Marcus is NOT an idot

My son and I were eating lunch one day and he said "Dad, you've got to hear this! This guy, his name is Hopsin. He is amazing, like, his style, how he raps, and the shit he talks about. It is awesome!" So I listened and I liked. I recognized Hopsin's ability to go out of the box - the box you watch, the box you're told you have to live within, the box you are reading this on, with his words and themes. Some very high level stuff, brought down to a level the masses can appreciate. I am not saying everyone will get it. Get the inside joke, get the point, understand the message. Some will just laugh and exclaim "OH MY GOD DID YOU HEAR WHAT HE SAID ABOUT...?"

Then I get the text from my son some time later letting me know that Hopsin was going to be in Austin, Texas on the Funk Volume Tour. He would be performing at EMOS with DJ Hoppa, Dizzy Wright, and Jarren Benton. My thought is  - 'Let's do this!'

Emos (http://www.emosaustin.com/) is located on Riverside Dr, just south of downtown and the popular entertainment district. It is not far enough outside the area to make it inconvenient if you want to be downtown before or after a show here. The parking sucks, but the venue is worth it.

As you walk in the entrance there are a row of ticket windows in front of you. If you have already got your paper, then simply proceed to your right into the venue. The stage stands against the wall to your right. It is a very large stage. This set up could house just about any touring act from small to large. The sound board is in the middle of the floor and there are bleacher style seats against the back wall, to the left as you stand there, to your back if you are looking at the stage.

There are 3 bars, two to the left and right side at the back of the venue, and one to the left of the stage as you look at the stage. The bathrooms are next to the back left bar and there is an outdoor smoking area. In all, it is set up perfectly for any general admission show that would roll through town. In this night there was a large black curtain that cut the venue in half. Hanging from the high ceiling to the floor directly behind the sound booth. I later found out this is done when a show does not sell past a certain number of tickets.

There was a local DJ on stage doing his thing and two local acts performed prior to the touring part of the show made it out onstage. I couldn't tell you about the first group, but the second guy was
Kenny G (also referred to as KG). This guy was legit for a local. Don't know how he got on this tour, but his originals were good, you could understand him (he wasn't trying to deep throat the mic) and the music was definitely the perfect set of beats to hype the crowd.








Each of the main acts all had some very amusing  video to introduce them as they came out onstage. It was hilarious, but it was also brilliant. Not just the introduction for the act and entertainment for 5 minutes, it built the anticipation and made the crowd go crazy when each performer stepped out.

Jarren Benton (https://www.facebook.com/JarrenBenton/) from the FUNK Volume Tour, was the first act up. There is no doubt the crowd loved this man and his performance. It was energetic. He had a live drummer that was every bit a part of the performance as Jarren's rhymes. Jarren Benton did more than his part in pumping up the crowd, he turned up the heat and left or ears pounding. I can't say anything about Jarren Benton before this night or performance, but I can tell you after the fact...he was smart, funny, and wicked cool for all his weight in weed. Jarren Benton is the cement foundation for FUNK Volume like an 808.

Next out was DJ Hoppa (https://www.facebook.com/deejayhoppa/) as an intro for Dizzy Wright. My son spoke very highly of DJ Hoppa and it seemed like the reaction from the crowd, when he came out after his video, they all agreed. DJ Hoppa did some mixing and scratching for just a couple of minutes before Dizzy Wright had his intro and came out.

Dizzy Wright (https://www.facebook.com/DizzyWright) came out onstage with his partner in rhyme and carried on, and took us even farther than Jarren did. As a true MC, Dizzy commanded the crowd with his hands and his words. The audience jumped, bounced, and moved at his words and commands. At one point in the middle of his set the crowd seemed to lull, but Dizzy had everyone break out their lighters, and within moments he set off the crowd once again. Dizzy knew his spot on the roster. He was the hype man in the 'get the crowd going' spot for Hopsin. Dizzy Wright could've ended the performance there (memories of Fort Collins) and the crowd would've left breathless and excited.

