Live From San Diego

Film a music video with a choreographed routine involving treadmills and people are going to talk. Lucky for OK Go, their newfound popularity granted them a headliner spot at FM 94.9’s sold out anniversary show at downtown’s 4th & B. Not so lucky, the band experienced sound tech problems even before taking stage.
Just before OK Go planned to run out on stage, a recorded intro, intended to hype their entrance, failed. Seeping from muffled speakers, the intro left an anxious crowd confused rather than excited. Accepting the unsuccessful entrance, OK Go abashedly walked on stage. Shaking off the disappointment, the band gave an earnest attempt to kick-off the set. Again not having the best of luck, sound problems continued. A rough start seemed to upset the remainder of the show, with the performance often lacking coherency.
Worth mentioning is what appropriately came after the treadmill famous-making single “Here It Goes Again, ” when OK Go dared to cover the Damned’s “Neat Neat Neat” and pulled it off. Choice of such a classic punk tribute came across as a plea for approval. It was as if OK Go could read the minds of the dissipating crowd and sought to assert themselves as more than a TRL cameo. Would a smoother start have led to a better show? I’d give them another chance.
Apparently having more luck than OK Go was the band who played before them, Sparta. Post-hardcore paradigm Sparta dominated the stage with confidence and consistency. Most of Sparta’s hour-long set was comprised of songs off their latest release Threes, an album demonstrating the band’s expansive development.
At the outset, Sparta arrested the crowd’s attention with “Untreatable Disease.” Inciting in both rhythm and vocal intensity, the song previewed the emotive energy that would persist throughout the set. Haunting and atmospheric, “Unstitch Your Mouth” channeled Radiohead with its drifting melody and austere lyrics. Proof that Sparta has broadened their range, the following “Atlas” carried over a Radiohead influence melded with a sense of U2 grandeur. Sparta managed to seamlessly mesh an arena rock element that complemented their indie forte.
Singer Jim Ward didn’t take much time in between songs to address the audience, with the exception of a brief political interjection. Ward expressed his gratitude for the voters who contributed to the Democratic majority shift in congress. He went on to express that the U.S. is the “best fucking country ever.” Ward and his band mates then charged into the powerful anti-Bush anthem “Taking Back Control.”
Opting for a track from their first album Wiretap Scars, Sparta closed with “Air.” Transitioning from fragile layered melodies to assailable outpours of powerful rock, the closer provided a dramatic ending that left fans wanting more.
Thanking the audience on four different occasions, Sparta was as appreciative as the audience it captivated.
Would I recommend going to a show at 4th & B? Yes. Even at a sold out show there’s plenty of room. One of the best features of the venue is the option of where to sit or stand; and regardless of your preference, you will probably have a good view of the stage. Standing area is available on the floor in front of the stage and beyond that is tiered seating with tables. Also open is a large balcony to the left of the stage. The sound quality is decent and the venue tends to book a variety of concerts.
A couple reminders: 1) ALL shows are 21 and up and 2) parking is tough. The closest paid lot could put you back $12 on weekends.