When a band takes a hiatus that generally means one of two things, either they're trying to re-evaluate whether or not they even want to have a band, or they're taking a step back to have a break and then are going to return with some kick-ass music. Thankfully for the band Filter they were [doing] the latter. And after about 5 years of silence, back comes the intensity that could only be created from the brain of Richard Patrick.

Luckily, with most new albums comes a tour. And since Filter just released their album Anthems For The Damned they were all set for a trip around the U.S. That trip brought them through my humble city not too long ago. So naturally I jumped at the chance to go to the show. And let me tell you that wasn't just some show, that was an epic performance!

Because of the hiatus, nearly all of the audience was composed of those Filter fans that have been around for years. Therefore we all knew the songs and the lyrics. And all of us were going crazy. Filter's music is in a league of its own. It's as though Patrick took the insanity that seeped into his brain from touring with Nine Inch Nails and the un-harnessed rock genes with which he's grown up and carefully combined them together for a super-genre. That turned into a live performance was genius. The set list was a work of art as well. Inter-mixed with new songs were all those songs that created a warm feeling in your heart …or somewhere else. Think of your favorite song from Short Bus or Title Of Record or even The Amalgamut and they played it. The ones that came from my favorite list included: "Hey Man, Nice Shot," "American Cliché," "Jurassitol" and their big radio hit: "Take A Picture." I have to say I was most pleasantly surprised to hear "(Can't You) Trip Like I Do" - which was a song [originally] done in conjunction with The Crystal Method. And so naturally I thought that since the Crystal Method would not be at the show, that was simply going to be one of the songs that they wouldn't play live. But I was wrong and I'm so glad that I was.

The band may have changed line-ups over the years, but the heart of it is still there and living strong in Richard. I say that for the obvious reasons and for the bit of humanity that he displayed at the show. They were just getting going into the next song, when suddenly Richard stopped the show. He made all of the music stop and turned up the lights. We then find out that he had noticed a fight which had broken out in the crowd. He mentioned that "This is not how Filter fans do things." It was as though it was disrespect to the band. So we/he waited for it to stop and calm down before even beginning to continue on. At one point, he even offered up one of their towels and a bottle of water to the guy who had obviously gotten hit first. This is a huge band that has been around for years, racking up tons of money, and selling out to thousands, but it was made apparent that he's still a human being and a decent one at that. Which was rather refreshing to see.

The night was a complete success. I was even impressed by the opening band God Fires Man. You could never begin to compare the brilliant music that comes out of Patrick's head. But you can begin to enjoy it, if you're a first-timer. Or for the long-time followers, give their new album a shot. It may be different, but Richard deserves an hour of your time. I recommend Filter to everyone, in any aspect (live or recorded) that you choose.

-Rachel Fredrickson

Filter
August 5th, 2008
Harrah's VooDoo Lounge
Kansas City, MO
www.officialfilter.com

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