentric and erratic founder/songwriter/musician/frontman. (Although he rarely “fronts” the band at live shows, and prefers to stand stage left, close to his guitars.)
The brand new Roadrunner in Boston (which opened in March 2022) is a 3,500 seatless general admission live music venue and the largest of its kind in New England. This reviewer estimates that BJM and opening band Mercury Rev netted around 1,500 fans and spectators for the Friday night show.
As a dedicated BJM fan for over 10 years (yeah, I was late) this would be my first chance to see them in concert. Would they deliver the same auditory musical experience in person as they have on their albums?
If their entrance to the stage was any indicator of what was to come – probably not. With the audience settling back into the general admission space between acts and after refreshing their drinks from one of the three Roadrunner bars, BJM unceremoniously ambled onto the stage under the house lights and house music. Newcombe had to get everyone's attention, including the sound board operator by shouting, "Hey! When the band comes out, you're supposed to shut off the fucking house music!"
With hundreds of songs to their credit, no concert could possibly satisfy all fans in a 2-hour set. For this fan, and based on audience reactions, the band played only a handful of the more well-known tunes from their extensive 30-year portfolio. Kicking off the show was "We Never Had a Chance" from their most recent (and self-titled) 2019 album. Other fan favorites included "When Jokers Attack", "Drained", "Nevertheless" and "Pish".
But most of their set was made up of songs that seemed to be less recognized and received only a smattering of cheers.
BJM was able to re-create the mesmerizing wall of sound that they are known for on a few occasions – such as "Servo" and "Anenome". Once into a jam, the band felt like a cohesive, well-oiled machine, churning out melodic, sonic riffs and swirling rhythms. Punctuated by the well-crafted, endless chimes from long-standing band member and human tambourine-machine – Joel Gion.
But for most of the evening, it seemed like a dress rehearsal or band practice where seven guys just mill around and stare at their amps, or each other, and try to guess when the bridge is ending and the final verse starts.
Newcombe seemed to be perpetually confused by his own song list and in constant conversation with his guitar tech in between every song. At one point a band member yelled “just tell me which fuckin’ song we’re playing!”
Newcombe’s well known anti-society behavior and rejection of label interference with his music (leading to the creation of his own label) – might be part of the problem. Perhaps hiring some record label adults to help facilitate and manage his roadshows and live events could improve the audiences’ musical experience. Until then, fans might want to stick to their AirPods, dark rooms and favorite beverage to continue to enjoy The Brian Jonestown Massacre experience.
Check out The Brian Jonestown Massacre: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-brian-jonestown-massacre/32885261
Solid review. I'll add my two cents. The swirling psychedelic drone is like a flavor that shines when it's used periodically. I think of dozens of bands that do it and do it much, much better. In the case of BJM, after two hours of mid-tempo droning the novelty has long worn off and boredom sets in. Why that band needs three, and sometimes four, guitar players strumming simultaneously is anybody's guess. I kept wondering why Mercury Rev was opening when they are clearly the better band. Lastly, shout out to Joel G who I maintain is BJM's most charismatic member. If they had any sense, they'd make him the front man.
Thanks for the thoughtful review. As a fan of both Mercury Rev and BJM--I left the show with many emotions. The flow of the BJM show was dramatically impacted by the onstage confusion, "broken strings", and lengthy tuning between songs.
On the bright side--Mercury Rev delivered a great set!
Thanks for such an accurate and well written review. My wife and I attended the Boston show and were very disappointed by their unprofessional and chaotic performance. We were curious about what others thought about the band, and you nailed it.