Live Review

The SPILL Magazine
www.spillmagazine.com


The Avros
Club 279
By: Liz Worth

March 26, 2003

"We are the anti-Creed" The Avros announced as they invaded Club 279's stage. "Anti-Creed" indeed - this trio steers clear of the drone of gaudy, testosterone filled jock rock and instead adopts a melange of powered up sugar pop, grunge throwbacks, and a slight hint of early punk flavour.

Their opening song "Lazy" sounded anything but that as The Avros skimmed through this high-energy introduction. "City Blues" created an intense effect by combining winding riffs with spacey breaks, and the infectious "To Do" had the audience bopping along with its rocket-like momentum.

As the evening progressed it was interesting to note that The Avros operate on a democratic level, as each member takes a turn on vocals. This band performed quite naturally, losing themselves in the adrenaline that leaks out of their music, forcing them to leave behind all inhibitions.

The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing" was a great cover choice, but unfortunately sparked only a half-hearted dance floor. As they eased into the conspicuously '77 punk-ish "Can't Be Sold", singing what many 20-somethings are feeling right now, The Avros were in a spastic state, bounding along with every beat. Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" was an interesting addition to the set, and "Sucker" concluded the show with its gritty guitars clashing with a touch of power pop.

The Avros bestowed a range of sounds but managed to remain consistent. Avoiding getting stuck in pretentious epics, they laid it out in a fast and fun manner, creating a an up-beat, positive performance.