Porno for Pyros

By TROY J. AUGUSTO

Porno for Pyros (American Legion Hall; 1,000 capacity; $ 18.50)
 
Band: Perry Farrell, Stephen Perkins, Peter DiStefano, Mike Watt.
 

TX:Promoted by Philip Blaine and Goldenvoice. Reviewed June 21, 1996. One thing you can always count on from Perry Farrell is unpredictability. But aside from some near-nude dancers twirling flaming batons, Farrell seems to have put little thought or effort into the current Porno for Pyros stage show. Supporting the band's sophomore Warner Bros. disc "Good God's Urge," Farrell stood smiling near his microphone stand for most of the 55-minute perf, choosing to rely on the hypnotic jungle-rock and his own bizarre lyrics to carry the weight of the show. Farrell was even unfocused delivering an honorable speech extolling the power of love.

The vibe of the show was one of sinful ceremony. As the dancers writhed, the usually explosive Farrell sang songs of love, peace and sex, but his formerly unique take on love and mind alteration has clearly become old hat. Without a perceptible dynamic from the capable but underutilized band featuring former Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist-about-town Mike Watt, this show felt unrehearsed and utterly without energy.