Arguably the man behind the success of System of a Down, one of the most significant bands of the 21st century, Serj Tankian appears on stage in typically theatrical attire. Donning a scruffy top hat and tails the jabbering circus master-come-cartoon character on speed is at the top of his game. Opening with the first single from album ‘Elect the Dead’, ‘Empty Walls’ marks the start of a non-stop medley of manic rock.
Strange then that the first question posed to the audience is ‘how many of you guys like Abba?’ Accordingly the crowd screams in positive response and Serj smiles knowingly ‘then you’ll like our combination’ he replies. The familiar jingles of ‘Money Money Money’ begin and Serj bellows with his trademark irony ‘it’s so funny in a rich mans world.’
Flawlessly launching into his own track ‘Money’ Serj treats the crowd to what he is known for best – a political rampage against the greed of the American Government partnered with an unparalleled humour to boot. ‘Make your money hump your money all for MONEY’ Serj screams only to finish with Abba’s line ‘in a rich mans world.’ Smiling coyly behind the mic the born front man proves it is never good to take oneself too seriously.
It is the crowd who do not only reinforce Serj’s popularity but also his dry humour. When Serj shouts ‘will all of you rich kids put your fucking hands in the air!’ and a large majority do one cannot help but think there is more relevance to Serj’s circus ringmaster outfit than just simple showmanship.
Metal horns rise and mosh pits form for the heavy riffage of ‘Baby’ the only song to fully glance back at Serj’s SOAD days and as he prances around to cover the vast main stage as best he can the crowd cling to his every move. However, it is with ‘Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition’ that Serj truly comes into his own. Flinging his ragged jacket off stage Serj leaps full thrust into a song that contains so many sounds it is at risk of turning into a disjointed mess. Instead it works brilliantly with Serj’s crackhead vocals and the result is a tight performance all round.
Twitching erratically throughout to match the songs possessed style Serj instructs the crowd to ‘get sexy’ as the song breaks down in a funky bass-piano medley and he wails elegantly over the top. Finishing just as epically as it began Serj raises his top hat and bows to the roars of a highly satisfied crowd.
Finishing with ‘The Unthinking Majority’ (fittingly titled considering the crowds previous actions) it is obvious Serj and his band are the victors of the day. Bowing out after 40 minutes of non-stop energetic nonsense Serj proves life with SOAD can be a fruitful one – and for that, hat’s off to him.
Posted In Live Reviews, Sep 10 2008.
Words - Jenni