Jared Kaufman
09/07/06, 12:04 PM
Below you can find my review for last night's My Chemical Romance (http://www.absolutepunk.net/mychemicalromance) show, which took place at The Trocadero in Philadelphia, PA. The show was taped for MTV2's $2 Bill series and will air on Saturday, September 16th at 8:00PM. The band's new album, The Black Parade, will see the light of day on October 24th.
In this day and age, bands come and go like nobody's business. It seems there's some buzz and a few 15 minutes of attention before the next big craze is knocking on your radio or TV set. As we all know, emo/punk/whatever-the-heck-you-want-to-call-it is the big thing right now. We've seen numerous bands in this genre garner much attention, but more than likely a high percentage of them will, or already have, disappear and be forgotten about before I'm finished typing this. However, there are a few exceptions. Case and point: My Chemical Romance.
I know our readers well enough to know that numerous of you are going to come in here and stand on your e-soapboxes and proclaim how much you hate them, how they need to lay off the make-up, and numerous other insults to further increase your coolness. No matter what you say, though, nothing will change my opinion, view, and stance on this band. As much as you like to or want to hate them, or as cool as it is to rag on them, you cannot deny these guys are going to be around for quite some time. Why do I say this? Well, any one that was at The Trocadero last night in Philadelphia, PA was a witness and could further back me up when I say there is only one word to describe My Chemical Romance: EPIC.
The word, as overused as it may be, couldn't be anymore appropriate. Doors opened and fans of all ages swarmed inside the building, cramping themselves together as tight and close to the stage as they could. Despite being out of the spotlight for some time recording their new album, fans had not forgotten about these five "regular Joe's" from New Jersey. Uncomfortable, sweaty, and anxious, the building was buzzing with anticpation for the guys to do what they know best ... command an audience and stage. And they did just that.
There was a thunderous roar as Ray, Gerard (yes, with his lovely, new short blond do and marching band leader jacket), Mikey (yes, sans the glasses), Frank and Bob took the stage. Without delay, the band launched right into Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge favorites, "Give 'Em Hell, Kid" and "Cemetary Drive," with everyone singing-a-long louder than ever. This is by no means an exaggeration either, seeing as at times they'd overwhelm Gerard's vocals. The floor was shaking and the noise was deafening.
As soon as the first two anthems finished, we were treated with two new songs entitled "Dead" and "I Don't Love You." The first one will instantly get you bouncing and jumping, either if you're on your feet or just sitting in your seat. With raunchy guitars and pogo-like drums, the verses quickly transitioned into a chorus built for an arena. The one element that for certain will grab your ear's attention, however, is Ray's glorious solo followed by the oldies-like chanting of "nah-na-nah-na-nahhh." Immediately shifting into the second new song of the set, the mid-tempo ballad starts out with a beautiful intro that'll for sure get concert attendees swaying their arms, as it did here. With a melancholy mood and vibe somewhat reminiscent of something I'd hear three to four decades ago, Gerard openly admits: "I don't love you like I loved you yesterday."
Before I go further, let me just say that if these two songs were any indication of the new record's sound, which I'm sure they are, then My Chem actually out-did themselves and developed a sound even larger than what they released on the last disc. I'll touch on that later, though. So quickly treking back down familiar territory, the guys went back to their roots and nailed I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love, fan favorite, "Our Lady of Sorrows," which was followed-up with by more Three Cheers-era tracks. Once again, the pits were opened and the room was in constant echo.
Then it was time for more new tunes. Starting with the Queen-esque "Welcome To The Black Parade," the first single from the new effort, it was apparent that everyone had learned all the words in less than a week since it's debut. If you've yet to hear it, check it out on their MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/mychemicalromance). "House of Wolves" was the other foreign tune, with speedy guitar and vocals to match and guitar magic that'd make old school metal bands proud. And then, just as quickly as it started, it ended with one last song; well, and an encore.
Once they had disappeared people stomped and shouted "ONE MORE SONG!" until finally the band obliged and took the stage for a couple more. With just Ray on guitar and Gerard at the mic, they began with another preview into the new album entitled "Cancer." Gerard briefly discussed the subject matter of the song and how almost everyone has been at least somewhat affected by this terrible disease. I'll just say it now, I'm pretty sure this song will be the new album's "The Ghost of You." The latter track was one that gave me intense chills when I first heard it and still hits me insanely hard when I listen to it, especially if it's while watching the video with it. This new bonechilling track had the same impact; the simple strumming of the guitar mixed with Gerard's frail vocals as he sang, "the hardest part of this is leaving you." While the track is short and sweet, the elements combined that formed it were simply touching and moving. It could be the fact that I recently loss my grandmother to cancer, but I think anyone would feel something hearing this. I can only imagine the emotion a studio recorded version of that song will convey.
So as I was saying, yes, this band is going to be around for quite sometime. With theatrics, creativtiy, and talent that many bands in this genre are seriously lacking, these guys know how to write a ballad, an in-your-face anthem, and a track that will get thousands pumping their fists and jumping into each other. There's no sacrificing their ethics or integrity, just real, honest, sincere, passionate rock music that they want to make and speaks for itself. The heart, soul and emotion they put into their live show, their songs and how all that rubs off on the other is what makes the sound, sparks the mainstream interest, and further proves people are going to be caring about what My Chemical Romance are doing for quite some time.