But it didn't end there...

Hopsin (https://www.facebook.com/hellohopsin/) made his appearance after a hysterical video, of which words can not describe the gross hilarity that was the intro for Hopsin. With the crowd screaming at my back (as I was in the photo pit) it was not hard to tell all of the build up and hype had just paid off. Hopsin smiled and glared into the crowd as he tore into his first two songs...and then he spotted "HER" in the crowd. After calling out the young man for his beautiful date being a fake, Hopsin launched into 'Ramona'. Not even skipping a beat, Hopsin just rolled through his set, with little talk, but lots of performing, he moved across the stage. Edge to edge he made everyone in the crowd feel like it was their performance.

I like Hopsin. I can appreciate what he does. The tongue in cheek manner at which he educates the masses. The smile on his face as he knows and understands...he is an entertainer.

Laters









special thanks to scoremoreshows.com and C3

An evening with the Ghost

...And who was the band that inspired me and several others to crawl out of the woodwork? None other than the inimitable and wonderfully diabolical Ghost B.C. aka Ghost (http://ghost-official.com/), hailing from Sweden.

I approached Emo’s (http://www.emosaustin.com/) on East Riverside in Austin and I was early to arrive and surprised at the numbers of people that had already shown. Glancing at the faded, green walls of the outside, I remembered all the good times I had here when this building used to be the old Back Room club until it closed in the mid-2000’s. It seems fitting that another pillar of Austin’s live music scene, Emo’s, chose to make this their prime location after closing their longtime stronghold downtown on 6th street. Now, expanded and renovated, this venue is serving to bring bands like Ghost and many more to our happy little hamlet for the enjoyment of those of us with a taste for the darker and heavier sides of music.

Inside, I was greeted to the familiar sights, sounds, and smells (yes, always the smells) of a crowded club waiting with anticipation for the show to begin. I decided to make my way to a spot close to the front of the stage, where a cluster of people were already staking their claims for a good view of the festivities to come.

For those not familiar with them, Ghost B.C.(more popularly known as simply “Ghost” but, for legal reasons, unable to use that name in North America) play a style of primitive heavy metal mixed with psychedelic rock’n’roll. Ghost have crafted a highly theatrical, almost absurdly over-the-top Satanic image, complete with cultist robes, scary masks, candles, incense, and stage back-drops of stained-glass windows. Despite the lack of contemporary “heaviness”, Ghost’s subtly catchy songs are rife with dark themes and sinister harmonies that more than make up for any lost aggression.

The stage decor was already set up: a huge wall-to-ceiling tapestry designed to make it appear like you were looking out three enormous stained glass windows in an ancient, medieval church. The stained glass on the windows each depicted scenes of gruesome death, occult imagery, and other diabolical fare. In front of that, there was an American flag, torn and blackened as if by some apocalyptic fire, propped up between two wooden posts. Finally, at the front of the stage stood two angular wooden crosses.  At the time, I had thought the flag and the crosses were part of Ghost’s stage set, but soon came to understand that these belonged to the opening band, King Dude.

King Dude (https://www.facebook.com/kingdudemusic), How to describe them? The three of them sauntered slowly onto the stage as the fog machines rolled out mist and the ‘90’s metal hits that had been playing over the intercom were gradually turned down. I noted there was only a drummer and two guitarists (one of which seemed to also be the singer), but no bass player. I was curious as to what they’d sound like. Then, the singer picked up his semi-hollow electric guitar (which should have been a clue) and begin strumming some melancholy-sounding open chords with a semi-clean, slightly reverbed tone. To be honest, the feel of that first song came quite unexpected, considering the general “metal” atmosphere. It was a sad, dark country/folk tune with a slow, lumbering beat that made you feel like you were trudging across the desert at night with only the moon to light your way.

