The Narrator

Wednesday, August 17; Lemp Neighborhood Arts Center (3301 Lemp Avenue)

Aug 17, 2005 at 4:00 am

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard - Inline - Content",
            "component": "41932919",
            "insertPoint": "5th",
            "startingPoint": "3",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "3",
            "maxInsertions": 100
          }
          
        ]

Chicago's The Narrator has built a reputation for itself by attacking audiences with wide-eyed exuberance and reckless abandon; supposedly the dancing was so fierce at a Connecticut show that the floor caved in. But as is the case with all hype, caution is the best approach. Although the group's latest album, Such Triumph, is loaded with off-kilter rhythms, crazed guitar work and smashed melodies, there are a few moments that veer dangerously close to emo-ville. Another fair criticism is that the album feels a bit dated; all of its propulsive and chaotic shifts were done way better by bands like Drive Like Jehu more than ten years ago. But the playing seems sincere, and there are enough interesting things about The Narrator to see them live and give 'em your own acid test. Maybe wear a helmet, too.

Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5; call 314-771-1096 for more information.