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Words by: Lisa Oshlo :: Images by Tobin Voggesser
Polytoxic :: 04.01.06 :: Gothic Theatre :: Denver, CO
The Folksmen :: 04.01 |
Those that made it out to Denver's Gothic Theatre on April 1st were treated to one of the most complete sensory experiences in recent years. Polytoxic put on a multimedia presentation of the legendary film Spinal Tap, complete with movie snippets, variant stages, and visually impressive props.
The evening began with a performance by the "opening band," which was actually Polytoxic in one of their many incarnations of the evening. The Folksmen got the crowd going, some of whom were dressed up in their '80s finest in honor of the headlining band.
Polytoxic :: 04.01 |
From the start the production value was high, and musically, Polytoxic did not disappoint. The band came out looking every inch the part in tight pants, mullet wigs, and muttonchops, kicking off the show with a rousing performance of "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You." The guitars were loud and shredding, and the band was clearly having fun. The energy remained high throughout choice clips from the movie, which were projected on a giant screen behind the band. Meanwhile, Polytoxic moved easily between the main stage, where they performed as Spinal Tap, and a makeshift stage on the upper balcony, where peripheral music from the movie ("Gimme Some Money," "Cups and Cakes," "All the Way Home," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Flower People," and "Saucy Jack") took on a fleshed-out life of its own.
The major songs of Spinal Tap were performed with equal aplomb and attention to detail. In addition to "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You," the band tore through "America," "Big Bottoms," "Stonehenge" (complete with the miniature Stonehenge and some pseudo-midgets), "Hell Hole," "Rock and Roll Creation" (performed from pods), "Heavy Duty," "Sex Farm," and "Jazz Odyssey." The guitar solos were Spinal Tap style, every inch over-the-top rock & roll.
Polytoxic :: 04.01 |
Polytoxic nailed their impersonations (musically and otherwise) with the help of performance artist friends and professional set designers. The props were jaw-dropping, and the musical performance, riveting. No detail was overlooked, including Polytoxic's exploding drummers to end the second set. Many in the audience seemed surprised at how well the band pulled off such a huge production, but Polytoxic is used to recreating such magic in the live setting. The band recently won the "Show of the Year" award for 2005 from Denver's Westword Magazine for their performance of Martin Scorsese's elegiac The Last Waltz.
The band closed the show with a brief set of their original music that clearly won the audience over. One thing's for certain - whether rocking out original tunes or invoking the spirit of bygone eras, Polytoxic sure can throw one hell of a party.
The Folksmen :: 04.01 |
The Folksmen :: 04.01 |
The Folksmen :: 04.01 |
Polytoxic - Stonehenge |
Polytoxic - Stonehenge |
Polytoxic - Stonehenge |
Polytoxic - Stonehenge |
Polytoxic - Stonehenge |
Polytoxic - Stonehenge |
Polytoxic - Stonehenge |
Polytoxic - Stonehenge |
Polytoxic - Stonehenge |
Polytoxic - Stonehenge |
Polytoxic - Stonehenge |
Polytoxic - Stonehenge |
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