What Did You Expect? The Archers of Loaf Live at Cat's Cradle

I've been a fan of Archers of Loaf since their first album. I've seen them live a number of times over the years. This film by Gorman Bechard is something I'll treasure. Not only did it capture the essence of what makes up an Archers of Loaf live show, but the interviews with the band members between songs give you an idea of their personalities and also some cool stories of their time together as a band. I'm glad their live performance and a snapshot of who they are has been captured for others to appreciate in the future.

The audio sounds great and the video is professional but still had that close feeling of an Archers' show.

Concert films can be very hit or miss...sometimes it's the band (and the director) going through the motions to capture an experience, other times it can transport you to the show.

I first saw this movie at the Brattle Theater in Cambridge and after the first song (Audiowhore) I had to stop myself from clapping as I forgot I wasn't actually at the rock show.

The shots of the band and the shots of the crowd really give you the sense of what it's like to see this band and to see them in the Cat's Cradle (one of the greatest rock clubs in America). The sound (courtesy of Brian Paulson) is out of this world and Merge Records should seriously consider releasing this as a live album.

The interviews in between songs are a great insight into the band and each member's personality. The story of the name is great.

Filmmaker Gorman Bechard and his production team have artfully captured the Archers' energy and skill on stage, the bouncing, lyrics-shouting revelry the band inspires among their audience, and the enveloping joy of just being in the room amidst it all.

The reunited foursome is tight and well rehearsed, with spot-on timing and solid accuracy in their playing. Best of all, they seem to be having a great time once again cranking out these tunes after a decade-plus hiatus, and they seem to get real satisfaction from the fans' enthusiastic reactions (Bachmann confirms that notion in the film).

The band's great performance also comes wrapped in some lovely packaging. Simply stated, this is a really well-done concert documentary. Courtesy of Brian Paulson (audio), Gorman Bechard (video), and their team, the film looks and sounds fantastic. The cuts between the six camera angles are skillful and unobtrusive, and the camera placements and movements are nicely used to convey intimacy and intensity. The interviews with the band, interspersed throughout the film, are funny, engaging, and even revealing.

The band's performance here is great--I'd seen them live at several points throughout their history and must say that they bring the same level of passion here that they always have. The set-list is fantastic; they play some rarities that I don't think I ever got to see performed live.

Above all, though, is the sound quality. Play this as loud as you can, because the Loaf have NEVER sounded better live. Massive kudos to the sound people on this one. Seriously, well done. WOW.

Highlights include the traditional, frenetic show-opener of "Audiowhore," as well as an emotional (and absolutely flawless) "All Hail The Black Market." For me, the most noteworthy aspect of this show is just the masterful execution of the entire selection of songs here, even the few songs I have personally played to death over the years. They bring a fresh and enthusiastic approach to all of these songs, after all this time.

Pro: it's a movie about the most underrated band of all time.

Con: it's a movie about the most underrated band of all times…. In 2011…. no footage from the 90's.

Pro: the movie has some really great and funny stories, from the guys, about traveling around the country in the 90's v/s traveling around the country "part time" in 2011.

Con: Matt's crooked feet.

Pro: Matt's crooked feet.

Pro: the feeling you get from watching this movie, seeing the band, hearing the band, seeing the crowd, hearing the crowd, it will take you back to the 90's. (God the 90's were good!)

Con: the feeling you get from watching this movie, seeing the band, hearing the band, seeing the crowd, hearing the crowd, it will take you back to the 90's. (God the 90's were good…. right?)

Pro: Gorman made a movie about Archers of Loaf! I am not sure many people would have thought to do this, or would have had the talent to pull it off. I keep thinking that *if* someone would have had this idea, and set out to make a movie about Archers of Loaf, in the end it would have turned into a movie about the Chapel Hill bands/scene. This is not the case with "What did you Expect? The Archers of Loaf live at Cat's Cradle". Pretty incredible guy, definitely creative!

Thanks Gorman, it really was fantastic!