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December 4, 2002 - Hard Rock Hotel - The Joint - Las Vegas, NV, US Concert review by Las Vegas Mercury Kick Out the Jams I think I am in love with Paz Lenchantin. I don't know exactly why...of course, I had some drinks. Is she not that cute? Maybe it's the way her little fingers make such a big, clean noise on her bass, or how she was more than holding her own with one of the best rock drummers out there. Maybe it's her voice, the harmonies she adds behind the huge white pumpkin head that is Billy Corgan. Maybe it's her devious smile, or her constantly swaying hips beneath that miniskirt...mmm, Paz. Oh yeah, there were other people up on stage, too. Lenchantin was just my personal favorite among several things to like about Zwan. An odd collection of about 1,000 people showed up to be among the first to witness the buzzed-about band's music, some looking like they had barely weathered the alternative rock scene of the '90s, a la Corgan, and some baby faces who probably shouldn't remember the Smashing Pumpkins. But there they were, cheering for that big bald head to take the stage. He did, and unbelievably, he was happy. When did Billy Corgan start smiling? The music sounded less Pumpkiny than one would think, although trademark lyrics ("God's gonna set this world on fire," "Do you believe in peace? I don't know...") and Corgan's nasal shriek will forever connect Zwan's sounds to his former group. Drummer Jimmy Chamberlin is the other ex-Pumpkin in Zwan, and this group's free-flowing style seems to lend itself to Chamberlin's endless jazziness. His volleying of multiple snares and cymbals against Lenchantin's low vibes is what truly sets these songs apart. Corgan is just one of three guitarists in the band, but he was the showcase on this night. He dropped some speedy, wailing solos as if he was working hard to prove his underrated chops. Rounding out Zwan's guitar army are Matt Sweeney, late of Slint, and David Pajo, an indie hero who stood on the far right side of the Joint's stage and stabbed out some moody notes. Unfortunately, Corgan's guitar was about 100 times louder than Pajo's, so Pajo's contribution was limited. Although Zwan has not yet released its debut album--allegedly set for a January release on Reprise Records--there was plenty of buzz and recognition in the audience. The music was mostly heavy, spinning a post-grunge, alt-metal feel. But there were plenty of catchy riffs and potential radio hits flying around, and the band's collective musicianship launched it into several long jams you would never have heard from the Smashing Pumpkins. -- Brock Radke
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