Or how to make a very good band even better.....
My wife and I always like to catch 5th element when they are local. They're a good, tight outfit and Ann has a great voice and is great at pulling the punters onside. So no surprises there. Consistently good music and entertainment as usual. Wouldn't expect anything less. :o)
The main thing I'd like to comment on was the HUGE improvement in the sound quality. These guys have invested some money in bass bins, monitors etc, and are now putting backline through the FOH mix. It makes one hell of a difference, and it came across in the performance. Friday night was the best I've ever seen/heard them. It's always a pleasure to see a band AND hear them well.
No volume creep between the guitarists, which is always nice. Bass player not attempting to move the pub 10 paces east with his sub, and the drums actually had a great mix, whereas when they were solely using the PA tops, the drum triggers tended to drive the cabs a little too hard and overwhelm the vocals a touch.
Final icing on the cake will be when they get the vocal to project a little more. It was loud enough, but a little bottom heavy for my taste.
All in all a top night with a top band. :o)