After over a year of lying in wait, the debut Senses Fail full length finally saw the light of day, being released through Vagrant Records. Out on the road celebrating, Senses Fail played to a full house, performing tracks from the hotly anticipated Let It Enfold You. Many in the sold out crowd knew most of the songs already, and the audience was slamming it up and jumping off the stage. Older songs from their previous EP From The Depths Of Dreams received a tremendous response as well, including Free Fall Without A Parachute and Steven. The band remains tighter than ever, and has really come together after all these months on and off the road. Now with their new CD and high-energy live shows, Senses Fail is sure to travel down that highway to success. For a band with a most of the members just pushing or edging through 18, they play with the verve and buoyancy of musicians twice their age.
Co-headlining the show were former Highwire Daze cover stars Silverstein, once again making their trek from their Canadian homeland to play for their fans here in the States. It’s been over a year since When Broken Is Easily Fixed was released, and the band has amassed an impressive fan base within that time period. Songs such as Red Light Pledge and November had the audience singing along. A new untitled tune was performed as well, demonstrating a much darker edge to the Silverstein sound. Lead vocalist Shane Told is extremely charismatic, infusing the lyrics with a good deal of passion and energy. The entire band has really brought out the now familiar songs to their fullest potential and the crowd seem to be increasing every time they show up to play within the City Of Angels. It will be exciting to see what Silverstein releases next, as this talented unit of musicians has nowhere to go but up. Be sure to catch Silverstein and Senses Fail the next time they show up in LA or The OC.
On the verge of breaking out in a big way on the national metallic/hardcore scene, As Hope Dies decided to call it quits citing the usual musical differences. But it’s hard to keep a good band down, and when lead vocalist David Richardson announced he was reviving the group, there was a good deal of excitement and anticipation, especially amongst local hardcore kids. Their final show was at the Chain Reaction in Orange County, so it only made sense that their resurrection should also take place at the popular OC club. Performing songs from the two Undecided Records releases, Richardson and the all new line-up sent the pit into hyperactivity. Richardson is a powerful front man, and his band ranks right up there with respected entities such as The Haunted and At The Gates. What came as a real surprise were the amount of new songs As Hope Dies presented to the audience, signifying that this would be more than just a one time reunion show. The word is now out – As Hope Dies has returned to devastate clubs all across the country – and it’s good to have them back!
Moments In Grace from Saint Augustine, FL spent their summer on the Warped Tour, presenting their inspired emo rock to the masses. With their debut Atlantic Records release Moonlight Survived now available, the band has hit the road once again, this time in support of Hot Water Music and Alexisonfire. The music is dreamy and compelling live, demonstrating why the band is considered miles above what’s normally expected from the genre. Vocalist/guitarist Jeremy Griffith sings with a passionate energy, and the rest of the band rocks out with a controlled vengeance and intensity. Expect these guys to be at the top of the bill the next time they show up to enchant the City Of Angels with their impressive compositions.
In direct support of Hot Water Music, former Highwire Daze cover stars Alexisonfire sent the house reeling with an exuberant set. Usually touring with the hardcore and screamo factions, these Canadians were out making new friends across the musical genres and were definitely succeeding. Their new Equal Vision release Watch Out! is a dynamic move towards accessibility without dropping a shred of the intensity found on their previous album. The material comes to life in a live setting, with dual vocals and a mesmerizing wall of sound. Guitarist Wade delivers the emotional clear vocals with a sense of passion and urgency while the super charismatic George roams the stage and screams his section of the lyrics, demonstrating a fierce sense of conviction. Not to be upstaged by anything or anyone, George decided towards the end of the set that it was way too hot onstage, and proceeded to strip all the way down to his boxers and climb up one of the Troubadour ladders. The girls responded favorably and the band teased him about his alleged movie star aspirations.
Moving well past the hardcore stage of their career, Alexisonfire present music that will continue to challenge musical boundaries. At the end of their powerful set, a rainstorm broke out and the heavens poured down upon the denizens of West Hollywood. Spotted outside was George, still in boxers, and the rest of the band running around in the rain, putting away their gear so they could check out Hot Water Music. Expect headlining shows the next time Alexisonfire come to play music, unleash moisture, and do a strip off in your neck of the woods.
For years, Fireball Ministry was one of the best-kept secrets of the Los Angeles rock and roll scene. While they were on Small Stone Records, Highwire Daze reviewed the band’s show at the tiny Martini Lounge, and witnessed these mighty Angelinos reduce the venue into rubble with their mighty wall of noise. Now signed to Nuclear Blast Records, Fireball Ministry recently found themselves in the enviable position of supporting act to both Dio and Anthrax at the Greek Theatre. This being the final night of the Greek season, the temperature was cold for the outdoor venue – but Fireball Ministry easily heated up the early arrivers with their dynamic set of blistering aural tapestries.
Performing songs from The Second Great Awakening, many in the crowd appeared familiar with what Fireball Ministry had to offer. Others were being converted into new fans as the band presented their Sabbath/Motorhead style rockers. The headbanging was in full force as Rev. James A. Rota II and his crew spun the wilds of Griffith Park into a whole new dimension. The charismatic Rota preached the Fireball gospel with his grooving axe work and bluesy vocals. Fellow guitarist Emily J. Burton colored the fiery compositions in with flair and imagination. Janis Tanaka on bass and John Oreshnick on drums made for a tighter than hell rhythm section. And although they were just kicking off the evening and warming things up for the two legendary headliners, there were many in the audience who would have liked hearing an encore from this local ministry. With shows this lively and inspired, expect Fireball Ministry to explode upon the masses of hard rock fans worldwide!
