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A Perfect Circle and Burning Brides
Augusta Maine Civic Center- May 10th 2004
Ok First and For Most I have to thank a few people for getting access to this concert....Amanda Hale of MSO thank you very much. Also, Justin Cybulski and Steve thanks for covering this show, brillient work.
Second, now Im usually pretty law abiding in most aspects and this goes for concerts as well, but when security becomes a little excessive it pisses me off. So, if anyone of the Augusta Civic Center reads this review, just know that I will be in touch with whoever is responsible for controlling security. To make a long story short, my photographer who was sent and given a photo pass was tackled (yes literally, he was pined down ) by two "bouncers." Then when they found out he had a pass, took his camera away. So there are no photos that can be added with this review. Either way I do not find this action acceptable considering there was some damage to the camera equipment, I have been granted photo access to many shows in Maine, and this has to be the worse case.
Driving three hours in the rain is never fun. When all that effort is to go see a show--Well, that band better be good. A Perfect Circle was more than good -- they were amazing. Their sound filled the Augusta Civic Center completely and was able to salvage a night that was initially characterized by a long, arduous drive where Mother Nature was against us.
APC opened with "Vanishing" from their latest release, Thirteenth Step. Maynard made his entrance on stage behind a backlit sheet, allowing the audience to see only his silhouette throughthe first song. This visual effect was especially striking when the source of light illuminating the sheet switched locations, which gave the illusion that Maynard was teleporting.
Thinking of You was a highlight of the show (especially the songs incredible siren opening), and the intricate music and vocals of Blue translated very well into a live performance, and the song was beautifully augmented with green and purple lighting. Other highlights included Brena, Package,and Magdalena. The show ended perfectly with Judith.
Maynard was very entertaining and in tuen with the crowd and his "profanity tests" and political comments were hits with the audience.
Let it Burn, The Unseen, Avail, and the Bouncing Souls
State Theater, Portland Maine- May 2, 2004
Everyone has a political stance in some point, so what better way to get people to actively take theres then a punk rock concert. This concert was done by Punkvoter.com. Basically as Craig (Bouncing Souls) explained, "Things are Fucked Up, and Its up to You to change them, go vote." So take home message, start voting. So now, on to the concert itself.
This concert was at the State theater in Portland. Well compared to the other times I had come to the State, it was pretty much empty. Cool thing was it was still one of the most fun concerts Ive ever been to. The first band that was playing, I dont know I just wasnt a fan of. They are called Let it Burn. Which to think about almost sounds like they are taking a political stance or something. But to see em on stage I dont know. The lead singer played a tamborine, which is cool for all you tamborine fans. I dont know I just didnt like how they sounded so I sat in the back for them.
Next band was the Unseen. These guys are from Boston and put on a great show. Ive seen these guys open for someone back in the day, and they are good. If you must compare them they are comparable to the Casualties. They played most of their good songs such as "Social Security," "A.D.D," and "Police Brutality" which they opened with. These guys were moving around letting the crowd sing along, crowd responded well and they were excellent. Check these guys out.
Avail was the next band that came out. These guys were amazing. This band has to be one of the best punk acts out there. The are from Virginia or West Virginia I forgot which one. This band has been around for a while, and the sad thing is its the first time Ive really listened to them. Well thats going to change. LISTEN TO AVAIL, you wont be dissappointed.
The last band to play was the Bouncing Souls. Well like typical bouncing souls quality they didnt disappoint. They played everything you would want to hear from them if you were a fan. It was a good mix from all of their albums. From "Joe Lies" and "Argyle" to "Hopless Romantic" to "Ballad of Johnny X" to "East Coast Fuck You" to "Kids and Heros." It was such a good show, anyone who likes punk has to see the Bouncing Souls. The crowd was going off and it had to be the most fun I have had at a show in a while.
Take home message, GO VOTE!
Maxeen, Sugarcult, Reel Big Fish
The Avalon, Boston- 4/18
This show was at the Avalon, I havent been back to this place for a concert since the DKM St. Pattys shows. I like it compared to other venues around New England. This was sort of a weird show because I get annoyed by "Ska Kids." I dont know maybe this concert is proof that Im getting old. Anyway...
First band that started up was Maxeen. They were very good. I know ive seen them open for other acts but I didnt pay much attention to them. They had some songs that really stick out. Their new album is self titled and off Side One Dummy records. The songs "Good Enough" and "Soleil" I thought were really good. Also, two songs that I keep on listening to are "Please" and "Strangers." I thought these guys were a good band, nice little blend of pop and punk. Check them out if they come around.
Next band that came on was Sugarcult. These guys are very impressive live. If you want to go see a fun punk band go see Sugarcult. The crowd was jumping around and going crazy for these guys. Their songs are fast paced and catchy enough to sing along to. They played all their hits, "Daddys Little Defect" "Stuck in America" and "Memory." They finished their set with "Bouncing off the Walls" everyone went crazy, it was good times.
Last band up with Reel Big Fish. For some reason i really wasnt feeling it with them. I use to be a huge fan but for some reason I was not interested in this ska band. I left pretty early because I just wasnt interested in hearing ska. Also, I havent really listened to ska very much lately, if that tells you something. I dont know, if your a ska fan you will like RBF, if not then dont waste your time with them.
Brand New, Piebald, Denali
Weds April 14th at the Palladium, Worcester Mass
Well im back in Worcester for this one. First, I must start off and say Im not a fan of EMO. With that said I can review this show.
First, id have to thank Ken O'leary and Denali for this show. To be honest they were different then I expected. The crowd probably did not know what to expect from them as well. The vibe I got, was "When Does Brand New Come on?" Overall, I was impressed with Denali, I just think they were playing to the wrong crowd. The average age was well below 18. They were an interesting band with an interesting sound. For some reason I find it hypnotic. The song "Hold Your Breath" has been stuck in my head for two days. In some odd way I really wouldnt consider Denali an Emo band, I did like their stuff though. If your into some very melodic hypnotic music this is right up your alley. If your not, well just check out the song "Hold your Breath" by Denali, for some reason it will just linger around and you will find yourself listening to more of them.
The next band to play was Piebald. Ok, i dont know much about emo, but to me this your typical emo band, granted I havent been exposed to much. I wish I was more of a fan to express more enthusiasm, but I cant. If you like emo I guess you will like Piebald. "Fear and Loathing in Cape Cod" was a pretty decent song, rest was ok i suppose.
Last band of the night was Brand New. Ive listened to all of their first CD, YOUR FAVORITE WEAPON, and I was really impressed. This second album I heard their radio hit off of and that was pretty much it. They are definitly not what I expected to see. The crowd really enjoyed it, but for some reason I was hoping for a bit more. I dont know what, maybe I guess more punk and less emo. Im still scratching my head, the crowd consisting of many adolescent teens were singing along and having a great time. I didnt though. I guess their second CD DEJA ENTENDU is just not my thing. Go see them and judge for yourself is probably the best thing I could say about Brand New.
Sevendust, Cold, Apartment 26, Atomship
Monday April 12th at the State Theater, Portland Maine
First and for most, I would like to thank Apartment 26 and everyone in their management group, Jon and Amanda you guys especially.
Ok, now to the concert. This concert was really good in all. Security for it, I dont know about. They were sort of ridiculus if you ask me. I mean kids are around smoking pot like crazy and they get on me for having my cell phone out during one of the bands and are especiallys strick with me taking any photos what so ever, go figure.
The first band that came up was Atomship. This was the first time Ive ever heard of this band, and they were ok. They had a sound that was similar to tool mixed with a little cold. Im not sure the crowd was too into them, there was a bunch of people in front of the stage nodding their heads but that was simply it. I dont know i didnt mind them, but then again Ive heard worse.
Next to the stage was Apartment 26. This will be the third time Ive seen this band, and well what can I say, I am a fan. The first time was at an Ozzfest I went to, and the second time was in the Axis when they played with 3 Days Grace. I am for some reason really impressed with the set these guys put on. The crowd got into this band as well, the craziness of mosh pitting started up. This band puts together different styles of music in their songs. It went from straight up Hardcore to a mix of Jazzie Funk-Core. It was very cool. The new album is great!!! Go Get it! They culminated the evening with their song "Give me more." They had excellent stage presence and got the crowd going. Check em out when they come near you. www.apartment26.com Next band to play, and also a personal favorite of mine is Cold. I was as anxious to see these guys as much as Apartment 26. Last time i saw cold was headlining a show in Orlando a long time ago. For some reason Scooter Ward just knows how to write songs. Each song seems to have some kind of deep meaning or something. They had an awesome set, the opened with their classic "Just Got Wicked." They played alot from their new album and then came back with "No One." I was alittle disappointed they didnt play Stupid Girl, but in the end it was a good show. I spoke with Scooter outside in random passing, and apparently there were alot of technical difficulties. As he stated it was "like a bad dream." I guess thats Maine for ya. Either way Cold did a good job.
Then the headlining band came on, Sevendust. I wish I was able to stay for the entire set, however, I wasnt informed that I was only allowed to photograph Apartment 26. So I was asked to leave early. I saw Sevendust maybe 8 times so far in Orlando, so im very familar with them. As usual they did not disappoint. They played most of all their hits from Waffle to Denial to Bitch. The crowd was going insane as every sevendust crowd goes. For a good show you have to see Sevendust.
In the end this was a really fun concert to goto, the tour is going through most of the U.S go see it.
The House of Blues- 3/26/04
Flogging Molly, Throw Rag, Harry Dash
This was a fun show for the most part. I hadnt been there in a while so it was good to be back, also met up with an old friend (Clint, Whats up Dude?). Anyway took some time to get inside cause for some reason HOB staff had to get us approved, made me kind of nervous. But it went well, we got in and were ready for a good time.
When we came in Harry Dash was already playing. They were pretty good, i mean they had the crowd going. I was actually semi-impressed with them. I had never heard of them or the second band, Throw Rag. I wish I remembered some songs they played, but I dont. Crowd was good, they had alot of energy. Good Job to the band Harry Dash.
The next band that played was Throw Rag. Ok, they started off kinda cool but to be honest I just got annoyed with them. First off, they had some guy playing spoons on some kind of board, which i guess is ok. But when he started stripping it got kind of stupid. Musically they were ok, id probably never go see them if they were headlining though. They were weird, I dont know i didnt like this band.
Lastly, Flogging Molly came onstage. This had to be one of the very best performances Ive seen in a long time. The crowd went pretty crazy for them, they opened up with "Selfish Man" and from then on just had everyone moving. They played all of their memorable stuff from both albums, Swagger and Drunkin Lullabies, along with "Ole, Ole" in tribute to Irish Football. The great thing is they also played some newer songs that were excellent, im looking forward to their new cd. In the end, this is a very good band see them anytime they come around.
March 13th Avalon
St Patricks Day Show Dropkick Murphys
This was the third St. Pats day show for these guys and it was an all ages, and sold out like a wicked long time ago. Im lucky I got tickets. It was completely packed which was cool and even some of the boston bruins were there. There were 2 opening acts, the Pug Uglies and Gang Green.
Pug Uglies I really enjoyed, i even bought their Cd "Go For Broke." This was some good punk music that really got the crowd going. Alot of songs about punks and stuff like that. It was really good im pretty sure they won over some fans that night. Gang Green came up next. Gang Green has been around for a while from what I learned. Similar to the Ducky Boys, they are a good hardcore punk group. They apparently have been long friends with Dropkicks, they typically join them in a version of "Alcohol." They were a really good group, check em out if you get the chance.
Last the Dropkick Murphys. This was an amazing show once again, they played pretty much the entire "Blackout" album, and then their regular hits as well. I am a life long dropkick murphys fan. They played all their songs we all know and love... from "Which side are you On?" to "Kiss Me im Shitface" to "the Gauntlet." It was a great performance, I almost bought scalped tickets to the sunday show. Go see DKM
March 11th Avalon, Boston
St. Patricks Day Show Dropkick Murphys
This had to be one of the best times I have had at a concert. Good Beer, cool people, and great music all around. This show was 21+ so it didnt sell out from what I heard. It was kind of different because there was less of a mosh pit and crowd surfers you typically see. The first band that played was the Ducky Boys. This band has been around the Boston area for a while, and what can i say I like em. They are a good hardcore punk band from Boston, so go check em out. This was the first time Ive seen them and well it was definitly a good show.
The second band that took the stage were the Prodigals. This was an interesting band because they are Irish Folk. Not like Flogging Molly, which have some punk riffs to it. The crowd I think was divided whether or not to like them or not. If you like typical Irish music such as the Cheiftans, this band is right up your allie.
Then the Dropkick Murphys came on. They opened with "the Foggy Dew" by the Cheiftans. What can I say, the Dropkicks never dissappoint. They opened with "Do or Die" and well the entire set was excellent. They played most of their older songs from their first albums. It was really good to hear some of those songs played. This was definitly a fun concert, go see the dropkick murphys anytime they play!
The Avalon- December 19
Mindless Self Indulgence and Tub Ring
Only way to describe this concert is Craziness. I was really skeptical about this concert, I thought I would probably leave early considering I hadnt really liked any of the songs I listened to. So I drank a few beers up the street and missed the first band. I was totally suprised and blown away by the remaining two bands. The Avalon is also alot bigger then the Axis and is more i guess "club-ish." The crowd was really diverse to, I didnt realize the type of following MSI had. Plus i have never heard Rap music being enjoyed by typical "hardcore goth kids," i guess there is a first for everything.
Tub Ring came on and well what can I say... I bought their album. I really dont know what kind of music this is. Hardcore, Punk, Poprock, whatever it is, I liked it. They even felt compelled to cover a bit of Outcast "Hey Ya." Tub Ring has two major albums out DRAKE EQUATION and FERMI PARADOX (newer). I spoke to their gutarist, Shawn, and he said their newer one is more poppy-sing along-ish, and their older one is more hardcore. This is a very interesting band comprising of different styles and the keyboards are pretty crazy too, the dude playing em was jumping all over the place. If your looking to see a very good live act go see tub ring, especially if you are an MSI fan.
Few more beers at the bar, by the way the bartenders are HOT at the Avalon go check it out. Then the lights dimed for MSI. I dont know how to describe this band, they are amazing. You take hardcore and you add just pure craziness music and you get MSI. Just go see them live. Downloading their music and listening to it really does them no justice, and you may say it all sounds the same. They played alot of their crowd pleasing stuff from "Bitches" and "Backmask" to "Wack!" and "Brooklyn Hype". I can say i am now an MSI fan, go see them and you will enjoy the show.
The Axis- December 15th
From Autumn To Ashes, and Avenged Sevenfold
First I would like to thank Magen Tracy for giving us a chance to review this show. As the locals would say it was a "wicked good time." I got to this show kind of late and sort of missed the first opening band, Dearly Departed. Blame all the bastard construction. Good news is i ran into a friend of mine, Alicia, and she said they were good. Ill take her word on it, she is a big thrice fan which says alot. Also, the next band that was suppose to play, NORA, was in some kind of accident and didnt make the show. Too bad because I was looking forward to seeing them.
After hanging out for a bit, by the way the Axis is a cool little venue, especially for shows such as these, FATA came on. Everytime I see these guys they just get better and better. I had just seen them play in Worcester a week before with A. Trio and Reggie and Full Effect. They did not dissapoint. Every song pretty much enraged the pit and they had alot of energy. Granted this was a NY band playing in Boston, we wont hold being Yankees fans against em. They played an equal amount from both major records from "Miligram Smile" to "Reflections." For anyone getting into some serious Hardcore, From Autumn to Ashes is a must see band, I cant say enough good things about them.
Following a minor scuffle with two local "Billy Bad Asses" in the crowd, and about 20 mins Avenged Sevenfold took the stage. Until now, i really hadnt heard this band before. They had pretty much a goth look to them and were "A.F.I- esque," well the lead singer was at least. I guess they are pretty much a you like them or dont like them band. Im still debating to be honest, however the last song they played was pretty good "Second Heartbeat." They played most of their new album which is decent to some, but one girl I met commented on them sounding like "a typical highschool hardcore band." I dont know, like i said you either like them or dont like them.
The State Theate- November 13
The Casualties and Dropkick Murphys
This was probably the best show I will goto in Maine. Lets face it, and no offense to Maine folk, but its Maine. This started off really cool because before the show I was eating dinner and next thing I know, James Lynch (DKM) and some people from the opening band walk in. That was pretty neat. Funny thing is somehow i missed the opening band, go figure. You will see a trend with the other reviews probably.
Anyway, the second band to play was the Casualties. Well what can I say about them. They are from NY and well they a major anarchy, down with the system type band. They also like to put their middle fingers up alot, I dont know i guess everyone has there therapy. Ive seen this band 3 times now, and I dont know I cant really get into em for some reason. And yet I always have a song downloaded from them. Anyway, they played stuff like "Police Brutality" and "Punx and Skins." I dont know, its the casualties you'll see them at some show probably.
Well a short time later, the lights dimed for DKM. Good cause they saved the day from the previous middle finger hour that the casualties introduced me to. They had "Foggy Dew" by Sinead O'Conner and the Chieftians as their opening music. It was genus! You can never go wrong with the Dropkick Murphys. You name it, they played it. From "Road of the Rightous" to "Gauntlet" to "Dirty Glass." Also, just word of advice know the songs if your going to jump on stage and sing with the band. Funniest thing was Ken Casey yelling at some guy for not knowing the words to "Boys on the Dock." Not much more I can say, i mean go see the Dropkick Murphys and get their albums you wont be disappointed.
November 8th- The Palladium
From Autumn to Ashes, Reggie and the Full Effect, Alkaline Trio
I went to this show in Worcester Mass...as the locals say "Wo'cestah." I dont know...why do Massachucets people have to recreate the English language, but we wont hold it against em. Anyway the palladium was cool, lots of people at this concert. This was cool because Matt Skiba was across the street where I was having a beer. Kinda cool rubbin elbows with lead singers of punk bands before concerts. Good piece of advice before any show just look for the closest bar and chances are you can meet up with the band. Anyway, I missed whatever opening band first played, im sure they were really good cause I heard from a bunch of kids they were. So, good job opening band!
Next band that was playing as I came in was From Autumn to Ashes. I like this band and I will definitly see them anytime they come within the vicinity of where I am. Ive seen these guys play small and bigger venues, each time its amazing. They play alot of crowd favorites everytime, and the Pit is just crazy with punches and kicks flying. Its an excellent blend of melodic music and hardcore. I was very pleased with them, and suggest everyone goes to check them out.
Reggie and the Full Effect took the stage next. Ive heard alot of people say alot of things about this band, all good things. They are true. I guess this is really 3 different bands? I dont know a Punk band with multiple personalities you could call them. From their typical punk, to a swedish punk band, to satan, all rolled into a nice package called Reggie and the Full Effect. To be honest I wasnt familar with their music so I cant recall the titles to the songs they played. Im pretty sure it was their best stuff because everyone was singing along. The craziness was when the techno rave stuff happened with some fairey guy. I guess everyone has their own gimmic. Then the Prince of darkness came up to serenade the crowd. It was actually a really good show, I suggest you see them sometime.
The last and headlining band that played was Alkaline Trio. Ok i dont know why but for some reason I cannot get really excited about this band. Ive seen them in the past, and everyone I know likes them. The stage was decked out pretty cool, coffins and smoke etc. With all do respect to Matt and Alkaline Trio, the only song I like is "Stupid Kid." They are an amazing band from their huge fan base you cant deny that. Just for some reason I dont like them. Anyway, I left after I heard the song I liked. They were good live, just by the crowd reaction you can tell. In the end, this was a cool concert but I doubt I would of went if I didnt want to see the other two acts.
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