Affiance, The Kindred, Architects, and Protest The Hero
Affiance
Now, I've seen these guys in concert twice before last night, and this was the first show I've seen them in with their bassist. Having their bassist really added to the music, I must say. There were about five or so hardcore Affiance fans there (other than me and my dad). As sad as that may be, Affiance really impressed everyone else in the audience and converted them to future fans. There was one thing about their show that I HATED. Here it goes...THEY ONLY PLAYED FOUR SONGS!!!!!!!! Okay, I'm sorry, but seriously Protest The Hero, you could have at least given them time for a six song set. They played "Kings of Deceit," "We The Machines," "You Will Be Replaced," and "Call to the Warrior (with "Mad As Hell," a 30 sec monologue, tacked to the beginning)." They did an amazing job performing, always with this intensity that makes you want to get up there and sing with them, despite their small crowd and fan base. Dennis, the lead singer, was funny as usual, his entertainment acts included a lesson in squatting and a deep moment of confessions for the whole crowd, where he got everyone to admit that they used the restroom. Oh, Dennis! Great show!!!
The second act of night did not quite lead up to the first, but really, none of the other bands were better than Affiance. The Kindred had some balance problems in this incessant competition between the members to play louder. However, the music was really good, and my mom claims they were the best of the last three acts. "They are extremely musical," she continuously repeated in justification of her appreciation of The Kindred.
Architects
This band seemed to have a rather large following, including this small group of teenage girls who looked so happy that I was afraid we were seeing One Direction. "He touched my hand!" I remember one of the girls squealing. I was rather impressed with this band, but the music could have been taken down some decibels with there being any protestation from the crowd. However, there was a milestone event for me during this band...I crowd surfed for the first time!! It's the most exhilarating experience I have ever had. Just...wow. I understand now why people crowd-surf.
Protest the Hero
PTH had a massive following, and it seemed that every fan knew every word to every song...it was crazy. The mosh pit was INTENSELY violent, and it appeared to be a 6'5" and over mosh pit. I had brought a few of my friends with me to the concert, and we served as a sort of blockade to the people behind us because of our incessant shoving of anyone football player type male who came near us. Entertaining, to say the least. PTH was also a very good band, and I liked them more than The Kindred or Architects. Their vocalist had this amazing beard that was so funny, I cannot even... He also--at one point--wore a batman mask, although somehow my dad didn't even notice.
Thank you to everyone who played for an awesome show!
Zoe Adler is a music journalist from Long Beach, California. Besides her website, which is her pride and joy, she works with the GRAMMY Foundation and the Long Beach Independent. Additionally, Ms. Adler is a musician, spending half of her time playing the flute, piccolo, trombone, and marching baritone. She has been with TeenView Music since the very start and hopes to make something of it in the future. |