Nickelback still about familiar hooks and cliches
SASKATOON — It would be really easy to trash a Nickelback concert even before catching a glimpse of the four-piece band on stage. Really, really easy. As it turns out, it’s not as bad as you would think, even if you count yourself as one of the many haters out there. Billed as one of the world’s most despised-but-beloved bands over its 20 years of existence, the group has churned out a bevy of radio-charting singles that run the gamut from mildly-memorable to insipidly catchy.
Someone out there sure likes them though. Comprised of Chad Kroeger, Mike Kroeger, Ryan Peake and Daniel Adair, Nickelback hit the stage and immediately launched into the song Million Miles an Hour to a near-capacity crowd at the SaskTel Centre on Tuesday night.
While their latest album is a weird mix of alt-metal and strange dance-club moments — all framed by Chad Kroeger’s blustery vocals — the show remained relatively anchored by the guitar-heavy hits. The lyrics won’t win the group any awards, hopefully, but after two decades of rocking a polarizing whirlwind of pile-driving riffs, Nickelback has cemented a sound that relies on familiar hooks and semi-forgivable cliches. In fact, one of the highlights of the night came when the group aped a Tragically Hip tune.
The pyrotechnics, however, nearly stole the show as 50-foot flames leaped and danced around the group like a stage-diver possessed.
Openers The Pretty Reckless turned in a refreshingly fun show. During their too-brief set, the New Yorkbased four-member group managed to make a fiercesounding din with only a mild sprinkling of rock cliche. Frontwoman Taylor Momsen pleaded with the crowd to sing along — or scream depending on the song — despite having to take a breather during an extended guitar solo.
Harnessing equal parts Led Zeppelin and boogie rock, the group was a great introduction to an evening that had all the potential to be a total flop.