Almost Acoustic Christmas Plugs Into Power

While the core bill of the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas at the Universal Amphitheatre remained the same for the event’s two nights--from the fuzz and fury of Papa Roach and Deftones to the electro-soul of Moby to the understated nerd-rock of Weezer to the melodic pop-flavored passion of Incubus and No Doubt--the addition on Sunday of newcomers Linkin Park and Disturbed and veteran Green Day perfectly wrapped up the show’s musical gifts.

L.A.’s Linkin Park offered its youthful rock, rap and rage, proving to be as enthusiastic and vigorous on stage as it is on its current MTV hit, “One Step Closer.” Established popsters Everclear didn’t fare as well. Their radio-friendly tunes, while heartfelt, never really connected with the crowd, and the trio lacked the charisma and freshness of other acts on the bill.

In contrast, the pummeling groove of Chicago-based Disturbed shone bright, as the tight, savage crew ripped through aggressive metal grinds with raw precision. Their version of Tears for Fears’ “Shout” was also a highlight, even if many in the under-21 crowd didn’t know who originally sang the ‘80s New Wave standard.

Pop-punk trio Green Day provided a feel-good end to the festivities, with singer Billie Joe Armstrong hamming it up between bouncing ditties from “Dookie” and the new “Warning.” The power-chord kings proved they still have what it takes to get the kiddies jumping, and their buoyant performance probably ensured that their newest release will be stuffed inside many a Christmas stocking this year.