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 title: 2002 Tour Review from PA
author: Dante DelVecchio

Tool revs up fans at Jordan Center with inspired, dramatic 
performance 

Reviewed by Dante DelVecchio
Collegian Staff Writer

Tool gave new meaning to the words "concert performance" 
Friday night at the Bryce Jordan Center. From large-screen 
movies, to synchronized lights, to a group bow at the end, 
the group truly proved a band could do much more than 
simply play music.

The dramatic evening began with the less-than-enthralling 
openers Meshuggah. With aggressive metal riffs and barely 
audible screaming, the band did little more than infuse the 
crowd with a false sense of angst and get their mosh 
energies percolating. Singer Jens Kidman rasped through 
quasi-melodies but really only made himself hoarse.

It wasn't until an ambient instrumental began that the 
audience got a true taste for the journey on which they were 
about to embark. As the droning organ gave way to 
feedback, guitarist Adam Jones began the opening riff 
to "Sober," the band's first single off its second album 
Undertow.

In a sea of colored glows and flashing strobe lights, Tool 
drew listeners into their alternative universe where the music 
served as a guide. It seemed almost impossible that the 
sounds put forth were the product of four musicians.

The atmosphere of the evening came through clearly thanks 
to the impressive lights and on-screen movies played 
throughout the show. Each song was often started with an 
elaborate intro, lulling the crowd and then shaking their 
collective comfort with the jarring crescendos.

From the torrid fury of "Forty Six & 2" to the more mid-
tempo "Parabola," Tool touched on both old and new songs 
and made each an experience unto themselves.

Singer Maynard James Keenan kept the crowd guessing by 
saying very little between songs and maintaining his 
character -- an uncontrolled demon with a voice powerful 
enough to shake the rafters. Throughout each song, Keenan 
contorted his body and shook to the beat from his own small 
stage beside drummer Danny Carey.

As bizarre as his movements were, the singer's voice proved 
his legitimacy. His bellow is the closest thing to an operatic 
voice in rock music, carrying notes well beyond a layman's 
capabilities and turning the scream into an art form.

Not every moment was serious, especially given Keenan's 
switch into female undergarments halfway through the show. 
He had no problem with such skimpy apparel though, even 
making light of it.

"Thanks for being so supportive. Get it? Supportive?" Keenan 
said.

For the last song, Keenan thanked the crowd and said he 
hoped the band had been a source of positive feelings, 
something they could take home with them.

"Thank you for sharing this moment with us," Keenan 
said. "We hope we have been some sort of inspiration to 
you."

Slowly, the band crept into "Lateralis" as an illuminant disco 
ball showered the interior with white, and then red and yellow 
light. Thrashing through the song, Tool finished with as much 
energy as they possessed when the show began.

As the band closed the show, the four members came 
together for a group hug in center stage, while the crowd 
roared its approval for an astounding performance and the 
beautiful noise Tool gave them.
Posted to t.d.n: 08/07/03 14:39:44