Jared Kaufman
04/17/06, 09:03 AM
Below you can find my review for Brand New (http://www.absolutepunk.net/brandnew)'s first show in about two years that took place this past weekend -- Saturday, April 15th to be exact -- at UVA.
I think it's safe to say Brand New has a lot of people on the edge of their seat. Last summer they launched a "new" website that was to serve as a means to update the fans on their studio and recording happenings; however, there wasn't much updating (aside from Ray Bradbury quotes). The time just kept passing with no word on what was going on, how far along they were with the new album ... nothing. Then a couple months back certain songs (those that we're not to speak of) surfaced and then shortly after there were ramblings of upcoming tour dates. With still no word on when the new album is going to hit shelves, we do know that the band has lined-up a handful of spring tour dates, which will be followed by an extensive routing of dates across the nation in the summer. They may be taking a quiet approach to things, but Brand New is definitely returning, slowly but surely.
That brings us to the University of Virginia this past Saturday, April 15th. After a Baltimore, MD show for Saturday, April 22nd was announced first, which was followed by the announcement of a Friday, April 21st show in Rhode Island, this ended up actually being the first Brand New show in what's about two years. I was anticipating this day, this show, like no other; honestly, I had butterflies. I mean, the last time I saw them was Skate & Surf Fest in 2004 and before that was October 2003 on the first date of their Deja Entendu headlining tour. To say it had been way too long since the last time I saw them would be an understatement. This day couldn't come soon enough as I counted down the days since I found out about it.
I arrive to the campus and find the field the show is going to take place at pretty easily after a two hour drive from home. Their set was supposedly going to begin at 5:45, so I made sure to get there about an hour early. I approach the stage and stand about 20 feet from the barricade with the biggest grin on my face. There were obviously some kids who had been waiting all morning to make sure they were up front and lucky me was able to arrive "in just the nick of time" and still manage a great spot. Combine my great positioning with the fact I was going to be one of the lucky "few" to witness one of the most praised bands in our scene's first show in quite some time. As we're standing there, some DJ is finishing up his set and then the crew dismantles his table and everything. I begin tapping my feet and shaking around as each second passes, getting anxious and more anxious as I realize what's about to occur. Brian Lane himself comes out for a couple seconds to check his drums, which in return sparked numerous cheers. Then a few moments later Jesse Lacey could be spotted stage side, which also in return caused the crowd to errupt in excitement. Then both departed to some hidden location beneath or behind the stage while the crew set-up the remainder of the instruments, sound and stage. Uh, c'mon already -- this is one of my biggest concert experiences in a long, long time and it feels like everything is slowing down.
Then, out of nowhere, the whole band takes the stage. The place goes insane; everyone is hootin' and hollerin' and preparing themselves for what is going to be a huge part in this band's return. However, Jesse steps up to the mic and says, "we're not going to play yet; we're just going to make sure we can hear ourselves." This, though, was actually going to be one of the highlights from the day. We didn't hear them test out the sound with something we could hear on one of their two records; no, they pulled out a brand spankin' new song, one that isn't included in those songs "we're not to speak of." The band practiced what could very well be a track from this phantom album set to come out sometime in the future. From the second the first note hit, throughout the verses and a chorus with some of the most emotion I've ever seen them display (Jesse was pouring his heart out, as he was singing and yelling the words I could see the strain in his face and neck), this crowd was in awe. Seriously, I looked around as everyone was banging their head, swaying and wiping the drool from their dropped-jaw-mouths -- myself included. Then once they were done parting the Red Sea of our ears, they put their instruments down and walked off stage. Everyone turned and looked at each other and commented on the religious experience that just went down. If you were there, I promise you it's something you'd never forget.
A few short minutes later Jesse returned to the stage again with an even louder cheer than before. He picked up an acoustic guitar and melted us with "Soco Amaretto Lime." I thought it was very odd to start the set this way, but boy, did it set the tone, vibe and mood for the day. I was worried that the show was going to be just a bunch of bumbling, drunk college idiots, but everyone surrounding me was singing-a-long to every word perfectly. Then reality set in; this wasn't a dream, I was actually seeing one of my beloved bands again. After the last note, Jesse looked around and noticed the rest of the guys hadn't joined him yet, which caused him to state, "I guess I'm going to do this alone." Safe to say, the guys quickly took their spots.
