By Ian DanzigEven though this Akron, OH collective first made their mark in the late '70s as conceptual artists and new wave originals, Devo's resurgence 33 years later is not out of place. After all, their theory of Devolution proposes that mankind is regressing, not progressing. So why not Devo too. Although older, now that they've returned to form with last year's Something for Everybody release, the ultimate geek spud boys don't have to worry about age as an obstacle. It's not as if their anti-style outfits and absurdist performances ever ventured into sex symbol territory to begin with. Kicking off the outdoor show with a mix of new and mid-'80s material, they hit the stage with their latest grey-masked outfits, effectively backed by eye-bleeding video collage. The show, however, really shifted into high gear when they donned the trademark flowerpot hats and launched into their most successful material from 1980's Freedom of Choice album, including "Girl U Want" followed by "Whip It" (thankfully not saved as a set closer). After a video narration sequence and another costume change into the classic yellow tear-away coveralls, their best material followed, appropriately centering on their influential 1978 Are We Not Men? debut. This second set started with their robotic cover of the Rolling Stones' ode to consumerism, "Satisfaction," and early career highlights "Uncontrollable Urge," "Mongoloid," "Secret Agent Man" and premier statement on Devolution, "Jocko Homo." Set closer "Gates of Steel" challenged frontman Mark Mothersbaugh's vocal range but he was able to laugh it off. The encore featured yet one more costume, a crazy orange-patterned shirt that appeared to be made up of grilling hot dog graphics. The electronic billboard mecca that is now Yonge-Dundas Square was the perfect backdrop for their "Freedom of Choice" finale, as they pelted the crowd with what seemed to be leftovers from the band's rider; freedom of choice, indeed. We are Devo.
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-06-20 00:20:40Flower pot hats? You know not of orgone accumulators.
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-06-20 08:42:03"Challenge to vocal range" should be have cold with scratchy throat, should have canceled but caried on anyway. They did great and Mark gave it a good try but his throat was done about half way through. Extra points for Bob and Bob for singing more to cover for him.
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-06-20 09:54:11they're ENERGY DOMES not "flowerpot hats". jesus...
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-06-20 10:21:35ok voice was a little off, who really cares its was a free concert and the sets had some energy. Blue Energy domes now. Sound outdoors was good first set and got louder by the end. Devo lives and they are not playing the casiino lounge circuit, nerds with cool music lol
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-06-20 10:43:16free show or not, they killed and were likely 100x better than whatever shitty over hyped hipster act was the toast of NXNE...
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-06-20 11:00:13You're all wrong, their hats are red plastic cakes.
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-06-20 11:04:27^^ "whatever shitty over hyped hipster act was the toast of NXNE"- bahaha DEVO is such a hipster band, just because they have been around for 30 years doesn't make them any less of one. A journalists job is to stay objective. This is a great review, don't get mad because all you other nameless poseurs got hard ons in dundas square for a free show and "energy domes!".
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-06-20 11:20:48NxNE , no riots at Dundas Square, good music and a fun time. Men without Hats, Devo Saturday were good. Most under 25 types have no idea on What or Who Devo are, too bad, overall was a good concert with good sound and energy. Tourist from all over the world got to enjoy a nice time downtown Toronto, and not just at the taste of Italy. DEVO DEVO
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-06-20 13:34:24no riots.....hahaha.....this wasnt a fascist g20 gathering
Posted by Nameless Poseur On 2011-06-21 18:58:47I think Mark had a frog in his throat. Get it? A frog in his throat? haha. He was singing in Canada after all. (Before you get pissed, my mom is from Montreal so I'm half-a-Canuck!)
Flower pots? Please. The real spuds out there know an Energy Dome when they see one. ♥ Janice in California
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