The Faints dystopian paeans to dysfunctional, metaphorically mechanized relations unfold beneath gloomy analog burble and synthetic beats. Its not exactly ironic, nor is it particularly poignant at this point, though it may not matter after a dozen years building a passionate following. While their fifth studio LP, Fasciinatiion, returns to sputtering Gary Numan-inspired robotic backdrops after 2004s more guitar and ec-centric Wet from Birth, it fails to capture the bristling energy of 2001s breakthrough, Danse Macabre. It retains some of Births experimentation, and is more engaging than that mismatched mess, but overall doesnt sustain its inspired moments. However, The Faint typically deliver high-energy performances that transform the crowd into a throbbing, booty-waving riot. That, as much as anything, keys their long-term success.
Sat., Nov. 1, 7 p.m., 2008