I'd like to thank the wonderful guys in My Chemical Romance, their manager Brian, and Jeff Watson.Give 'Em Hell, Kid
Cemetary Drive
Dead (New Song)
I Don't Love You (New Song)
Our Lady of Sorrows
You Know What They Do To Guys Like Us In Prison
The Ghost of You
Thank You For The Venom
Welcome To The Black Parade (New Song)
House of Wolves (New Song)
I'm Not Okay (I Promise)
Encore:
Cancer (New Song)
Helena
In this day and age, bands come and go like nobody's business. It seems there's some buzz and a few 15 minutes of attention before the next big craze is knocking on your radio or TV set. As we all know, emo/punk/whatever-the-heck-you-want-to-call-it is the big thing right now. We've seen numerous bands in this genre garner much attention, but more than likely a high percentage of them will, or already have, disappear and be forgotten about before I'm finished typing this. However, there are a few exceptions. Case and point: My Chemical Romance.
I know our readers well enough to know that numerous of you are going to come in here and stand on your e-soapboxes and proclaim how much you hate them, how they need to lay off the make-up, and numerous other insults to further increase your coolness. No matter what you say, though, nothing will change my opinion, view, and stance on this band. As much as you like to or want to hate them, or as cool as it is to rag on them, you cannot deny these guys are going to be around for quite some time. Why do I say this? Well, any one that was at The Trocadero last night in Philadelphia, PA was a witness and could further back me up when I say there is only one word to describe My Chemical Romance: EPIC.
The word, as overused as it may be, couldn't be anymore appropriate. Doors opened and fans of all ages swarmed inside the building, cramping themselves together as tight and close to the stage as they could. Despite being out of the spotlight for some time recording their new album, fans had not forgotten about these five "regular Joe's" from New Jersey. Uncomfortable, sweaty, and anxious, the building was buzzing with anticpation for the guys to do what they know best ... command an audience and stage. And they did just that.
There was a thunderous roar as Ray, Gerard (yes, with his lovely, new short blond do and marching band leader jacket), Mikey (yes, sans the glasses), Frank and Bob took the stage. Without delay, the band launched right into Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge favorites, "Give 'Em Hell, Kid" and "Cemetary Drive," with everyone singing-a-long louder than ever. This is by no means an exaggeration either, seeing as at times they'd overwhelm Gerard's vocals. The floor was shaking and the noise was deafening.
As soon as the first two anthems finished, we were treated with two new songs entitled "Dead" and "I Don't Love You." The first one will instantly get you bouncing and jumping, either if you're on your feet or just sitting in your seat. With raunchy guitars and pogo-like drums, the verses quickly transitioned into a chorus built for an arena. The one element that for certain will grab your ear's attention, however, is Ray's glorious solo followed by the oldies-like chanting of "nah-na-nah-na-nahhh." Immediately shifting into the second new song of the set, the mid-tempo ballad starts out with a beautiful intro that'll for sure get concert attendees swaying their arms, as it did here. With a melancholy mood and vibe somewhat reminiscent of something I'd hear three to four decades ago, Gerard openly admits: "I don't love you like I loved you yesterday."
Before I go further, let me just say that if these two songs were any indication of the new record's sound, which I'm sure they are, then My Chem actually out-did themselves and developed a sound even larger than what they released on the last disc. I'll touch on that later, though. So quickly treking back down familiar territory, the guys went back to their roots and nailed I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love, fan favorite, "Our Lady of Sorrows," which was followed-up with by more Three Cheers-era tracks. Once again, the pits were opened and the room was in constant echo.
Then it was time for more new tunes. Starting with the Queen-esque "Welcome To The Black Parade," the first single from the new effort, it was apparent that everyone had learned all the words in less than a week since it's debut. If you've yet to hear it, check it out on their MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/mychemicalromance). "House of Wolves" was the other foreign tune, with speedy guitar and vocals to match and guitar magic that'd make old school metal bands proud. And then, just as quickly as it started, it ended with one last song; well, and an encore.
Once they had disappeared people stomped and shouted "ONE MORE SONG!" until finally the band obliged and took the stage for a couple more. With just Ray on guitar and Gerard at the mic, they began with another preview into the new album entitled "Cancer." Gerard briefly discussed the subject matter of the song and how almost everyone has been at least somewhat affected by this terrible disease. I'll just say it now, I'm pretty sure this song will be the new album's "The Ghost of You." The latter track was one that gave me intense chills when I first heard it and still hits me insanely hard when I listen to it, especially if it's while watching the video with it. This new bonechilling track had the same impact; the simple strumming of the guitar mixed with Gerard's frail vocals as he sang, "the hardest part of this is leaving you." While the track is short and sweet, the elements combined that formed it were simply touching and moving. It could be the fact that I recently loss my grandmother to cancer, but I think anyone would feel something hearing this. I can only imagine the emotion a studio recorded version of that song will convey.
So as I was saying, yes, this band is going to be around for quite sometime. With theatrics, creativtiy, and talent that many bands in this genre are seriously lacking, these guys know how to write a ballad, an in-your-face anthem, and a track that will get thousands pumping their fists and jumping into each other. There's no sacrificing their ethics or integrity, just real, honest, sincere, passionate rock music that they want to make and speaks for itself. The heart, soul and emotion they put into their live show, their songs and how all that rubs off on the other is what makes the sound, sparks the mainstream interest, and further proves people are going to be caring about what My Chemical Romance are doing for quite some time.
I'd like to thank the wonderful guys in My Chemical Romance, their manager Brian, and Jeff Watson.Give 'Em Hell, Kid
Cemetary Drive
Dead (New Song)
I Don't Love You (New Song)
Our Lady of Sorrows
You Know What They Do To Guys Like Us In Prison
The Ghost of You
Thank You For The Venom
Welcome To The Black Parade (New Song)
House of Wolves (New Song)
I'm Not Okay (I Promise)
Encore:
Cancer (New Song)
Helena