I could tell by their reactions that many of the others in the audience were just as taken aback by this entrance. Their set continued, with songs that ranged from more dark and somber country/folk rock, to furious rockabilly stomps. I was particularly impressed by their final song, which saw the drummer rattling a long, linked chain in time with the bass drum to create a true “walking to the gallows” feel. It was a great way to end a set! In all, I actually felt that King Dude, with their “haunted country” or “southern goth” styling, made an interesting contrast to Ghost. Well done, gentlemen! I’ll be listening for more things from you.

The metal that had blared over the intercom was replaced by a somber, echoing Gregorian chant. Combined with the sweet smell of the incense, and with the fog machines continuing to roll the mist out across the stage and into the audience, the atmosphere truly felt like the beginning preparation for an old-fashioned Catholic mass. Unlike that holy ceremony, however, we were shaping up for a most decidedly unholy affair, indeed.  

And, we were not disappointed.

The five Nameless Ghouls (two guitarists, a bassist, drummer, and keyboard player) filed out on stage with their instruments, enshrouded in black, cultist robes and wearing grotesque, long-nosed masks. The two guitarists were distinguished by their choice of color for their custom Gibson Explorers, with the one on the left side of the stage holding a black one and the other on the right sporting one with a white finish. They all stood in silence for a moment, then, all at once, a choir of voices broke the silence as the band launched into the title track of their most recent album, Infestissumam. The track is a short one, building up the intensity each moment and serves as an intro leading right into the opening chords of “Per Aspera Ad Inferi”, the stomping, diabolical call of welcome that Ghost had prepared for us.

Papa Emeritus II, resplendent in flowing black robes with a sacrilegious pope’s mitre (the traditional Pope’s hat) atop his head and brandishing a tall staff with an inverted cross at the top entered the stage to the screaming delight of the devoted fans in the audience. He approached the mic, gracefully waving a greeting to the masses before him and began to sing the opening verse. From that moment on, he commanded the room like a grisly conductor, raising a hand towards each musician in turn as they featured on the song.

Ghost continued playing through song after song, showcasing the blasphemous harmonies that make them great. Throughout their set, Papa demonstrated that he is certainly one of the more charismatic front men in rock and metal today, all without needing to resort to the hyperactive antics typically espoused by singers in these genres. He also displayed a lighthearted, humorous side, as well, joking with the crowd between songs. “So, how are the women of Austin?” he asked, to a roar of female voices. Gesturing for quiet, he shrugged and clarified, “I was asking the men…” which brought on a chorus of laughter.

Now, up to this point, the audience had been fairly well behaved, nodding their heads and singing along to each song. But then, Ghost finally came to one my personal favorites (and a lot of other peoples’ as it stood) ”Stand By Him”. When Ghost came to the chorus, the fans near the front could no longer contain themselves and burst into a chaotic mosh pit. Ghost does not (strictly speaking) make the kind of music that normally invites moshing, but the fervor they’d built up in the crowd required a release of pressure, evidently. After the song finished, Papa shook his finger and admonished the crowd, “Now, now. Behave out there, you. I’ll tell you what, I’ll be back in a little while. You calm down, yes?” With that, he strode off stage.

The evening had been a grand one but, at last, Ghost came to their “final” song “If You Have Ghosts”, penned by Austin’s own Roky Erickson. It seemed an appropriate gesture of respect, here at Emo’s in Roky’s hometown, and this was not lost on the crowd, who cheered vigorously as the song came to its conclusion.

I stumbled into the parking lot in a daze, feeling that old tingling sensation I used to get back in my younger, concert-going days. With the ritual just experienced, I felt rejuvenated. And, damn it, it’s good to know I’ve still got that old enthusiasm for great, live music still going inside. It might be down to mostly embers these days, but the flame still burns brightly on occasions like this. For that I am thankful to Ghost B.C. for bringing their incredible showmanship and downright awesome music to my city. I certainly hope this isn’t the last we see of them here but, with their name on the rise, I have a feeling they’ll be back before too long. My suggestion: don’t hesitate to go check them out. Maybe I’ll see you there.

