Review by Brian McLean
The Spud Nation exercised their “Freedom of Choice” in healthy numbers for DEVO’s one-off show at the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas. The performance was a prelude for the band’s key note speaking engagement the following night and the band’s special show two nights later at the Austin Music Hall for the SXSW (South by Southwest) Music Conference.
While inflated condoms and balloons stayed aloft with taps and hits from the audience, the Kent, Ohio based band was backed by constant barrage of video footage with questionable content, some that was not minor friendly for the sprouting spuds in attendance. DEVO executed several wardrobe changes throughout the night while cruising through a set packed with new wave classics and new material. Fans heard set staples “The Girl You Want,” “Peek a Boo,” “Whip It,” “Satisfaction,” “Secret Agent Man” and their anthem, “Jocko Homo” that contains the chorus “Are we not men? We are DEVO!” as well as a newly written song titled “Don’t Shoot” which served as the set opener.
The show wasn’t a visual flashback to the new wave vintage clothing and dance styles of the era as one might expect but it was a treat for those who enjoy people watching. Only a few in the audience went in that oddly dressed fashion direction but the famous red domes were present on stage and in the audience. There was more punk attire than new wave which contradicts the ideology between the fans of the two genre camps back in the 80’s.
The band may be pushing a 30-year career but that didn’t obstruct a tightly executed show from these iconic and legendary new wavers that were way ahead of their time early in the band’s career. DEVO whipped it and they whipped it good.