Everyone was now ready for the onslaught. The first note hit and it sounded familiar, but not because it was an album song. Oh, I remember this -- what's this from? Wasn't this acoustic? Then it dawned on me; they were playing Untitled 8 from the handful of songs "we don't speak of." This wasn't the same tame, chilled out version, though, this was the full band giving it there all as they commanded the stage. Vinnie spinning and jumping around, Garret pacing back and forth, Brian punishing the drums, and Jesse putting every ounce of soul into the mic. The place had to go numb towards the end when Jesse sang, "I am not your friend, I'm a man who knows how it feels..." -- I know I at least got chills and goosebumps. Man, after this and the soundcheck I'm craving their new album in my hands like whoa.
As soon as the feedback echoed out, Vinnie prematurely hit the first couple notes of "The Quiet Things No One Ever Knows," which caused the band to chuckle and the fans and crowd to explode. The band devoured that and then continued to leave us quaking as they steered through "I Will Play My Game Beneath The Spin Light," "Good To Know If I Ever Need Attention All I Have To Do Is Die," and fan favorite "Sic Transit Gloria...Glory Fades." The earth was shaking and the air was thumping as everyone echoed Jesse and Vinnie's vocals, especially as we all screamed "die young and save yourself." Once they finished, you could tell it had been awhile since they performed live. Out of breath and sweaty, Vinnie sat down and Garrett and Brian disappeared as Jesse picked up his acoustic guitar and attemped to catch a few quick puffs of air. I guess they needed to slow things down for themselves, because we wanted more ... a lot more.
Jesse then made the ladies swoon, and some of the guys too I'm sure, as he proved once again why he's one of the masters of the acoustic guitar. Stating the next song was about a shipwreck, a simply beautiful rendition of "Play Crack The Sky" followed that once again left everyone in awe. It took him awhile to get his guitar tuned and to remember how it started, but there was something so personal about this. There was something memorable about the fact he messed up the words once or twice and had to hold back his laughter, but not his devilish grin. We all swayed back and forth and just stared. I seriously wish every hater of this band and Jesse was there to see why it is we adore them/him so much. There's an honesty, emotion in their music, words, performance, etc. that is barely ever matched these days. This was just the case and point.
The rest of the band made their way back to their positions as they knocked out "Jaws Theme Swimming," "The No Seatbelt Song," "The Shower Scene," "and "Me Vs. Maradona Vs. Elvis." Every single one of those had us packed like sardines again; fingers and fists in the airs, voices loud and piercing. The energy, the movement, the environment made for one of the best shows ever, even if it was like a "practice" for them as they stated. By the way, I might as well throw this in here. I'm all about moving and feeling the music, but this is Brand New -- I'm not sure the mosh pits and ninja kicking, hxc dancing is really necessary, especially for songs off Deja. Maybe that's just my opinion, though.
Once they finished "Maradona," Jesse stated how that was it for the songs they practiced, but that they'd play a couple more. He called for requests, which was instantly met with a hail of shouts for "Seveny Times Seven." The band complied after some time remembering how it started and asking us the first set of words. Once they got going, though, it was a kick in the face. This definitely got the biggest reaction out of anything during the day as everyone fell and collided into each other. As I felt the pulse of everyone next to me and heard the lines "so have another drink..." (and so forth) being echoed, I remembered what it's like to be in love with a band and their music, and the reasons for it. Once it came to an end, the band stated they had one song left due to the school saying there was a curfew. They asked for one more request and it seemed the general consensus was for "Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don't." Everyone gave all they had left as we realized this amazing experience was winding down. Concluding their set with one of my fave songs from them nailed to perfection, Brand New then disappeared from our sights and the PA music turned on. It was over.
Yes, they were a little rusty, but like I stated, there was just something so personal about the whole experience. I mean, it has to be an honor to see a band that causes so much discussion, positive and negative, first show in what seemed like forever. It was like we all got a glimpse into this band's "comeback" and had our very own personal show. Despite what some of the kids may have said in the other thread (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=129444), the guys looked more than happy to be there as they smiled and joked around throughout their stage time. I think they were surprised by the turnout and the amount of people there just for them, even saying in the beginning how they "thought no one was going to show up." Brand New: You should know better, we're going to stick by your side no matter what. Now hurry up and tell us when that album is coming out.
