The Mars Volta in Sydney

After being wowed 12 months ago at the Enmore in Sydney, i approached this gig at the Horden Pavillion on March 16th with much anticipation. The show strted about 8.45 and 35 minutes later i found myself  at the promoters desk asking for a refund. All i got was a complaint form. The sound was atrocious. Compressed , shrill, a cacophony. It was like listening to a cheap mp3 at a 100 decibels. Why was it so bad? Was it the band, the equipment, the sound desk, the venue. The venue was a big cowshed that used to host agricultural shows , so yes that was a factor. Anyway after 4 tracks i'd had enough. What a disappointment.

Talking of compressed and shrill, that's how their first album sounds to my ears. :(

I sat at the back near the sound desk but then moved forward during Roulette dares. I was about a third of the way back on the side. I noticed people down the front were enjoying themselves but all around me were bemused looks as people came to terms with the hideous mix. I have complained to the venue who took no responsibility. They blamed the sound crew. The venue people said they approached the sound crew more than once to sort things out. I have since complained to band mangement and await a reply. I'm glad you enjoyed as i did at the enmore last year. But i'm afraid i have lost all patience for shoddy sound. The last time this happened was Yes in Melbourne in 2003. I regret not complaining then. It does bring into question though, who is responsible for an acceptable sound, and who decides when it is unacceptable? There is nothing on a ticket that disclaims the quality of the sound. The hordern people said it is a risk you take!What a complete lack of responsibility that is. I'm still fired up about it.