With Underoath playing the Chain Reaction and A Static Lullaby at The Troubadour all on the same night, it was certainly stiff competition for bands wanting to get their fans out on a cold and rainy OC night. But the four local bands and two touring acts brought it all together, presenting an impressive show at Hogue Barmichaels in Newport Beach on a Sunday. All of the bands were in the pop punk genre, and demonstrated a good deal of talent.
Opening the night on a highly energetic note was The Revered, a local band who basically hauled their equipment down the street for the performance. With two new members in tow, The Revered delivered to the crowd fast and frenetic pop punk tunes that were a good deal of fun to hear, with Whatever It Takes and Distant being the highlights. Vocalist/lead guitarist Austin Highley performs with a good deal of passion with both the lyrics and guitar playing and certainly has what it takes to be an effective front man, very impressive for a kid who’s just 15. The other member looking like he was having a great time was Dan Mulroy, who kept up the frenetic beats like a total pro – it’s hard to believe this talented kid is also just 15. New additions Eric Flamer on bass and Ryan Warrell on guitar added skillfully to the overall sound. Obviously at the beginning stage of what could be a promising venture, it will be exciting to hear the songs these guys are writing a year from now. For the present time, be sure to snag a copy of their new EP A Fire Burns Below and catch them live. Info: www.therevered.us
The touring bands were up next, and for the next hour or so, the South was slated to rise again. Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Cartel was on tour in support of their forthcoming Militia Group EP The Ransom. Performing a dynamic brand of infectious power pop, there were many in the audience who were already familiar with the band. Vocalist Will Pugh is a charismatic performer whose well-written lyrics and potent singing voice won over the Hogues crowd. The band is thoroughly tight and effective – and a definite cut above what is normally expected from the genre. It’s always good to go to a show and be pleasantly surprised by a band you’ve never heard of before. Expect a lot of people to become familiar with Cartel’s music in the near future. For fans of Noise Ratchet, Copeland, and Further Seems Forever.
Also visiting OC from the Deep South was A Small Victory, who was in town in support of their excellent Lobster Records release El Camino. Kicking off the set with loud guitar riffage, A Small Victory burst into a rousing rendition of Limousines And Cheap Cigars, an anthem that demands to be heard on the airwaves. Combining pop punk with a dash of Southern rock and roll, these Atlanta, GA based boys really know how to put on a show. Especially impressive is Mark Reppard Walker, whose dynamic vocals are combined with a near lethal stage presence. Whether he’s singing in your face or twirling the microphone recklessly in the air, Walker is a potent front man with star appeal. Guitarists Danny Song and Luke Aaron perform with enthusiasm and expertise, apparently influenced by more than just the latest New Found Glory and Blink 182 releases. John Wayne Addington and Ziggy Adam make for a powerhouse rhythm section. The band is tighter than ever, certainly due to their being on the Warped Tour for the entire summer. Other songs the band jammed through included Hammer Strong, Blindman’s Holiday, and The Pieces We Keep. It is surprising to see a band as talented as A Small Victory toiling away on the road in such small venues, as they tend to blow the roof off these establishments with their sheer energy and highly infectious tunes. Expect them to follow former label mates Yellowcard onto the bigger stages soon. For a good time, check out A Small Victory’s live set and let them totally rock your world.
Next up on the bill was Victory Within, whose inspiring set that compared extremely well with the two touring acts they had to follow. Based out of the Sherman Oaks area, Victory Within combine powerful guitar work with positive, introspective tunes. Fans of Jimmy Eat World and Thrice are sure to enjoy what this talented band has to offer. One of the most effective songs in the set was the sobering Left Out, dealing with the subject of suicide. Say To You was a powerful ballad, dedicated to a friend who was shot at a house party. Insight and Shall Not Go were upbeat rockers that clearly impressed the audience. All songs performed were tremendously moving and instantly memorable. Judging by their live show and impressive tunes, Victory Within has quite a promising future ahead of them. Info: www.victorywithin.com
It Ends Today took to the stage and proceeded with an impressive set of emo pop rock. The newer songs the band performed possess a harder edge, but all the songs showed a good deal of promise. Will Chang has an extremely expressive voice, not afraid to soar with the vocals, adding a good deal of depth and range to the songs. It Ends Today are sure to find an audience with their melodic brand of rock. Featuring a strong vocalist, memorable songs, and a solid band, expect these guys to go a long way in the music biz. Definitely a band to be on the look out for in the future. In the mean time, fans of Thursday and Taking Back Sunday should check into what It Ends Today has to offer and prepare to be thoroughly impressed. Info: www.itendstoday.com
Closing out the evening was Saving Daylight from OC, who continue to demonstrate why they are one of OC’s best-kept secrets. The band performed songs from their just released self titled EP, and sent the place spinning with their heavy yet hypnotic melodies. Bringing a sense of passion and urgency into their tuneful compositions, Saving Daylight presents music that can really take the listener places. Influenced by a wide variety of musical styles and bands, their sound comes off as highly original and is thrilling to experience in a live setting. It was getting late, but those who stuck it out were easily moved by what Saving Daylight had to express. On the verge of hitting the road for a short tour, the guys have a good deal of ambition and the songs and talent to back it up. Currently unsigned, do not expect that status to last for long. Be sure to check out Saving Daylight at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood on December 16th, opening up for The Beautiful Mistake!
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