Failure – Turf Club – St. Paul, MN – July 2nd, 2022
Failure – Turf Club – St. Paul, MN – July 2nd, 2022
It’s rare for a band to be able to capture absolute sonic perfection at a live performance while also bringing an unassuming and intimate connection with a crowd, but Failure did just that at their sold-out July 2nd performance at the Turf Club in St. Paul, MN. They opened the night with a preview of their upcoming documentary, featuring commentary from artists such as Hayley Williams of Paramore and Maynard James Keenan of Tool/A Perfect Circle/Puscifer reflecting on the personal and professional impact that Failure has had on their art, careers, and lives. It began with a hilarious clip from Nickelodeon’s Ren and Stimpy, but then progressed into a presentation of the profound impact that Failure has had on musicians and the music industry. It was a beautiful acknowledgment of the success that Failure has achieved, not so much as a mainstream rock name, but as an integral force in the artistic influence of the 90s-2000s as well as the creation of a deep bond with a legion of true fans who filled the intimate venue and hung on every sound and note of the performance.
Introducing the crowd to live performances of their 2021 album Wild Type Droid, they opened their set with “Submarines”, filling the room with deep reverberating bass tones and sharp and clean guitar lines. Kellii Scott’s intense drumming is one of the highlights of Failure’s music, and this song’s intro is powerful and indicated the intensity that would be present throughout the night. A few songs in, they took it way back to their 1992 album Comfort with “Macaque”, and then progressed through time with “Wonderful Life” and “Frogs” off their 1994 album Magnified. They continued a journey through their musical history, playing songs off of 1996 album “Fantastic Planet”, and then jumping to 2015’s “The Heart is a Monster” with “Atom City Queen” and “Counterfeit Sky”, and circling back to 2018’s “In the Future Your Body Will Be the Furthest Thing From Your Mind” and closing the night with “Half Moon” and “Headstand” from their new album. Guitarist Ken Andrews delivered the beautiful clear sound and complex mixes that Failure is known for, and Greg Edwards effortlessly shifted from guitar, keys, and quietly powerful vocals.
The intricacy of Failure’s sound is unmatched, pulling sounds from deep rock influences, but with a profoundly unique artistic integrity that is unparalleled. This performance was no exception with their characteristic sonic perfection, quiet beautiful energy, and performance intensity creating an unforgettable evening for the fortunate and grateful crowd.
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