So at last, the 10 for $10 came and went through Denver. I usually have pretty positive reviews of shows, i think i'm easily entertained when it comes to live music so the fact that i was not impressed with the 10 for $10 should say something. But i have to admit, over the years i've slowly moved away from "tough guy" hardcore bands like Bane, Champion, Madball, and therefore i was a little bit out of my element last night.
the 10 for $10 Tour is basically built on the idea of 10 bands for $10. When this tour was announced it was advertised with Poison the Well as the headliner, and Madball, Bane, and Vision of Disorder supporting on different legs of the tour. The tour had a pool of bands that were supporting at different stops along the way and at first it was not certain which bands would be coming to Denver. Obviously i was hoping to see Madball and Vision, along with This Is Hell, Crime in Stereo, Bane, and War of Ages, the rest of the bands i didn't know a lot about.
Well, it probably couldn't have gone much worse. Madball and Vision weren't playing the Denver date, therefore Bane was the headliner with Poison the Well. I've seen Bane before and they were good, but i've never really become a fan. i've never listened to Poison the Well so i wasn't excited to see them. Basically i was paying $10 to see War of Ages, Crime in Stereo and This is Hell, which is definitely worth the $10. War of Ages is a band i've been wanting to see for a while, and although they played at Sonshine in Minnesota when i was there, i had to miss the last night of the concert therefore missing War of Ages.
The doors opened at 3p, which meant the bands would start just before 4p. Since the first 6 bands on the tour were rotating every night, it was impossible to predict when War of Ages would be playing, so i played it safe and got there early (4p). As i walked in on the first band i immediately recognized them as Denver's own Crooked Ways. Right at the end of their song they announced that they had been a last-minute replacement for War of Ages, who had left the tour to go home to handle some family emergency.
bummer.
That basically ruined my night, so i had a pessimistic view of the rest of the bands. so let me start the negativity with Crooked Ways. I'm always down to support local bands, but i just cannot get into these guys. i've mentioned them before, i just think they're uncreative and trying to hard to "validate" themselves as hardcore kids, and it gets annoying.
After them we saw another Colorado hardcore band, from Ft. Lupton, Come Forth By Night. They were pretty bad too. The crowd wasn't really into them, unfortunately, and they just didn't seem to be playing well, the guitarist was having all sorts of trouble with his equipment. but the killer for me was their last song, a cover of Pennywise's Bro Hymn. Now i think this is lame on many levels. first, Pennywise is an active punk band, skate punk for that matter. even though the cover had a hardcore twist to it, it's still a skate punk song from a band that most hardcore kids would never associate themselves with. its almost like saying you liked Blink-182 at some point *gasp!. secondly, the song is a hit for Pennywise, it's their most recognizable song. you don't take the one song that has made a band popular and use it to incite a crowd response and use it as your closer. i just don't get it, i thought it was lame, and weak. i'll probably be hunted down for saying it.
After that we saw Trapped Under Ice. they were terrible too, energetic though, but i just didn't get it, maybe i'm getting too old for hardcore.
After that was our big surprise of the night, A Ghost Inside. Wow, they were incredible! ton of energy, great sounding songs, very tight band that seemed to know what they were doing. i'll be checking these guys out for sure.
Then it was Crime in Stereo, who everyone apparently really likes (including myself) but they always seem to be playing on wierd lineups that doesn't really fit their style. CIS is much more melodic, and slower paced than hardcore bands. i loved them though, the singer was on key this time (unlike this time) and they were really tight.
After that was Death Before Dishonor. Solid tough-guy hardcore, they were good, but didn't blow me away. this video i took is great, some kid stage-dives and then apparently didn't get up, the band stops to check on him, and then starts back up, check it out:
After that we saw This Is Hell, a band i've been wanting to see for a long time yet i always miss their shows. They were a little bit of a letdown, but i don't think it their fault. it appeared that the crowd was starting to get tired and just didn't have the energy for TIH. I have to say their drummer is ridiculous, he was amazing. my buddy Isaac Fratini told me awhile back to check him out and he was right, the dude is solid!
After This Is Hell we left, i would have liked to see Bane, but i just didn't have much interest in the other bands and i was hungry.
Showing posts with label crime in stereo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crime in stereo. Show all posts
Monday, August 3, 2009
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Show Recap: Comeback Kid @ Marquis 3/3/08
Oh man, i haven't been to a show in a couple of months, and it was worth the wait
Last night Isaac and I took in a great show at the Marquis Theatre in downtown Denver, Comeback Kid and Crime in Stereo. i'm hurting today.
First Band - Crooked Way: These guys were alright, they're from Denver and you could tell that they were a little raw. They were taking the place of Daggermouth who dropped off the tour about a week ago. Anyway, they were reminiscent of old Comeback Kid, Bane and Champion, good vocals, average guitar work/riffs, and pretty week drumming. They just didn't have any creativity and lacked energy.
Second Band - Steel Nation: Brutal. typical tough-guy east coast hardcore, and man this set was intense. Isaac and i feared for our lives when a fight broke out about halfway through the set between some tough-tattooed dudes. The music was heavy and thumping, and the vocals were very intense, but i wasn't able to identify any of the words. These kinds of bands are what turn people off to hardcore/punk music. They had a pretty good crowd response so apparently they've got a following, i'm just not tough-enough for them
Third Band - Crime in Stereo: I was impressed with CIS. Definitely the most laid-back band of the night, apparently CIS had some van trouble and arrived at the venue about an hour before performing. This band is more pop-punk than hardcore, but they have a pretty good following. they played well, the singer's voice was pretty tired and he failed to hit some notes which came across pretty bad but besides that they played most of the good songs like Sudan, I Stateside and others.
Last Band - Comeback Kid: This was the 3rd time i've seen CBK and it might have been the best. This was their first headlining tour in Denver and that made a huge difference. Andrew has totally improved as a frontman, and he was able to maintain energy throughout the entire set despite the altitude and sheer energy CBK requires. the set featured songs from all three albums and it was almost obvious that the new album hasn't quite hit it off with fans, they played Broadcasting, Defeated and Giv'r and those were the 3 weakest songs of the set. highlights woulds have to be All In A Year, False Idols Fall, Talk is Cheap and the closer Wake the Dead. I was planning on bringing a lot of people to this show since CBK is the shining example of great sing-along hardcore, but that didn't happen.
All in all it was a long wait for one great set. i should have stayed home to skip the first 2 bands but whatever. Keep your ear out for Comeback Kid, they've made some appearances on MTV2 and i'm sure they'll continue to gain momentum.
Last night Isaac and I took in a great show at the Marquis Theatre in downtown Denver, Comeback Kid and Crime in Stereo. i'm hurting today.
First Band - Crooked Way: These guys were alright, they're from Denver and you could tell that they were a little raw. They were taking the place of Daggermouth who dropped off the tour about a week ago. Anyway, they were reminiscent of old Comeback Kid, Bane and Champion, good vocals, average guitar work/riffs, and pretty week drumming. They just didn't have any creativity and lacked energy.
Second Band - Steel Nation: Brutal. typical tough-guy east coast hardcore, and man this set was intense. Isaac and i feared for our lives when a fight broke out about halfway through the set between some tough-tattooed dudes. The music was heavy and thumping, and the vocals were very intense, but i wasn't able to identify any of the words. These kinds of bands are what turn people off to hardcore/punk music. They had a pretty good crowd response so apparently they've got a following, i'm just not tough-enough for them
Third Band - Crime in Stereo: I was impressed with CIS. Definitely the most laid-back band of the night, apparently CIS had some van trouble and arrived at the venue about an hour before performing. This band is more pop-punk than hardcore, but they have a pretty good following. they played well, the singer's voice was pretty tired and he failed to hit some notes which came across pretty bad but besides that they played most of the good songs like Sudan, I Stateside and others.
Last Band - Comeback Kid: This was the 3rd time i've seen CBK and it might have been the best. This was their first headlining tour in Denver and that made a huge difference. Andrew has totally improved as a frontman, and he was able to maintain energy throughout the entire set despite the altitude and sheer energy CBK requires. the set featured songs from all three albums and it was almost obvious that the new album hasn't quite hit it off with fans, they played Broadcasting, Defeated and Giv'r and those were the 3 weakest songs of the set. highlights woulds have to be All In A Year, False Idols Fall, Talk is Cheap and the closer Wake the Dead. I was planning on bringing a lot of people to this show since CBK is the shining example of great sing-along hardcore, but that didn't happen.
