LIVE(STREAM) REVIEW: Fever 333 @ London Demonstration
FEVER 333 have made a stand against injustice and inequality since their start as a band, as individuals longer than that. Their debut album STRENGTH IN NUMB333RS saw the trio open the eyes of those who had the chance to see them live at their demonstrations. Now with a dedicated following, they have dropped their second EP WRONG GENERATION. To go with the release, FEVER 333 have put on some livestream demonstrations. With the world waking up more than ever, this is time for them to reach their largest audience yet with the power of the internet.
Opening the livestream is an immediate reference to the police brutality that saw many take to the streets as part of the Black Lives Matter protests. As vocalist Jason Aalon Butler screams the intro of BITE BACK at a riot shield, it becomes an instant reminder that the names of those who have been murdered will not be forgotten. It also serves as a word of warning that sitting back isn’t an option anymore.
FEVER 333’s live performances have always been filled with energy, they’re fuelled by the emotions they feel when using their voice to speak up. Don’t be fooled in thinking that this livestream won’t hold that same capacity of chaos. If anything, from the off it feels more charged than ever. We’re a generation that digests the majority of what we know through the internet, and despite the grief COVID-19 has caused, in a way it’s worked in the favour of giving more people access to the issues they are bringing to light with their music. The band knows this and works with every second they have.
“When we make a point to talk about the uncomfortable truth, we still believe. When we highlight things that are happening in this world that are endangering the world’s citizens, we still believe,” Butler enthuses after Soul’d Me Out, “I appreciate you, I respect you, no matter where you fall on this board, if you give me this respect, I give it you back, you’re one of us too, thank you for giving us a platform to say what we gotta say and do what we gotta do in these times, I see you.”
As his emotionally charged speech comes to a close, the notes of ONE OF US creep up in a startling fashion. At this point, this is absolute carnage. The lyrical content has always been relevant, but now the message stands taller, with each word that Butler spits, this is a way of showing that the more injustice happens, the louder they will be. Up next the band plays the first live performance of Say What You Wanted (OUT OF CONTROL/3), and it’s a crying shame that this hasn’t been put into live sets prior as it gets the blood pumping and feels anthemic.
Before FEVER 333 play Made An America, Butler addresses the viewers once again. This time it’s different, it’s not feeling full of hope like his previous speech, it feels angry and vulnerable. The band have always spoken to the audience about standing together, about the issues people still deal with, but this is moved up to the next level. The way Butler conducts himself when speaking makes you sit up and listen, he carefully crafts his words to educate. He is aware that the power of education is much stronger in these instances. The way the band reacts individually to each word shows the importance of why they’re speaking up in this manner.
“This isn’t just an American issue, it’s been happening for centuries,” Butler utters, “We write music, we perform to tell stories, I want everybody to know that the disenfranchisement of POC people throughout the world did not come about by the way of mysticism, and is not new. For you to choose to ignore this fact is your wilful ignorance and that is your privilege.” As Butler continues his tone changes, “Everybody gets afraid when we talk about the word privilege. You could be a band, you could be a senator, shop owner, farmer, when you hear the word privilege you get offended. There’s an irony in that, because your privilege is our deficit. I’m not saying it’s your fault but you do perpetuate it if you act like that shit ain’t there, like it ain’t true, as if it isn’t written in policies, as if it isn’t perpetuated in systems and constructs throughout the world. These are facts, I’m not even trying to persuade you, I’m telling a story. This is the story of America. This country was built on the backs of urban people, people who are not indigenous to this land, black, brown, Asian people, women. I’m just telling a story. If you get offended by this story, write your own fucking book, cause this is the reality. We made this motherfucker.”
As Butler introduces the song he spits “Actually don’t write your own fucking book, that’s what you’ve been doing all this time. Read a book, get through it, everybody is welcome to story time.” It’s important for that entire speech to be heard on every platform. FEVER 333 have a very solid point in speaking out about privilege and being offended because someone is making a stand about something they’ve never had to experience. They continue to contain that level of frustration and anger when performing the song. Although, at points, there’s a noticeable strain on their faces. A strain that speaks volumes about what they’re up against and have been up against in their own personal lives.
Made An America leads gracefully into one of the band’s new songs WRONG GENERATION. They have a level of appreciation that this song holds hope that people are now standing up and fighting back. Again, after, Butler takes a moment to speak out. This time he moves away from anger and frustration. He sits on the floor and speaks about a conversation he had with his partner about making this world a better place for his children. He says how they chose to have another child because they believe people are born good and children are the reason why we need to do better. It’s important to highlight that this is the most vulnerable he has appeared in any setting, his voice cracks and he sounds scared. A heavy moment for all. Dedicating AM I HERE? to his children, there’s a touch of gentleness in the air. A glimpse into the hearts of why this band are fighting so hard. Moving forward into THE INNOCENT and We’re Coming In, the energy in the room is back to chaos, and exactly what we expect from a FEVER 333 show.
For SUPREMACY, FEVER 333 introduces vocalist Erica Silva to the stage. Her voice is velvet and the blend of her softer notes to FEVER’s chaos form something special. From a livestream perspective, it’s great to see how they work together, and it can only be a hope that they might bring Silva on tour with them in the future. Moving forward, BURN IT closes the set in a spectacular fashion that leaves you eager for more.
Thankfully, live streams come with encores so FEVER 333 make sure that they’re leaving their mark with the live debut of PRESCENCE IS STRENGTH. The song is filled with passion and energy before closing the night with the chaotic performance that is Hunting Season.
People say that bands should keep politics out of music and live shows. FEVER 333 are the exact reason why it should be in and around every platform possible. If we don’t, or won’t speak about what’s going on, we will never learn or be able to educate in the strive for change. This was one of, if not the most charged, and furious performances that the band have ever played. The ability to create tension in the room through a screen is something that only people who are passionate about what they are doing can achieve. 2020 has seen the world shift in dramatic ways, but as Butler mentioned earlier in the evening, the issues that are being addressed have been around for centuries. The hope on their faces as they mentioned their appreciation that people are tuning in will prove they’re right, that we are the wrong generation to mess with.
Rating: 9/10
Check out a selection of photos from the livestreamed show from Steve Thrasher here:
