Mastodon @ Emo's, Austin (10.04.2006)

Somehow I had missed Mastodon the last couple times they rolled through Austin, so I was really pumped about finally being able to see them last night. First off, the setlist:

01. Iron Tusk
02. March Of The Fire Ants
03. Circle Of Cysquatch
04. Where Strides The Behemoth
05. Mother Puncher
06. Aqua Dementia
07. Sleeping Giant
08. The Wolf Is Loose
09. Crystal Skull
10. Bladecatcher
11. Colony Of Birchmen
12. I Am Ahab
13. Capillarian Crest
14. Megalodon
15. Blood And Thunder
(Break)
16. Hearts Alive

Now THAT, my friends, is a setlist! The only thing that could have been better is if they had gotten "Workhorse" and "Seabeast" in there, but ending with "Hearts Alive" more than made up for it, I really didn't think they'd play that one. Anyway, sound quality was mostly good, drums were thunderous and the bass came through pretty clean. Guitars could have been better though, their presence was very inconsistent. Most of the crunchy rhythm guitar stuff came through fine, but the higher pitched guitar solo stuff would sometimes get lost. If you were familiar with the songs and knew what to listen for, you could find it in the noise, but those who were maybe hearing songs for the first time may have missed a bit. Anyway, that happened about half the time, the other half you could here everything fine. As far as energy level, the show was incredible, there is no way you could watch these guys perform and NOT pump your fist in the air. And Brann Dailor, jesus that guy is just a madman. No drummer I've ever seen outworks that guy. The guys in the band seem pretty cool and down to earth, lots of comments between songs, making jokes with each other and with people in the crowd. After the show, they were just standing by their bus right outside the door to the venue, talking and taking pictures with fans, and they seemed totally cool with all of it. Right on.

Overall, these guys kick some serious ass, and seem to have an absolute blast doing it. Definitely head out and support them if they come to your town.