All in all it was a long wait for one great set. i should have stayed home to skip the first 2 bands but whatever. Keep your ear out for Comeback Kid, they've made some appearances on MTV2 and i'm sure they'll continue to gain momentum.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
New Album Reviews
Okay, so i've been listening to a lot of new music as of late, and i thought i'd share my thoughts with you guys on these albums. There should be a little bit of everything here, from Kanye's new album, to David Crowder, to The Gallows.
First on the list is David Crowder's Remedy. 6/10 STARS
I love Crowder, he always brings a fresh approach to music, but this album just seems rushed. Theres no real flavor to the album, just 10 straight tracks, and after listening through the album a few times, no song really stands out as remarkable. His lyrics seem a little generic in comparison to his last two albums, Illuminate and A Collision. This isn't a bad album by any means, its just not special as you’ll see with tracks like Can You Feel It which sounds like Crowder himself is bored while singing it. Songs i do like are the Glory of it All, Surely We Can Change, and Remedy. The track featuring Ted Nugent is weak, it doesn't really flow well at all. This is a solid album, I think I just expected more flare from the Crowder crew.
Next up is Shane & Shane's Pages. 9/10 STARS
I'm a relatively 'young' Shane & Shane fan since i only started listening to them about 2 years ago. I guess this is important to note that since everyone else i talk to about these guys says that Psalm, their first album, is their best. I listened to that album and i thought it was alright. I think Clean was great, and this album is even better. I feel like they experimented with some new styles of writing here, referring to Satan/the Devil in songs like Embracing Accusation, a little more and bringing some controversy to the album. Songs like Holiday, Burn Us Up and We Love You Jesus are a step out of the mold of slow love songs that you usually find on a Shane & Shane album. But there are still great worship-style songs like Psalm 62 and Beg.
Crime in Stereo - Is Dead. 5/10 STARS
I really want to like these guys more, but they're kinda bland. Here are 11 new tracks, that, well just run together. everyone considers these guys in the hardcore scene but i think they're a lot more punk rock than hardcore. this album experiments with some new ideas and sounds, with a few slows ballad-type tracks, that are boring. I can't even pick out a favorite track since they all sorta sound the same.
First on the list is David Crowder's Remedy. 6/10 STARS
I love Crowder, he always brings a fresh approach to music, but this album just seems rushed. Theres no real flavor to the album, just 10 straight tracks, and after listening through the album a few times, no song really stands out as remarkable. His lyrics seem a little generic in comparison to his last two albums, Illuminate and A Collision. This isn't a bad album by any means, its just not special as you’ll see with tracks like Can You Feel It which sounds like Crowder himself is bored while singing it. Songs i do like are the Glory of it All, Surely We Can Change, and Remedy. The track featuring Ted Nugent is weak, it doesn't really flow well at all. This is a solid album, I think I just expected more flare from the Crowder crew.
Next up is Shane & Shane's Pages. 9/10 STARS
I'm a relatively 'young' Shane & Shane fan since i only started listening to them about 2 years ago. I guess this is important to note that since everyone else i talk to about these guys says that Psalm, their first album, is their best. I listened to that album and i thought it was alright. I think Clean was great, and this album is even better. I feel like they experimented with some new styles of writing here, referring to Satan/the Devil in songs like Embracing Accusation, a little more and bringing some controversy to the album. Songs like Holiday, Burn Us Up and We Love You Jesus are a step out of the mold of slow love songs that you usually find on a Shane & Shane album. But there are still great worship-style songs like Psalm 62 and Beg.
Crime in Stereo - Is Dead. 5/10 STARS
I really want to like these guys more, but they're kinda bland. Here are 11 new tracks, that, well just run together. everyone considers these guys in the hardcore scene but i think they're a lot more punk rock than hardcore. this album experiments with some new ideas and sounds, with a few slows ballad-type tracks, that are boring. I can't even pick out a favorite track since they all sorta sound the same.
Emery - I'm Only A Man. 7/10 STARS
I've been waiting for this album for a long time, and i was slightly disappointed now that I’ve heard it. I knew that The Question would be almost impossible to follow-up, most sophomore albums fall flat, and i think this one does a little. But on the bright side, it's still a great listen. I think Emery has a totally unique sound and only in contrast to their last album, does this one fall a little short. Otherwise i would totally recommend checking this one out. Songs i like are Party On and Can't Stop the Killer. The great thing about Emery is their lyrics. Always dramatic and if you take time to read what their singing, you can easily feel the pain and emotion of the writer, great storytelling. This album is a good amount more focused on singing and less of the heavy feel of The Question.
