English alternative rock group Placebo returned to Los Angeles this past weekend on October 18, 2013, ending a six-year hiatus. Currently promoting their seventh album release Loud Live Love, Placebo scheduled two North American Dates with New York claiming the first performance. Lead vocalist Brian Molko reiterated that this is just a taste for more to come in the following year, with the band expecting a much wider tour leg supporting the albums release. With that being said, Placebo wasted little time in energizing the crowd as they kicked off the set list with B3.
The audience appeared very sporadic, as many attended to revisit the angst and projected emotions they experienced in high school while others lived the exact words Molko shouted to solidify their high school experience. Still, all in attendance shared a common denominator and that was complete support and relish before a moment that had been absent for years. Molko made quick use of the set list by adding Too Many Friends and Loud Live Love early onto the night, which responded in scattered sing-along throughout the crowd. The audience welcomed material off the new album with open arms and quickly caught on to the chorus and riff melodies that embodied the album.
Stefan Olsdan alternated from electronic keys to the thick strings of a drowning bass. During lower tempo ballads and soft melody tracks, he stood behind a keyboard delivering the signature synthetic pop that has solidified Placebo in its own category. Steve Forrest completed the trio lineup behind drums. His excessive style of clashing symbols with bass drums added a dark atmosphere that summarizes their hypo-noir sound. Aside the stage, a violinist stood tall adding the final touch to their package. The night didn’t consist solely of new material and one sided promotion, classic hits were incorporated and an encore consisting of fan favorites Teenage Angst and Kate Bush’s cover of Running Up That Hill received loud ovations. After twenty-one songs and ninety minutes of rocking on stage, the night closed with Infa-Red.
Placebo will close the year with a few performances throughout Europe and begin 2014 with a long awaited Australia appearance. 2014 seems to be a heavy oriented tour for them and as stated from the band themselves, United States has not seen the last of Placebo so keep your eyes and ears open for announcements as they develop.
Review by: Jacob Gaitan