Jay Longoria

edited by William Tompkins

Laters

An introduction

My new writer is an old friend, Jay Longoria. He and I go back about 12 years. He lives a busy life, new wife, new baby (on the way at the writing of this). Jay is a guitarist and plays a mean bass as well. Where as I have no room to speak about the technical aspects of a performance, Jay can. To be more consistent, I have asked Jay to talk about the venue and the crowds reaction, but I am sure he will go places I won't, in describing a show.

So in his intro, that I am going to post, he gets all wordy and shit. As editor, I will do my dirty deeds and chop up his post appropriately.

I have a confession to make:  I don’t really get out to a lot of live shows anymore.  I know, it’s shameful, especially as a musician and former frequenter of the sprawling landscape of Austin’s live music scene.  But, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed a dimming of interest in several of the things that I used to find enjoyable.  Alas, a live, heavy metal concert is but one of many casualties on that list.

This evening however, and at the insistence of my lovely wife, I suspended the gradual buildup of ennui brought on by so-called “adulthood” to get out to see one of my current favorite bands take the stage at Emo’s East (http://www.emosaustin.com/)in Austin, TX on Thursday, May 1.

I approached Emo’s on East Riverside in Austin and arrived to a sight that I admit I’ve not seen in many a year--a long line of excited black-clad concert-goers winding around the side of the building.  I hurriedly parked and hastened to take my place at the back of the line, which went on much further than I’d anticipated.  Glancing at the faded, green walls of the outside, I remembered all the good times I’d had here when this building used to be the old Back Room club until that venue closed in the mid-2000’s.  It seems fitting that another pillar of Austin’s live music scene, Emo’s, chose to make this their prime location after closing their longtime stronghold downtown on 6th street. 

Jay Longoria
Edited by William Tompkins

That's enough of that for now. Please welcome Jay to Live Music In Austin and look for an expanded view of the beautiful music scene that we all know and love! Because that's why you are here!

Laters

Battered and Bruised

"Scream It Like You Mean It" ( http://www.screamitlikeyoumeanit.com/ ) tour,  photos from the Austin, Texas stop.

The new Emos, Emos East ( http://www.emosaustin.com/ ) is a really great addition to the live music expansion happening here in town. With the other renovations happening (East Austin Revitalization Project) in this part of Austin, it is perfectly suited. I had frequented this location and building back in the day when it was The Back Room. Now that I have been to the new incarnation, I can truly say that I am glad this is in that location and Emo's East is a great addition to the live music accessibility for performers and road shows that come to Austin. I love it!

For those of you who were lucky enough to have seen or been in the old back room, I was very happy to see that they left the original bar that was at the front of the game room side of the venue.

Now Emos East is just one GIANT open space, a grandiose version of the Red River location. The bleachers are still there in the back and on the side. There are some tables for sitting and enjoying a drink (especially if you are sent to the back of the club by your kid, while they enjoy the show down front!) The sound is fucking awesome for the bands that want it loud and in your face. A decent smoking section outside, for you chimneys out there. Parking is just about as stupid as it was before and not any safer than down town. Plenty of creepy ass weirdos starring down from the apartment balconies while you get out of your car (LOCK YOUR SHIT UP!).

A great stage, awesome lighting, and apparently the bands love the sound man (with or without a beard?!)

At The Skylines ( http://www.attheskylines.com/ ) first up again. I saw these guys at SXSW in March and was blown away. An opener my ass, they pounded the shit out and had the early crowd from go! With a recent birth in the band family, there was a loan in singer who ran with the task like he was part of the band from day 1! If you didn't know the band or weren't familiar with them then you didn't notice. I am telling you, catch these bad ass guys out on the road and just see what I mean...Why are you opening? Lets get them moved up on the bill. With the sound, energy, and audience reaction, I will love an opportunity to see them again, and MOST DEFINITELY with a longer set. I want MORE...and you will too.

