Edmonton, AB - Northlands Agricom
July 30, 1997

If the recent concert at Northlands Agricom is any indication, Offspring has officially vaulted itself into self-proclaimed "rock star" status. Judging from their 10-minute impressionistic opening involving strobe lights, gun shots and sirens, you'd have thought Elvis wasn't dead and was in town for his '90s debut.

For a band that claimed this tour was meant to take it back to its roots, the Offspring seemed to have too much ego to even remember what it was like to play smaller venues. Granted, they delivered the favorites, Keep 'em Separated, Self Esteem and Session, with just as much energy and talent as previously but this time, they added a heavy dose of bravado.

The crowd, filled mostly with younger teens and aggressive jock types, ate it up and generated a seething mosh-pit. Lead vocalist Dexter Holland, an enthusiastic front man, had the crowd singing along for much of the night and giggling during an intermission, thanks to parading men in drag and bubbles galore.

Offspring also possesses musical prowess. New songs such as Nitro show the band's talent as tight, fast, punk artists, while a sprinkling of ska proves their versatility. Yet, even the stage dives were planned in a mock competition - what more can I say.

Montreal's Doughboys put on an excellent straight-ahead, intense 45-minute set, including an interesting mixture of new (from their latest album Turn Me On) and old (from albums as far back as 1987's Whatever). They suffered no rustiness, even with the recent addition of Mark Arnold, ex-guitarist for Big Drill Car. In fact, with Arnold's guitar-solo savvy, songs off older albums and Big Drill Car tune Friend of Mine were welcome additions to the set. It makes this lineup one of the best for the Doughboys, infamous for having a different lineup with every release.

The crowd response was hesitant, mostly because of lack of recognition I would guess, but those who enjoyed it were up front having a great time. The band makes new fans with every live show, thanks to its addictive pop rhythms.

Gig openers Kid With Big Man Head was fun and energetic, the perfect act to get the adrenalin running. With catchy harmonies and hilarious appearances, they got the crowd moving even though many had not yet arrived - bummer for them.

For those who didn't show up early enough to catch the opening bands, it was a shame because they were just as talented, interesting and worthy of mosh-pit attendance as the Offspring. Doughboys and Kid With Man Head still earn their fan base via live performances and the humble appreciation of a good crowd response. The Offspring, meanwhile, sold tickets in Edmonton on the basis of a few mainstream hits. Maybe they should have played the much smaller Polish Hall (where the gig was originally scheduled) after all.

By Shelli Carder, from SEE Magazine