Supporting their new CD that they will release Aug. 30 entitled "I've Failed You," Kittie brought their tour and unique brand of metal to The Rave for a show that, from start to finish, gave their fans everything they always wanted, and more. Before the show I sat down with vocalist Morgan Lander to discuss recording the new release, the new singles and videos, the Gathering Of The Juggalos, and much more. I'll have that full interview, and even some input from their producer and recording engineer Siegfried Meier later this week.
Walking out to the acoustic "Empires Part 1," Kittie, Mercedes Lander on drums, Ivy Jenkins on bass, Morgan Lander on vocals and guitar, and lead guitarist Tara McLeod, took to the stage about 10:30 p.m. and proceeded to offer Milwaukee a scorching 16-song set that included songs spanning their entire career.
They began the show with the title track of "I've Failed You" and moved quickly into last year's set opener, "My Plague." Fresh on the road for a summer tour with close to 40 concerts, Milwaukee was the third night onstage for Kittie, and the band seemed energized and excited to be once again playing for their fans on their headlining tour which over the next two months will bring them coast to coast.
It was my second Kittie concert in as many days, having been in Waterloo, Iowa Friday night. While that was a great show, in comparison, the energy in Milwaukee felt a bit more electric in the air. The show was webcast much to the delight of those who could not be there.
One of the notable highlights early on was "Spit," the title track to Kittie's 1999 debut CD, and a song that is rarely heard in concert these days. It was played with fury and passion, and its inclusion is a testament to just how far Kittie will go to please the fans. Touching on the singles from their last CD, "In The Black," the crowd was treated to a ripping version of "Cut Throat" which recently broke over a million YouTube views, and a soulful and emotionaly charged rendition of "Sorrow I Know."
Also making an appearance on the setlist was a song that hasn't been played by Kittie in a long time at The Rave, "Funeral For Yesterday," the title track of their fourth full-length CD released in 2007. It was a real treat and it's hard to say after this tour when it will make an appearance on the setlist again.
Rounding out the show, Kittie played both of their current singles, "Empires Part 2" and "We Are The Lamb," songs which are already at iTunes for purchase right now and will both have videos debut in the very near future. Played with raw emotion and relentless and crushing accuracy, it was as if they had been playing these songs their entire career. Both songs have that distinct and familiar tone that is unmistakingly pure Kittie, but at the same time break new ground and have refreshingly unique riffs. Kittie is back with a vengence on this tour, and is not to be missed. You can catch them again next week in Rockford, Ill. at Bar 3 on Aug. 21.