BTW - we did a video interview with Chris, lead singer of ATS. It was great, it was fun. If you are a fan of the band you will get a neat inside view of some things that you never knew (and maybe didn't want to!)  [http://youtu.be/PXQMiVwZTdM]

Although I haven't had the pleasure of knowing Glasscloud ( http://www.facebook.com/glasscloud ) before this show, I will tell you that I am glad I went, glad I heard them and you will be too.  Yes, they would be put in the same category as the other bands ("Screamo" as I am told by my daughter), but what you get and what they are is a little different. Vocals are right there like the other bands, but musically that is where the breaks come on. The guitar player was scary bad ass, I mean along the lines of virtuoso. At several times I would swear he was playing with 10 fingers and not just a pick and the fact that it is an 8-string guitar. Expecting that there is some classical guitar training in his background, but this could just be insane, self taught talent. Go see them, watch and listen...it is intelligent, and it seems that they like to showcase that.

On a side note, I did get to meet their drummer, Chad, and spoke with him for a hot minute (it was 110 on the black top asphalt.) After hearing and seeing them perform, I was not surprised in the least bit how friendly and well spoken Chad is. Fun fact is that they do like to jam new stuff in the van when they are traveling from gig to gig. Being handed discs all the time they DO actually try to listen to it (in the CD player of the van at that exact moment was 'Inside the Beehive' - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inside-The-Beehive/105104219536902.) Chad also has mad respect for Justin Bieber...(the new album actually does kick ass!)

Secrets ( http://www.secretsofficial.com/ ), sadly I only caught the last couple of songs here as I was outside doing a video interview with another band (check it on YouTube). What I did catch was great and full of energy. With the lead singer standing on the barricade and lurching out into the crowd, it was pretty intense. As a fan, this is what you come early for, this is what you fight for (to stay down in front), this is why live music will always kick ass and be an integral part of our lives. The apparent love of the fans from Secrets is what makes me smile when I go to a show and see that from a band.

Close to Home ( http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCloseToHome ) was right there with the other bands. I am telling you, whether you get the opportunity to catch this band on this tour or it is another tour at another time. You MUST take the time to go check them out on a bill with many other bands. It is very fun and these guys in CTH like to be showy and laugh and smile onstage. Great stuff!

Like Moths to Flames ( http://www.facebook.com/likemoths#!/likemoths ) is just as fun and lively as the other bands. Driving the audience into a frenzy with the music and commanding your attention the whole time they are on stage. Another band that would definitely be worth while seeing again or catching on a big bill like this one.

 Abandon All Ships
( http://www.facebook.com/abandonallships#!/abandonallships ) really impressed me with their sound. I hate to make comparisons, cause what I hear is never what you hear or think. I even sent my girlfriend a text about these guys as soon as I heard them. Something that I knew she would like, and our tastes don't always match up. As far as the performance, right on the money with the other bands. Full of energy, audience participation, and general "I don't give a Fuck, I am here for a good time" it was great and I would take my girlfriend to see these guys. 

 Woe Is Me ( http://www.facebook.com/woeis#!/woeis ) was pretty intense. Demanding the circle pit, and make sure you take someone down with you. Damn good fun. It must be great to be higher up on the food chain, but after a few hours of mind numbing, blistering sound, you would think you would be tired of it. NOPE, not with this audience. Woe Is Me just whipped them up into a new frenzy.

We Came As Romans

( http://www.facebook.com/attackattackus#!/wecameasromans ) the statement of 'blinded by the sound' would be applicable here. Just huge sound coming from WCAR and the activity on the stage and in the crowd was mind numbing. I couldn't focus and the crowd was just insane. This was a breathless set.

Sorry for the lack of photos, but of course we had a camera issue during the WCAR set.

 Attack Attack! ( http://www.facebook.com/attackattackus ) were the men of the late hour. This is what most of the kids came to see. DO you wanna know what it was like from the audience perspective when these guys came on stage...EVERYONE forgot about their pain and dove into the fray.