Kanye West - Graduation. 9/10 STARS
Oh man! now here is an album i've been recommending to everyone. This album is so good. Usually with Rap albums there are a few singles, and a bunch of crap to fill in the spaces. not the case here at all. every time i listen to this album i think the song i'm currently listening to is my favorite song, that is until the next track starts. only two weak tracks, Barry Bonds and Drunk and Hot Girls. otherwise, Flashing Lights is hypnotic, The Glory is great. The opening track is even good, Good Morning, really simple but so catchy. The single, Stronger, is fun as well. I have Cant' Tell Me Nothing as my ring tone. The best track of all might be the closer, Big Brother, a song about Kanye's relationship with Jay-Z, at first you'll think its a diss-track but its just honest, even Jay-Z himself thinks its the best track on the album. You seriously gotta check this one out.
Mae - Singularity. 7/10 STARS
This is Mae's third album and its their best one yet. I think Mae is great background music to life. Some people would consider this sound as boring, and it can be at times, but its great positive music. if you like a college-rock sound with no screaming or heaviness, but not so soft that you fall asleep, check these guys out. This album seems to be much more uptempo than the last one, which I enjoy. My favorite track is the starter, Brink of Disaster, and also Crazy 8's. These guys are currently on tour with Anberlin and if you get a chance to see them, you’ll never forget it, it’s going to be epic.
I've been waiting for this album for a long time, and i was slightly disappointed now that I’ve heard it. I knew that The Question would be almost impossible to follow-up, most sophomore albums fall flat, and i think this one does a little. But on the bright side, it's still a great listen. I think Emery has a totally unique sound and only in contrast to their last album, does this one fall a little short. Otherwise i would totally recommend checking this one out. Songs i like are Party On and Can't Stop the Killer. The great thing about Emery is their lyrics. Always dramatic and if you take time to read what their singing, you can easily feel the pain and emotion of the writer, great storytelling. This album is a good amount more focused on singing and less of the heavy feel of The Question.
Kanye West - Graduation. 9/10 STARS
Oh man! now here is an album i've been recommending to everyone. This album is so good. Usually with Rap albums there are a few singles, and a bunch of crap to fill in the spaces. not the case here at all. every time i listen to this album i think the song i'm currently listening to is my favorite song, that is until the next track starts. only two weak tracks, Barry Bonds and Drunk and Hot Girls. otherwise, Flashing Lights is hypnotic, The Glory is great. The opening track is even good, Good Morning, really simple but so catchy. The single, Stronger, is fun as well. I have Cant' Tell Me Nothing as my ring tone. The best track of all might be the closer, Big Brother, a song about Kanye's relationship with Jay-Z, at first you'll think its a diss-track but its just honest, even Jay-Z himself thinks its the best track on the album. You seriously gotta check this one out.
Mae - Singularity. 7/10 STARS
This is Mae's third album and its their best one yet. I think Mae is great background music to life. Some people would consider this sound as boring, and it can be at times, but its great positive music. if you like a college-rock sound with no screaming or heaviness, but not so soft that you fall asleep, check these guys out. This album seems to be much more uptempo than the last one, which I enjoy. My favorite track is the starter, Brink of Disaster, and also Crazy 8's. These guys are currently on tour with Anberlin and if you get a chance to see them, you’ll never forget it, it’s going to be epic.
the Gallows - Orchestra of Wolves. 7/10 STARS
These guys are brand new to me, thanks to Scott Lenger. This raw sounding punk band hails from London, which is usually a major turnoff to me. But for the crappy punk rock guitar sound, the music is actually really solid, with a good amount of breakdowns and intense vocals, these guys seem to separate themselves from bands in this genre. According to Scott these guys put on a super-intense show, and you'll be quickly able to imagine it listening to this album. The title track is amazing! These guys are currently on tour opening up for Bad Religion.
These guys are brand new to me, thanks to Scott Lenger. This raw sounding punk band hails from London, which is usually a major turnoff to me. But for the crappy punk rock guitar sound, the music is actually really solid, with a good amount of breakdowns and intense vocals, these guys seem to separate themselves from bands in this genre. According to Scott these guys put on a super-intense show, and you'll be quickly able to imagine it listening to this album. The title track is amazing! These guys are currently on tour opening up for Bad Religion.
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