CALGARY - OK, let's get this out of the way -- Moist has never been one of my favourite bands.

I wouldn't say the Matthew Good Band or gob are often on my stereo, either.

But after watching Saturday night's soldout show at the Max Bell Centre, I might have to take another listen.

I'm not totally converted, however.

I still find Moist's angsty, mainstream alternarock uninspiring and insincere.

Trembly voiced singer David Usher's vocals are so overwrought with emotion during such hits as Tangerine, Resurrection and Silver, you're almost afraid he's going to break down in tears any second.

While the 4,000-plus who crammed into the Max Bell saved their biggest cheers for singles off the band's first two albums, Silver and Creature, it was the tracks from its latest CD, Mercedes Five and Dime -- their best record to date -- that proved Moist is not a creatively static band.

Granted, Mercedes' lead-off singles Breathe and the gorgeous Underground are still quite melancholy and even a little angst-ridden. But there is more of a seductively subtle quality about them that is much more appealing than the high drama of their earlier material.

Moist has become very good at the live show. The band had the crowd in the palm of their hands, thanks to perfect arena-rock moves, excellent musicianship and Usher's charm and charisma.

Though they were essentially a supporting act for Moist, Vancouver's Matthew Good Band were equally well-received by the adoring throng in the mosh pit.

Playing songs from their debut record Underdogs and this year's Beautiful Midnight, MGB sounded great, but they were a bit less energetic than Moist and openers gob. Vancouverites gob were the most entertaining act of the evening.

The band seems torn between whether it wants to be a snotty SoCal-style punk band or AC/DC-like rockers.

Maybe they should try being a cover band: gob's revved-up version of the Stones' Paint It Black -- available on the Stir of Echoes film soundtrack -- was the highlight of the evening.