da Betaray il mar set 20, 2005 5:19 pm
Flat KROQ review
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DEVORE - For the past five years, KROQ-FM (106.7), the LA-based blowtorch that trumpets itself as "LA and Orange County's only new rock," has brought the Inland Invasion, its end-of-summer musical fete, to Hyundai Pavilion.
Similar to the station's Weenie Roast, which kicked off the summer at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, the day was a sampling of acts from the station's play list, including the new (Jet, the Bravery, Kasabian, Bloc Party and the Arcade Fire), the well-known (Beck, Weezer, Garbage, 311, Oasis and Live) and the well-worn (Madness and Fishbone).
Still, in spite of the wealth of talent, the day seemed to lack the spirit of non-radio-based festivals like Coachella or San Diego's Street Scene. The 25,000 or so fans in attendance were more geared to radio hits than the bands' catalogs.
The strongest set of the day belonged to Weezer. Singer Rivers Cuomo and the boys won over the crowd with a litany of the band's infectious power pop. From opening number "My Name Is Jonas," off the group's self-titled debut, to "Pinkerton's" "El Scorcho" and latest set "Make Believe's" "We Are All On Drugs," the LA-based quartet was in top form.
Due to Cake's late cancellation, Weezer came out for a festival-rare encore that featured Cuomo playing a stunning acoustic "Island in the Sun" on a platform in the middle of the pavilion.
Oasis followed Weezer but came off lackluster as singer Liam Gallagher seemed more enthralled by strutting around the stage in a trench coat and sunglasses than by playing music. His voiced seemed strained and flat.
In contrast, his brother Noel sounded sharp and soulful on "The Importance of Being Idle." Makes you wonder where this band could be without the capricious lead singer.
pe.com