I just got back from a trip to NYC for the "CMJ" music marathon, and I saw Vent. They played Thurs. at the Limelight (a converted church!) along with Foetus and Machines of Loving Grace.

All in all, I thought those other groups were rather strange to match up with Vent, but that's the way it goes. Anyway, I have to say with regret that Vent didn't make me jump for joy. I mean, a couple songs were catchy and melodic, but for the most part it was a cloud of buzz and distortion. Miles switched guitars every other song, so that was kinda neat. The main problem was that his vocals were buried so far into the mix that I couldn't savor his infamous songwriting skills, since the word were indistinct. Still, I enjoyed it overall, just seeing Vent getting into it and having a good time.

Miles seemed really subdued that night, barely speaking at all. He let loose with one cool dig..when Vent took the stage, the DJ was spinning techno music. They turned it off for the set to begin, and Miles said sarcastically, "Oh, why'd you turn it off? That's my kind of music."

One guy tried to bring out the angry sarcasm a little more by yelling "MILES, YOU SUCK!" but Miles either didn't hear or ignored it(!).

Anyway, that's my 2 cents. I'd see them again, but so far I'm not really blown away.