Review: Franti's show volcanic, if you don't mind a few lectures

Posted by arts_reviews

Posted: April 18, 2008 - 1:59 am

By Sarah Henning
Anchorage Daily News

Before Michael Franti and Spearhead even took the stage, the evening’s tone was set by a gi-normous backdrop of a Hindu deity wearing a gas mask, its six arms holding things like a gun and a bloody hamburger. Above it, a sign warns “caveat emptor.”

Franti – an anti-death penalty, pacifist vegan – wore out a few soapboxes during his sold-out show Thursday at the Bear Tooth. No surprise there. Throughout his career, music and politics have been inseparable. The folks who don’t share his politics just stay home, or find a Ted Nugent concert to go to.

But all the buzz about Franti’s politics distracts people from the key fact that he and his band, Spearhead, are gifted and versatile musicians.

One minute, Franti channels Bob Marley. The next, he’s spittin’ like Kanye, or strumming acoustic guitar and emoting ala Springsteen. Bono certainly wishes he wrote the heart-swelling, arena-worthy “I Know I’m Not Alone.”

His four members brought more than instrumental virtuosity: They all contributed vocally, and displayed undeniable charisma and stamina. They played a generous 2 hours and 15 minutes – unheard of at club shows anymore.

The group does another Bear Tooth show (again, sold out) tonight.

With dreadlocks that trail like bullwhips and springs for legs, the 6’6 Franti is as intriguing in person as he is on paper.

His lyrics are direct (some would say obvious) and often read like bumper sticker slogans: Only a rat can win a rat race. Are we part of the solution or part of the pollution? You can bomb the world to pieces, but you can’t bomb it into peace.

But paired with the band’s infectious reggae/funk/hip hop/rock musical arrangements, and with Franti’s passionate and sincere delivery, the lyrics usually have an affirming and inspiring effect.

The joint was wall-to-wall, human popcorn popping to the reggae beats. Mostly 20-and-30 somethings, although the Tooth’s hippie contingent didn’t disappoint. As the night wore on, the smell of pizza faded, replaced by a pungent mix of pot smoke and overexerted deodorant.

The crowd positively vibrated with enthusiasm when the band broke into the volcanic “Yell Fire.” The anthem’s DIY-revolution message probably motivated a lot of audience members to spend their workday today signing internet petitions.

The good juju didn’t stop with the last note. The guy ended the concert by jumping into the crowd and hugging people. Unless he’s the next Brando, his heart really seems to be in the right place. Off stage, he performs for soldiers and civilians in Iraq, writes children’s books with positive self-esteem messages, and rocks the vote.

That’s why criticizing him feels a little like stealing from the Salvation Army, or poking a nun with a stick.

But there’s no use denying it: His lyrics sometimes felt trite and repetitive, or like a bad social studies class flashback. OK, OK I get it. We are the world. Love thy neighbor. “Just say no” to child soldiers. May I be excused now?

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