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Review: Serj Tankian And The APO

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  • Review: Serj Tankian And The APO

    REVIEW: SERJ TANKIAN AND THE APO
    By Chris Schulz

    Stuff.co.nz
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/2269227/Revi ew-Serj-Tankian-and-the-APO/
    March 17 2009
    New Zealand

    OPINION There were nothing but highlights as Serj Tankian teamed up
    with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

    Serj Tankian and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Where: Auckland
    Town Hall When: Monday, March 17

    It wouldn't be often that a tuxedo-clad member of the Auckland
    Philharmonia Orchestra gets the opportunity to "throw up the goat"
    - the international hand gesture for metal fans - to a crowd.

    But when the APO teamed up with Serj Tankian - the big-voiced System of
    a Down singer who is now performing solo - it wasn't just appropriate,
    it was almost compulsory.

    That's how the night began as the APO took to the stage at Auckland's
    majestic Town Hall, and the grinning member of the APO's horn
    section received plenty of cheers - and returned "goats" - from the
    surprisingly large, and varied, crowd.

    It was an odd beginning for a wonderfully odd performance.

    It might seem a strange mix on paper, but - over five System of a
    Down albums and one of his own, 2007's Elect the Dead - Tankian's
    booming voice has become an instrument of its own.

    His operative howls give focus to the frenetic metal riffs that
    usually accompany his voice.

    But, when paired with the intricate melodies and stunning musicianship
    of the APO, Tankian's vocal range stood out even more.

    That was evident from the opening track, his first solo single Empty
    Walls, as Tankian's recognisable Armenian-tinged hollering was given
    extra melodrama and poignancy from the soaring strings.

    If you were getting chills from the orchestra and their perfectly
    executed, and frequent, instrumentals, that's because they know
    exactly what they're doing.

    As a result, there were plenty of highlights, like the thrilling
    cresendo at the end of Feed Us, and the dramatic elements that
    punctuated Sky Is Over.

    Then there was Blue, a non-album track that saw Tankian impressively
    matching the APO's sonic delivery with a pinpoint falsetto.

    The combo didn't mesh quite as well when the rave lights were brought
    out for the overly frenetic Money, as the intricate flourishes of
    the orchestra got lost in a sea of noise.

    And Baby was a little too wacky, but it was a good opportunity for
    Tankian to unveil some comical facial expressions and a piercing
    metal scream like the days of old.

    It was a nod to Tankian's rock fans in attendance, but if they wanted
    a Monday night moshpit fix they would have left disappointed.

    For those wanting to be pushed out of their comfort zone, by a
    performer willing to do just that to himself, there were nothing
    but highlights.

    When Tankian and the APO received a standing ovation, they deserved
    every second of it.
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