Godspeed You Black Emperor! (03/07/2003)

Canada's own Godspeed You Black Emperor! took the stage at the Orange Peel to a sold out audience here in Asheville last night.

Silently, the 9 member ensemble settled into their instruments and found their spot on the stage. As the film screen began flashing "HOPE," the band started off with the new Yanqui: U.X.O. album. founder of GYBE!, Efrim, sat at the front of the stage and plucked away at the guitar as violin and cymbals came into the mix. The music exploded with two bass guitarists, three electric guitarists, two drummers, violin and cello.

I can't describe the wall of sound the band generated as they soared through every track from Yanqui, and most of Lift Your Skinny Fists in the two and a half hour show.

Three movie projectors set up at the rear of the hall was the only real light on the stage. as the haunting images of factories, farms and war played on the screen. The most startling of which was a film of a B-52 dropping bombs on Vietnam, the cover of the new album is part of that scene.

A very "unique" audience was to be found at the show last night. I had no idea the show would sell out, but there were people of all ages, race, sexual preference and so on. All had something in common last night, they
were there to see one of the most original and groundbreaking bands in recent memory.

I was joined by fellow PMS'er Fred West of Asheville, we have been getting together for concerts for the past year ( The Bears, Crim and now GYBE!) It was great to spend the evening with him again!

I picked up a few items at the show. An LP version of Yanqui: U.X.O., and a few side projects, Set Fire To Flames and A Silver Mt Zion. Both are incredibly intense projects as well.

This was my first time seeing Godspeed You Black Emperor!. Many of you who have seen the band know what I mean when I say it is unlike anything you will see in a live performance. It was everything I had hope it would be, and nothing like I expected. If you have never seen this band, I urge you to go. This is beyond music, and beyond art. A very uplifting and tragic show.
Absolutely stunning.

Review by Lew Fisher