SOURCE:  http://www.borderlandnews.com/stories/borderland/20040825-160332.shtml

08-25-04

Nickelback jams for 3,462

Bands rock with ripping tunes, pyrotechnics

Victor R. Martinez
El Paso Times

LAS CRUCES -- Nickelback brought back the rock 'n' roll spectacles of old with a sometimes blinding light show, a massive pyrotechnic display and close to 90 minutes of hard-hitting rock.

With enough firepower Tuesday night to spur the Department of Homeland Security to raise the terror alert to "red," the Alberta, Canada, quartet -- vocalist-guitarist Chad Kroeger, Chad's brother-bassist Mike Kroeger, guitarist Ryan Peake and drummer Ryan Vikedal -- entered the Pan American Center stage immersed in a haze of fog, light and fire, bringing the crowd of 3,462 to its feet.

As the explosions shook the Pan American Center and the smoke filled the air, Nickelback began its 12-song set with "Flat on the Floor," the first track off the 2003 release "The Long Road." The powerful guitar riffs would have made Metallica's James Hetfield proud. (By the way, Nickelback did an outstanding cover of Metallica's "Sad But True.")

Having four albums to its credit, Nickelback performed material mainly from the latest two -- 2001's "Silver Side Up" and "The Long Road."

No fewer than five songs had pyro-effects, including "How You Remind Me" and "Figured You Out."

The band also performed radio-friendly hits "Some Day," "Hero" and "Feelin' Way Too Damn Good."

Fellow Canadian rockers Finger Eleven -- you know, the guys who sing "One Thing" -- opened the show. Their self- titled album has been certified platinum in Canada, and the video for "One Thing" won the award for best video at the 2004 MuchMusic Video Awards. Singer Scott Anderson was impressive, and the music was tight in the seven-song, 40-minute set.

The second band, Puddle of Mudd, a band that sold out Club Xcape in El Paso last year, somehow recaptured the intimacy of that club date.

Lead singer and guitarist Wesley Scantlin, backed by Paul Phillips on guitar, Douglas Ardito on bass and Greg Upchurch on drums, showed much humility and affection during the 11-song, 60-minute set that featured "Blurry," "Control," "Drift and Die" and "She Hates Me" off the 2001 debut "Come Clean," and "Heel Over Head," "Spin You Around" and "Away From Me" off the newest CD "Life On Display."

If the concert had ended after "She Hates Me," the crowd would have left feeling fulfilled. Puddle of Mudd is a band ready to explode.

Much like Nickelback's set.

The lasers, the smoke and the explosions were greeted with a roar from the crowd.

But Nickelback did not rely on those gimmicks to inspire their fans. These arena-rock staples were not to cover a sloppy voice or lacking sound. Nickelback used them merely to match the intensity of their performance.

·  Nickelback's set list

What Nickelback played:

"Flat on the Floor"

"Woke up this Morning"

"Someday"

"Leader of Men"

"Never Again"

"Because of You"

"Hero"

"Where Do I Hide"

"Beer O'Clock"

"Too Bad"

"How You Remind Me"

"Figured You Out"

Victor R. Martinez may be reached at vmartinez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6128.