Tool @ SECC

Question: can you really claim that a show was "awesome!" when you've blatantly blethered all the way through it? Having never paid it quite as much attention as you would to an episode of Boohbah? Regardless of those few who have thrown away their money, Tool's unwavering focus is abundant, as their monolithic show is blown open with a reworked version of 'Stinkfist' to open all surrounding eyes. 'Swamp Song' and 'Jambi' sweep the SECC like a relentless sonic tidal wave; surfed with controlled fervour by Maynard James Keenan as he sways back and forth while the magnitude of another primeval roar depletes his lungs of air. Far more taunting than belligerent in their approach, bursts of kryptonite green strobe-light dazzle while undeniable battering rams like 'Wings of Marie' and '10,000 Days' are let loose in all their sprawling glory; it's impossible not to get wrapped up in both the sound and spectacle. The result? This quartet visibly leave an audience "overwhelmed, as one would be," unless, of course, you were only there for the craic. [Johnny Langlands]