NXNE Live: Therapy? El MOCAMBO - JUNE 8 One thing that's for sure is the fans who checked out Northern Ireland's Therapy? got their money's worth as the packed room waved their fists in the air and stomped their feet when the Irish rockers exploded into their set. They took over the room from the onset and commanded the crowd to dance, bop their heads and shake. The Hard Rockin' three-piece is fronted by guitarist/vocalist Andy Cairns whose cutting vocals could intimidate anyone during a performance. In between songs, it felt as if he transformed from an intense frontman to that of a dignified gentleman who displayed a genuine appreciation for the crowd. His vocal stylings were direct and to the point and were backed by strong anthemic guitar riffs that sent the crowd into a screaming frenzy. Bassist Michael McKeegan, while offering well-crafted harmonies to Cairns' proclamations, tore the shit out of his bass as his fingers flew all over the fret board. The set was driven by Drummer Neil Cooper who has an incredible meter and is a very innovative drummer. Cooper provided an excellent range of classic beats, throwing in some great Keith Moon-inspired roles without missing a beat. Therapy?'s brand of no-nonsense rock 'n' roll had overtones of influences such as Motörhead, The Super Suckers and other Seattle Bands such as Mudhoney and Pearl Jam. At times the group went a bit too far into the Pearl Jam territory, but definitely made up for it in enthusiasm. For 45 minutes the power trio tore through a set that flowed from song to song. The intros of each song were very provocative and featured a rise in intensity that enabled ripping progressions to swim into the ears of the eager crowd, who in return were very receptive. Add in a couple of powerful rock 'n' roll endings and Therapy? was on fire! There's no doubt that this band showed up to kick ass and did so. The end left the packed house screaming for an encore, which lasted for 5 minutes after the set was over — very impressive for a Toronto audience normally seen as aloof.