With poignant words for a lost and hopeless generation, the lead singer drew great applause and cheering while they launched into another barrage of songs.

Angel was dead tired with a hurting ankle and wanted to go, but decided "No, I want to stay til the end." I think this was undoubtably the sentiment with every one. 'Let's make it to the end!' Good thing they all did, with a thank you and good night Attack Attack! left the stge, only to be pulled back for one more song. YUP! it was the one every one wanted to hear and the place just exploded.

Photos by Angel Skye!

Laters

Start The Revolution...by A Skye

So how did you possibly spend your V-Day? Did you take that special someone out to a movie? Did you take them out to dinner and a movie? Well, I spent it at a concert. Probably one of the best touring shows I’ve been to in a really long time.

The ‘This Is War’ Tour came through Austin, stopping at the new Emo’s East ( http://www.emosaustin.com/ ) Riverside and it was freakin’ brilliant! Attack Attack headlined the show while Dream on Dreamer, Chunk! No, Captain Chunk, Sleeping With Sirens, and The Ghost Inside opened. Now I have to say that I was a little skeptical and wasn’t sure how you could manage to get Sleeping with Sirens and The Ghost Inside on the same stage… with both bands being very differet styles, but it couldn’t have been a better way to open up for Attack Attack! Now, if you aren’t into “Screamo” music or post-hardcore punk music… then you probably won’t like too much of what I have to say in the next few paragraphs. If you read this far and you’re still with me then let me tell you this… You missed one hell of a show!


Dream on Dreamer ( http://dreamondreamerband.com/ ) I’m sad to say to those of you that were looking forward to the write up about this band… I missed them. I don’t think I can explain to you the FRUSTRATION I felt. I was anticipating seeing them perform live since it was going to be their last performance on the ‘This Is War’ tour. Unfortuneatly we were too busy trying to find the damn place! We spent the first 20 minutes listening to them play in the car instead of inside Emo’s. While we were sitting in the usual downtown traffic, we had a little party [listening to their CD] right in the middle of the stand still traffic on the IH 35… I can only say I am still so very angry, [but] it was still pretty awesome.



Chunk! No, Captain Chunk ( http://www.facebook.com/cnccband ) the brilliant men from Paris, France… 'Give us one word to describe their performance' you ask? Legit! The opening chords were followed up by Bertrand (Vocals) running onto the stage dressed as, you probably wouldn’t have guessed this, A Giant Panda Bear (WTF?). They got a really good response from us and decided to keep the Panda Bear outfit for another song. Like all good things that must come to an end, the Panda Bear came off and the show continued in a breeze. There was a little bit of mosh here and there, but all in all it was great! The singing from Bertrand and Paul (Guitar/Vocals) was, to say the very least, impeccable. Jonathan (drums) was going off like I have never seen a drummer play before, and everything flowed quite smooth for a Pop/Punk, Metalcore band. It was one of the better shows I have seen.