I'll be seeing them again on Saturday in Baltimore, so it's probably safe to say I'll inform everyone on the happenings there as well. I know, I know -- I'm spoiled, I don't deny that.
I think it's safe to say Brand New has a lot of people on the edge of their seat. Last summer they launched a "new" website that was to serve as a means to update the fans on their studio and recording happenings; however, there wasn't much updating (aside from Ray Bradbury quotes). The time just kept passing with no word on what was going on, how far along they were with the new album ... nothing. Then a couple months back certain songs (those that we're not to speak of) surfaced and then shortly after there were ramblings of upcoming tour dates. With still no word on when the new album is going to hit shelves, we do know that the band has lined-up a handful of spring tour dates, which will be followed by an extensive routing of dates across the nation in the summer. They may be taking a quiet approach to things, but Brand New is definitely returning, slowly but surely.
That brings us to the University of Virginia this past Saturday, April 15th. After a Baltimore, MD show for Saturday, April 22nd was announced first, which was followed by the announcement of a Friday, April 21st show in Rhode Island, this ended up actually being the first Brand New show in what's about two years. I was anticipating this day, this show, like no other; honestly, I had butterflies. I mean, the last time I saw them was Skate & Surf Fest in 2004 and before that was October 2003 on the first date of their Deja Entendu headlining tour. To say it had been way too long since the last time I saw them would be an understatement. This day couldn't come soon enough as I counted down the days since I found out about it.
I arrive to the campus and find the field the show is going to take place at pretty easily after a two hour drive from home. Their set was supposedly going to begin at 5:45, so I made sure to get there about an hour early. I approach the stage and stand about 20 feet from the barricade with the biggest grin on my face. There were obviously some kids who had been waiting all morning to make sure they were up front and lucky me was able to arrive "in just the nick of time" and still manage a great spot. Combine my great positioning with the fact I was going to be one of the lucky "few" to witness one of the most praised bands in our scene's first show in quite some time. As we're standing there, some DJ is finishing up his set and then the crew dismantles his table and everything. I begin tapping my feet and shaking around as each second passes, getting anxious and more anxious as I realize what's about to occur. Brian Lane himself comes out for a couple seconds to check his drums, which in return sparked numerous cheers. Then a few moments later Jesse Lacey could be spotted stage side, which also in return caused the crowd to errupt in excitement. Then both departed to some hidden location beneath or behind the stage while the crew set-up the remainder of the instruments, sound and stage. Uh, c'mon already -- this is one of my biggest concert experiences in a long, long time and it feels like everything is slowing down.
Then, out of nowhere, the whole band takes the stage. The place goes insane; everyone is hootin' and hollerin' and preparing themselves for what is going to be a huge part in this band's return. However, Jesse steps up to the mic and says, "we're not going to play yet; we're just going to make sure we can hear ourselves." This, though, was actually going to be one of the highlights from the day. We didn't hear them test out the sound with something we could hear on one of their two records; no, they pulled out a brand spankin' new song, one that isn't included in those songs "we're not to speak of." The band practiced what could very well be a track from this phantom album set to come out sometime in the future. From the second the first note hit, throughout the verses and a chorus with some of the most emotion I've ever seen them display (Jesse was pouring his heart out, as he was singing and yelling the words I could see the strain in his face and neck), this crowd was in awe. Seriously, I looked around as everyone was banging their head, swaying and wiping the drool from their dropped-jaw-mouths -- myself included. Then once they were done parting the Red Sea of our ears, they put their instruments down and walked off stage. Everyone turned and looked at each other and commented on the religious experience that just went down. If you were there, I promise you it's something you'd never forget.
A few short minutes later Jesse returned to the stage again with an even louder cheer than before. He picked up an acoustic guitar and melted us with "Soco Amaretto Lime." I thought it was very odd to start the set this way, but boy, did it set the tone, vibe and mood for the day. I was worried that the show was going to be just a bunch of bumbling, drunk college idiots, but everyone surrounding me was singing-a-long to every word perfectly. Then reality set in; this wasn't a dream, I was actually seeing one of my beloved bands again. After the last note, Jesse looked around and noticed the rest of the guys hadn't joined him yet, which caused him to state, "I guess I'm going to do this alone." Safe to say, the guys quickly took their spots.
