The TOOL tribute band TOOLfist performed in the HUB Courtroom on Friday, April 13. Showcasing their dedication to TOOL’s music, they played new songs from TOOL’s most recent album, “10,000 days”. The set also included the older fan favorites “Lateralus” and “Aenima.”
Sonically, the band was able to emulate the sound of early-mid 90’s TOOL, also shifting the band’s sound towards styles more like some newer rock bands. TOOLfist used unique instrumentation in their performance, utilizing voice, effects, and layering guitars over heavy bass lines.
Adding to the “TOOL” experience of the show, the lighting effects were simple, yet effective. Spinning lights and a strobe light that lit up the crowd at breakdowns and other key moments during songs. TOOLfist also had the mid to late 90’s Claymation music videos on one of the backdrops, while a colorful psychedelic” background was displayed on another.
Strictly in terms of performance however, the band just wasn’t up to snuff, especially considering the amount of hype surrounding the event. As much as TOOLfist’s vocalist sounded and moved like Maynard James Keenan (the actual lead vocalist of TOOL), it still wasn’t the real thing. After the first few songs, many students were left scratching their heads, confused as to why TOOL is popular in the first place. This cover band just didn’t cut it. Initially a very large crowd was in attendance, but quickly dwindled as the set wore on.
While TOOLfist did do an excellent job replicating the music of their favorite band, it just wasn’t the same as seeing the real thing live, and these aging aspiring rockers looked to be past their prime. A few faithful TOOLfans stayed for the entire show, and were definitely satisfied at night’s end, but the majority of concert attendees were let down.