phoenixdown
05/04/05, 06:49 PM
It was actually a very interesting show. First off, the entire thing was absolutely molested with technical problems. Mixes were less than great, feedback was rampant, and apparently something on stage was picking up a local Christian talk radio station rather loudly, which actually provided kind of a cool effect sometimes (if not desired). By the time The Rocket Summer came on, the left main was totally out and stayed so for the entire set, and before long I smelled smoke. But for some reason, Brandtson wasn't affected by any of these problems besides the mains dropping out a few times, which only really affected the vocals.
But now for the actual show:
The opening band was a local group called Mediocre, which could best be described as early emo (Native Nod/Indian Summer) influenced classical art rock, consisting of a keyboard, bass, guitar, cello, violin, and drummer/singer. They weren't very tight, and their mix was horrible (you couldn't even hear the vocals except for some screaming), but they have a unique style that reminded me of a less song-oriented, more piano-driven Cursive that could become very cool with some more practice. At the end of their last piece the keyboardist and string players (all girls) had screaming parts that they acted out like they were all screaming at each other, which was kind of cool.
Next was Umbrellas, headed by the guy from The Lyndsay Diaries. I'm not very familiar with the band, and I wasn't quite inspired enough by the performance to pick up their album, but they had a nice sound that I'm sure a lot of people could get into. His voice is a bit of an acquired taste, though.
The Rocket Summer was next, and believe the rumors: Bryce and company put on one of the most fun shows you'll see. The confetti was flying by the end of the first song, and their sheer energy couldn't help but make you want to dance. Bryce was constantly bouncing around the stage, and at one point told the crowd to make a dance circle which he promptly hopped down into with his guitar. The mix was uneven, with the bass a bit too loud and one of Bryce's mics almost inaudible, but I don't think anybody noticed.
TRS Set List:
Cross My Heart
This Is Me
Saturday
Drum/Bass solo
Brat Pack
That's So You
Around the Clock
Skies So Blue
TV Family
After an unusually long pause (presumably while the house techs were fixing the numerous pieces of malfunctioning equipment), Brandtson came on stage and, besides Myk having some slight trouble staying on key due to there being no vocals in the monitors, proceeded to blow everyone away with their unique brand of rock. Besides the now infamous Justin Timberlake cover, the entire set was composed of songs from Send Us a Signal, which was fine by me since it was easily one of my favorite releases of last year.
Brandtson Set List:
Who Are You Now
Throwing Rocks Tonight
Just Breathe
Mercy Medical
Over and Out
Mexico
Drawing a Line in the Sand
Escapist
Cry Me a River
All in all, a tour highly recommended.
I was able to record all of the latter three bands' sets (with an especially good location for Brandtson's which eliminated most crowd chatter) that I would be more than happy to share if someone is willing to host them for me.
But now for the actual show:
The opening band was a local group called Mediocre, which could best be described as early emo (Native Nod/Indian Summer) influenced classical art rock, consisting of a keyboard, bass, guitar, cello, violin, and drummer/singer. They weren't very tight, and their mix was horrible (you couldn't even hear the vocals except for some screaming), but they have a unique style that reminded me of a less song-oriented, more piano-driven Cursive that could become very cool with some more practice. At the end of their last piece the keyboardist and string players (all girls) had screaming parts that they acted out like they were all screaming at each other, which was kind of cool.
Next was Umbrellas, headed by the guy from The Lyndsay Diaries. I'm not very familiar with the band, and I wasn't quite inspired enough by the performance to pick up their album, but they had a nice sound that I'm sure a lot of people could get into. His voice is a bit of an acquired taste, though.
The Rocket Summer was next, and believe the rumors: Bryce and company put on one of the most fun shows you'll see. The confetti was flying by the end of the first song, and their sheer energy couldn't help but make you want to dance. Bryce was constantly bouncing around the stage, and at one point told the crowd to make a dance circle which he promptly hopped down into with his guitar. The mix was uneven, with the bass a bit too loud and one of Bryce's mics almost inaudible, but I don't think anybody noticed.
TRS Set List:
Cross My Heart
This Is Me
Saturday
Drum/Bass solo
Brat Pack
That's So You
Around the Clock
Skies So Blue
TV Family
After an unusually long pause (presumably while the house techs were fixing the numerous pieces of malfunctioning equipment), Brandtson came on stage and, besides Myk having some slight trouble staying on key due to there being no vocals in the monitors, proceeded to blow everyone away with their unique brand of rock. Besides the now infamous Justin Timberlake cover, the entire set was composed of songs from Send Us a Signal, which was fine by me since it was easily one of my favorite releases of last year.
Brandtson Set List:
Who Are You Now
Throwing Rocks Tonight
Just Breathe
Mercy Medical
Over and Out
Mexico
Drawing a Line in the Sand
Escapist
Cry Me a River
All in all, a tour highly recommended.
I was able to record all of the latter three bands' sets (with an especially good location for Brandtson's which eliminated most crowd chatter) that I would be more than happy to share if someone is willing to host them for me.