'90s band returns strong in Dallas

By: Matt Goodman

Posted: 4/25/08

Throughout the '90s, scrawny Santa Monica, Calif., native Stephen Malkmus fronted the best band of the decade - Pavement. Its experimentation with pop structure, noise and the slacker ethos defined '90s independent rock and paved the way for many current bands that constantly reside in our ears.

After Pavement, Malkmus formed a new band driven by a looser, more stoned sound that allowed the aging front man to explore classic rock and twiddle his guitar more than his former group. Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks have released four albums since the band's creation, including this year's solid Real Emotional Trash.

The Jicks' 2008 effort sports support from a new drummer, namely Janet Weiss of Sleater-Kinney fame. Combined with Malkmus' guitar wizardry, the two's musical interaction was the highlight of Monday's show at The Granada in Dallas.

As Malkmus constantly freely jammed guitar riff after guitar riff, it seemed Weiss worked hard to not only support him, but outshine him. And in some cases, she did.

"It's been really liberating and fun, and I'm just thrilled to play with such great musicians and such an amazing guitar player," Weiss said in an interview. "He's someone who's truly expressive and embraces risk-taking."

The Jicks flew through a majority of material off their latest album, bathing their guitar sounds in layered effects through Malkmus' seemingly all encompassing set-up. When the band would stop to talk, it was for Malkmus' trademark non-sequitors and comments about the Rockets game going on that evening, oddly enough.

Plus, the crowds were actually involved with the show. The Pavement's and Jicks' die-hards came out in droves to support indie guitar god Malkmus and his queen, Weiss.

"I can't stress enough, like, how the audience influences the band," Weiss said. "If the audience is ready and daring to go someplace with you, you'll see a much better show."

Though the band didn't play any Pavement tracks, its influence still shined through at certain parts of the show.

The noise freak-out to close "Cold Son" stood as one of the highlights of the evening as the group launched into a free-form jam session, sounding noisy, discontent and absolutely brilliant.

"It's one person contributing most of the songs and ideas, and we sort of give our two cents and write our parts," Weiss said. "For the most part, we're trying to color his vision."

The sound was excellent at The Granada, as it always is, and the band was in top form. While you won't get the boozy excitement of a Les Savy Fav or Black Lips live show at a Jicks concert, you will get one of the most meticulous guitar shows you may ever see.