Everyone was now ready for the onslaught. The first note hit and it sounded familiar, but not because it was an album song. Oh, I remember this -- what's this from? Wasn't this acoustic? Then it dawned on me; they were playing Untitled 8 from the handful of songs "we don't speak of." This wasn't the same tame, chilled out version, though, this was the full band giving it there all as they commanded the stage. Vinnie spinning and jumping around, Garret pacing back and forth, Brian punishing the drums, and Jesse putting every ounce of soul into the mic. The place had to go numb towards the end when Jesse sang, "I am not your friend, I'm a man who knows how it feels..." -- I know I at least got chills and goosebumps. Man, after this and the soundcheck I'm craving their new album in my hands like whoa.
As soon as the feedback echoed out, Vinnie prematurely hit the first couple notes of "The Quiet Things No One Ever Knows," which caused the band to chuckle and the fans and crowd to explode. The band devoured that and then continued to leave us quaking as they steered through "I Will Play My Game Beneath The Spin Light," "Good To Know If I Ever Need Attention All I Have To Do Is Die," and fan favorite "Sic Transit Gloria...Glory Fades." The earth was shaking and the air was thumping as everyone echoed Jesse and Vinnie's vocals, especially as we all screamed "die young and save yourself." Once they finished, you could tell it had been awhile since they performed live. Out of breath and sweaty, Vinnie sat down and Garrett and Brian disappeared as Jesse picked up his acoustic guitar and attemped to catch a few quick puffs of air. I guess they needed to slow things down for themselves, because we wanted more ... a lot more.
Jesse then made the ladies swoon, and some of the guys too I'm sure, as he proved once again why he's one of the masters of the acoustic guitar. Stating the next song was about a shipwreck, a simply beautiful rendition of "Play Crack The Sky" followed that once again left everyone in awe. It took him awhile to get his guitar tuned and to remember how it started, but there was something so personal about this. There was something memorable about the fact he messed up the words once or twice and had to hold back his laughter, but not his devilish grin. We all swayed back and forth and just stared. I seriously wish every hater of this band and Jesse was there to see why it is we adore them/him so much. There's an honesty, emotion in their music, words, performance, etc. that is barely ever matched these days. This was just the case and point.
The rest of the band made their way back to their positions as they knocked out "Jaws Theme Swimming," "The No Seatbelt Song," "The Shower Scene," "and "Me Vs. Maradona Vs. Elvis." Every single one of those had us packed like sardines again; fingers and fists in the airs, voices loud and piercing. The energy, the movement, the environment made for one of the best shows ever, even if it was like a "practice" for them as they stated. By the way, I might as well throw this in here. I'm all about moving and feeling the music, but this is Brand New -- I'm not sure the mosh pits and ninja kicking, hxc dancing is really necessary, especially for songs off Deja. Maybe that's just my opinion, though.
Once they finished "Maradona," Jesse stated how that was it for the songs they practiced, but that they'd play a couple more. He called for requests, which was instantly met with a hail of shouts for "Seveny Times Seven." The band complied after some time remembering how it started and asking us the first set of words. Once they got going, though, it was a kick in the face. This definitely got the biggest reaction out of anything during the day as everyone fell and collided into each other. As I felt the pulse of everyone next to me and heard the lines "so have another drink..." (and so forth) being echoed, I remembered what it's like to be in love with a band and their music, and the reasons for it. Once it came to an end, the band stated they had one song left due to the school saying there was a curfew. They asked for one more request and it seemed the general consensus was for "Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don't." Everyone gave all they had left as we realized this amazing experience was winding down. Concluding their set with one of my fave songs from them nailed to perfection, Brand New then disappeared from our sights and the PA music turned on. It was over.
Yes, they were a little rusty, but like I stated, there was just something so personal about the whole experience. I mean, it has to be an honor to see a band that causes so much discussion, positive and negative, first show in what seemed like forever. It was like we all got a glimpse into this band's "comeback" and had our very own personal show. Despite what some of the kids may have said in the other thread (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=129444), the guys looked more than happy to be there as they smiled and joked around throughout their stage time. I think they were surprised by the turnout and the amount of people there just for them, even saying in the beginning how they "thought no one was going to show up." Brand New: You should know better, we're going to stick by your side no matter what. Now hurry up and tell us when that album is coming out.
I'll be seeing them again on Saturday in Baltimore, so it's probably safe to say I'll inform everyone on the happenings there as well. I know, I know -- I'm spoiled, I don't deny that.