Alice In Chains: Heart's still beating

	JERRY CANTRELL

ALICE IN CHAINS (live pix)
MIDDLE CLASS RUT

March 3, 2010
DAR Constitution Hall
Washington, D.C.

By JEFF MAKI

After an hour drive and a 30-minute ride on the annoying yet convenient D.C. Metro, we arrived in our nation’s capital at DAR Constitution Hall. It wasn’t without some reservations that I was about to see the new incarnation of Alice in Chains live. But I was eager to see new vocalist William DuVall perform with the band. Although I had never seen the band live with Layne Staley, the mixed feelings were still there. Those feelings were eased every time I thought about just how good their 2009 album, Black Gives Way to Blue, really is, and continues to be–an album with not only two top 10 singles and the signature Alice in Chains sound, but one with enormous depth and replay ability.

This was also my first time at DAR Constitution Hall, a massive auditorium with large pillars and marble structure. The architecture resembles the Jefferson Memorial or a museum more than a concert venue. It was built in 1929 and is D.C.’s largest concert hall. Glancing over the past performers, it appears Alice in Chains is the closest thing to hard rock or metal that DAR has ever hosted. (A few rock acts include U2, Bruce Springsteen, Bad Company and Frank Zappa.) Check that out–Sammy Davis Jr. once played here and so did Earth, Wind and Fire.

After a short set by the very average two-man-band Middle Class Rut, a giant white curtain dropped, the lights went down and a pulsating version of the heart from the Black Gives Way to Blue album cover beat down like a countdown clock. One by one, giant silhouettes of band members appeared on the curtain as the opening notes of “All Secrets Known” echoed through the sold-out crowd. Soon the curtain dropped revealing DuVall, Jerry Cantrell, Mike Inez and Sean Kinney–Alice in Chains 2010.

The curtain unveiled an unusually brightly white-lit stage. Cantrell was wearing black sunglasses, and from the stage set up to even the band members posture and positioning, it resembled the “Would?” video. Of course, the only thing missing was the other man wearing shades with his short, curly, dyed blonde hair–Staley. In his place, the skinny DuVall (a D.C. native, as he later told the crowd) harmonized and played guitar with Cantrell, showcasing material from the new album, including hits, “Check My Brain” and “Your Decision.” As I continue to delve deeper into the album, I’m finding the remaining songs are darker, and even more embracing. This was also the case here tonight, as it was even more exciting to hear live versions of “All Secrets Known,” “Acid Bubble,” “A Looking in View” and “Lesson Learned.”

	WILLIAM DUVALL

There was minimal interaction with the crowd, as the band just ran out song after quality song–nothing wrong with that. Other than acknowledging and thanking the crowd a few times, Cantrell at one point said he was under the weather and spent the whole previous day on the toilet (too much information, Jerry). Unbeknownst to us, this actually led to their show being postponed the day before (March 2) in Charlotte, N.C. (rescheduled for April 20). Whether he was still sick or not on this night, I didn’t hear it effect his performance.

More than anything, DuVall seemed genuinely happy to be up there. And what a spot he’s in. It must be a gift but also somewhat of a curse. He has huge shoes to fill, and he seems to know it and accept his role. He’s not so much the leader of the band as he is an effective complement to Cantrell’s haunting vocals and guitar harmonies. They sounded great live–one of the best live sound mixes I’ve heard recently. It was plenty loud enough but not deafening.

With so many quality songs to choose from, some good ones are bound to be left out of the set. In this case, noticeable omissions were “Grind,” “Heaven Beside You,” and “Over Now.” Come to think of it, only “Again” was performed from their 1995 self-titled effort. “Down in a Hole” and “Angry Chair” were others that were surprisingly absent.

The set list was largely comprised 1992's Dirt and, of course, Black Gives Way to Blue. As Dirt is my favorite Alice in Chains album, speaking strictly from a fan’s perspective, this was the material that seemed strangest hearing without Staley. No, DuVall’s performance wasn’t bad, but my memories of that album are of Staley. This was the album that truly broke the band, and hearing songs like “Dam That River” and “Rooster,” in particular, with a new singer was odd. I felt a little dirty, like a traitor. “Nutshell,” from one of the best EPs ever, Jar of Flies, was another that I would’ve considered solely a Layne song and taboo to play live again. Cantrell did solemnly dedicate the song to him before they played it.

All in all, this was certainly a great experience and memorable show. They sounded great and were aided by kaleidoscope-like lighting effects and trippy images on the stage backdrop. While they sound great, it didn’t exactly translate into an overly exciting stage show. But then again, Alice in Chains never was known for this, part of the reason they were lumped into the smash-your-guitar-stare-at-your-shoes grunge fad in the early ‘90s.

That said, I see no reason why I wouldn’t go see Alice in Chains next time, and every time, they come to my area.

Alice in Chains set list:

All Secrets Known
It Ain't Like That
Again
Check My Brain
Them Bones
Dam That River
Rain When I Die
Your Decision
Got Me Wrong
We Die Young
A Looking In View
Nutshell
Acid Bubble
Lesson Learned
Love Hate Love
Would?
(encore)
Man in the Box
Rooster

©2010 Live-Metal.Net