21
The
Vanguard
January 28, 2008
Down X
from page 10
Shortly after the events of the cataclysmic hurricane, Anselmo and the rest of his mates in Down decided it was time to stop wallowing in negativity and actively seek the light at the end of the tunnel. Down, a band whose influences ranges from Black Sabbath to Lynyrd Skynyrd, played to a crowd last Friday that more than likely pushed the fire hazard limit of the Soul Kitchen. The venue was simply packed. Mix this with drunken revelry that goes along with Mardi Gras, and you have a power keg waiting to go off. A few interesting specimens of the human race tried to start fights early on before the band even got on stage. After a lengthy hour-long film the band plays before every show that showcases some of the band’s influences, as well as hilarious tour footage, Down finally arrived on stage like the hometown Gulf Coast heroes they have become. Starting the set with “Pillars of Eternity” from 1995’s “NOLA” album and ending with a crushing rendition of
“Bury Me In Smoke,” Down was certainly at the top of their game. The group even went so far as to perform certain numbers that have never been played before live, such as “The Seed” complete with drummer Jimmy Bower’s comical bellow of “The power of the riff compels me!” off of 2001’s “A Bustle in your Hedgerow.” The atmosphere in the room, early on, was intense. This did not let up until well into the middle of the 2 hour set. Many, yours truly included, were shocked to see violent moshing to relatively groovy, Sabbath-esque sludge metal tunes, but I suppose since Mobile gets little to nothing in terms of quality metal bands playing here, it has made up for months of aggression since the last superheavy act came blowing through our lovely city. In all, what really matters was the fact that five laid-back Southern dudes, who have had so much woe and hardship in the past few years, were up on stage smiling, laughing and having a good time, playing music that means so much to them and their adoring fans. Brotherhood and friendship will always conquer adversity, and brotherhood of metal (we can trademark that one later) is as close as they get.
Rodin X
from page 8
Edward III in exchange for the freedom of Calais. The king, in agreement, ordered the burghers to wear nooses around their necks, dress in plain garments and journey to the king's camp bearing the keys to the city. Rodin's "Burghers of Calais" defied the academic tradition of heroic sculpture by portraying the six men at the precise moment each realized his fate. Rodin's depiction of human suffering via the public monument, rather than triumphant glory, changed the standards and expectations for future sculptors and artists alike. In addition to political and poetic influence, Rodin has also completed numerous works paying homage to the human form.
Obama X
from page 16
The young Illinois senator has fresh ideas about foreign policy that some may consider idealistic as well as putting a major emphasis on relations overseas with competitors, allies, enemies, and suffering states. Some efforts are bound to fail while others may have surprising effectiveness. The point is that a major effort is needed to improve the United States' relations overseas in both directions. Domestic issues are important, but that doesn't mean issues knocking on the country's door from outside borders should be ignored.
"Cathedral” displays two hands that appear to gracefully dance along side one another. It serves not only as an example of Rodin's interest in form, but also as a portrayal of his endeavor to depict parts of the figure as complete works of art. The Museum has been graced with the presence of Rodin thanks to the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, the largest and most comprehensive private collection of Rodin in the world. Sixty-eight of Rodin's bronze sculptures, ranging from monumental political works to smaller and more intimate pieces, have offered their beauty to the citizens of Mobile. "Rodin: A Magnificent Obsession" will be on exhibit at the Mobile Museum of Art through March 23. The event is sure to be a life changing experience for artists, children and all who hold interest in the magnificence of Rodin.