Sleeping with Sirens (  ), of all the bands to perform, this was one of the bands that I had been looking forward to seein the most, as was every other girl inside! I apologize in advance for the girlyness you are about to witness coming from me (but I’m gonna be completely honest with you) Kellin Quinn (Vocals) eeeeee. I don’t really know what to say about this boy without going off into lala land… His voice is so gentle, so smooth, and the range he has is one of the most versatile I have heard. Female singers, you should watch out for him, as I’m sure he would put to shame those of you who have trouble hitting your high notes. The only way I can really describe it is this...when my dad first heard me play one of their songs, he asked if they had a girl singer and a guy screaming.?Nope! It was just Kellin in all his sexy glory (I warned you.) He came onto the stage and sang one of their hit singles “If I’m James Dean Then You’re Audrey Hepburn” and it was unreal how they crowd reacted to him, just by himself. We sang along with him. Every single word. By this time I had moshed my way in to just about dead center a few people behind the barricade. Being the gorgeous boy he is, he brought to light the fact that it was Valentine’s day, which we all by now forgot. He asked the girls in the crowd which one of us wanted to be his special Valentine and I’m ALMOST ashamed to admit… I was one of the girls screaming. The crowd was nonetheless excited to have Sleeping performing in Austin again. Even the girls got in on the action of crowd surfing. The crowd sang along with every word and every note that was blasting out of the speakers. I have never jumped around, danced, sang, or even moshed as hard as I did during this show. Jesse (backup vocals/guitar) and Jack (lead guitar) played the hardest I had ever seen them play. I think they enjoyed the attention as much as Kellin. Sleeping with Sirens is a very “posy” band. You ask what I mean? I mean that, the whole time they performed, they were in the perfect positions to take pictures. It was all very cute. I find it completely incredible that every line of their songs were sung by the crowd and every break down had such a major response. Talk about dedicated fans!

The Ghost Inside ( http://www.theghostinside.com/ ), I am not gonna
lie, I was totally unfamiliar with this band. I had never even heard of them before this night. I saw them on the line up and thought that it would be just another small unknown band that was a filler. Holy God, I have never been so utterly wrong about what I was thinking. To say that the crowd knew them and how the crowd reacted, well that would be probably the stupidest thing I have ever said. This was the part of the show that I will remember painfully for a long time. This was the hardest most, metal band that had played that night and I had fallen in love. (Sorry Kellin, but this was freakin’ gnarly!) I would have to say that the place to experience The Ghost Inside, is right smack dab in front of the barricade. The plus side? Catching all the merch that they throw out, all the spit that is released and all the sweat you get to feel. Sounds gross I know, but this is a heavy band, and it calls for heavy measures. Now, metal bands are NOT my thing at all, but it was just something about the way these guys did it. I was stomped on, elbowed, kicked, head butted, and I’m pretty sure the guys that were jumping all around me were using me as a support beam to jump higher. It was the sickest show I had seen in ages and it’s gonna be hard to find another band to top this. The dedication that they had from the fans was unbelievable.

Attack Attack ( http://attackattackoh.com/ ) I think this deserves a moment of silence. . . . . I will always remember this show. For the rest of my life, I will remember coming to this show and being so amped about seeing them in concert for the first time. I had taken a break from the crowd, even losing my place at the front of the barricade (to tend to my newly bruising face) only to jump back up to the middle of the pit. It was everything that I thought it would be and more! It was a mix between a giant rave/dance party and an all-out brawl between fans. The music pumped through the walls of Emo’s and I am almost certain there was not a single steady body in the whole venue. This was “The Start Of The Revolution” as Caleb (lead vocals) so keenly put it. He was more active and involved with the crowd than all of the other bands combined. He even went as far as jumping over the barricade to dive into the crowd. It was totally worth the wait to see these guys throw down! The dance, techno sound they had in the background of their songs was totally what everyone had been looking forward to. There was not a dull moment in their set. To top it off the ever so present 'wall of death' was asked to form by the last song. Terrified out of my mind at the thought of being in a wall of death, I stole a place at the front of the barricade to watch the mayhem that was about to unfold. As soon as Caleb and John (back-up vocals/bass guitar) hit 3 it was total chaos. Being such a huge success, we called them back out for an encore, and you better believe they gave it to us. Finishing off the night with 'Smokahontas'… it was the biggest dance party I had witnessed.

If you missed this show, due to other Valentines day “plans”, well guess what? I’m pretty sure your husband, or girlfriend, or sister, or whoever, would’ve been just fine seeing this concert. It was something that no one should have missed! On another note, there was one casualty and she was taken to the hospital by ambulance at the very end of the show. She was thrown over the barricade and she hit her head on the floor.
Well I hope you had some insight into the amazing night that I had for Valentines day and I hope to see you at the next show.

Angel in a Skye.