September 30, 2003

This installment of the PlayLouder Singles Club was supposed to begin with Leon, but due to a broken arm in the midst of Small Victories, the order was reversed and the main man in SV opened with an acoustic set on his own. Looking rather small and lonely on his own, he lacked in confidence but the songs were more than enough to overcome any stage jitters. Confidence, however, is something Leon should reconsider. A band that band should have nothing to smile and swagger about, and in fact, should take note when their audience leaves in droves. Thankfully, everyone returned (with friends!) in time for Chungking, who sounded all the better for the precedent. "We Travel Fast" is no stinker, but the songs really find their strength when Jessie has an audience in the palm of her hand. Coy looks, batted eyelashes, and that sweet smirk, and you see the front row melt nto hero(ine) worship in two seconds flat. Even album tracks sound like greatest hits tonight, ensuring they will be going places. Fast.

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