11-06-2011 IAMX

Venue: Nosturi, Helsinki (Finland)
By: Tommi Salomaa

This Saturday IAMX got a change to make up for the gig that got cancelled in March because of illness of a band member. While Nosturi was not completely full at this evening, there was nevertheless a good crowd waiting to see Chris Corner’s project. Original Heteroes was listed as support for IAMX , but I couldn’t catch them, so after some waiting and socializing it was the time for the main act.

After a brief intro video the curtains opened, and Chris appeared on the stage with his live band consisting of three members: a drummer, guitar/bass/ player and keyboard/bass/percussion player, who also did vocals. Chris also played various instruments himself during the performance. The band has a really striking stage presence, and it is clear that lot of care has gone into planning the visual aspects of the show, from the costumes and lights up to the instrument changes and other maneuvers, all of which were executed in precise but relaxed manner that was thrilling to watch. Keyboard player Janine Gezang especially stood out with her energetic performance throughout the gig. The show also managed to captivate the audience, which became more and more enthusiastic and participating as the evening progressed.
Musically the performance was top-notch, and the sound was excellent, the vocals and various sonic elements were easily discernible in the music. With this band, the music and the performance really combine well together to create a rich experience. IAMX played a set of fourteen songs, as well as a three-song encore. The audience was clearly most excited over songs from “The Alternative” and “Kingdom of Welcome Addiction” albums, such as “Tear Garden”, “Nature of Inviting” and “President” which ended the main set, as well as “Spit it Out” which was the last song of the evening

Saturday was the warmest day of summer in Helsinki so far, and IAMX show didn’t leave anyone cold either. Leaving the venue, I could overhear many people saying they were very positively surprised by the show, and seeing the band live for the first time I can say that I was one of them.

Links:
IAMX Official