Chevelle & Fair to Midland at Orlando House of Blues
Normally I might say something like "how can one band sound so awesome", but this morning, after last night's electric performances, I find myself saying "how can 2 bands sound so awesome"!!! Not only did I confirm Chevelle as probably the most talented trio in rock today, but Fair to Midland is probably one of the most talented bands-period!
Where to start. How can I wax lyrical about Chevelle, when all I can think about this morning is how quickly can I get my hands on the latest Fair to Midland CD. As I write, I have FTM's songs blaring in my ears for like the 10th time (from their website because the stores aren't open yet)
Fair to Midland:
Last night, as we were commiserating with our seat neighbors about the poor quality of the opening band, we were shortly thereafter served up a complete surprise. From the moment Darroh began singing, I could feel the tingle in my spine from truly great music. Much like the kick when I first heard Evanescence's "Bring me to Life" or Linkin Park's "In the End", I knew I had just witnessed greatness.
All Music talks about FTM as prog rock (neo-prog-hardcore) more accurately) with influences like U2, Deftones and most obviously System of a Down. This band revitalizes the repetitively melodious prog-rock sound by adding in the thumping visceral nu-metal riffs and guttural rapping (like at the end of Dance w/Manatees). I can immediately draw similarities to bands like 30 Seconds and Disturbed. With powerful emotional vocals (ala Jared Leto) that carry lots of changes, to quick guttural rapping (ala Disturbed). To be fair, this group is probably more talented that both of these aforementioned bands.
Needless to say, this band kicked butt last night and every one in that club walked away with increased respect. Mark even commented that they were better than Chevelle, but I don't know if I would go that far.
Chevelle:
Put simply-WOW!! They sounded so tight and controlled. I love their pure focus on the music, very Toolesque (minus the pretension). Not a lot of theatrics or jumping around, just pounding on the guitars and focusing on the music. This brother trio certainly oozes with talent. Pete not only plays lead guitar, but sings and he can do them equally well simultaneously. If a mark of a great band is that they can sound like they do on the CD, then Chevelle accomplished that goal tenfold. They actually sounded better live. The metal guitar riff's were pushed right to the forefront and you could also hear some layered synth sounds underneath. They completely filled up that little hall.
Somehow they managed to keep the energy going non-stop for an hour (except for the frequent guitar changes) and Pete, their drummer got quite a work out, maintaining the speed and energy that you typically only get with a recorded album. Last night this band completely convinced me that they are among the most talented in a long list of hard rockers.
In summation, this was one of the best concerts in a very long time.
Where to start. How can I wax lyrical about Chevelle, when all I can think about this morning is how quickly can I get my hands on the latest Fair to Midland CD. As I write, I have FTM's songs blaring in my ears for like the 10th time (from their website because the stores aren't open yet)
Fair to Midland:
Last night, as we were commiserating with our seat neighbors about the poor quality of the opening band, we were shortly thereafter served up a complete surprise. From the moment Darroh began singing, I could feel the tingle in my spine from truly great music. Much like the kick when I first heard Evanescence's "Bring me to Life" or Linkin Park's "In the End", I knew I had just witnessed greatness.
All Music talks about FTM as prog rock (neo-prog-hardcore) more accurately) with influences like U2, Deftones and most obviously System of a Down. This band revitalizes the repetitively melodious prog-rock sound by adding in the thumping visceral nu-metal riffs and guttural rapping (like at the end of Dance w/Manatees). I can immediately draw similarities to bands like 30 Seconds and Disturbed. With powerful emotional vocals (ala Jared Leto) that carry lots of changes, to quick guttural rapping (ala Disturbed). To be fair, this group is probably more talented that both of these aforementioned bands.
Needless to say, this band kicked butt last night and every one in that club walked away with increased respect. Mark even commented that they were better than Chevelle, but I don't know if I would go that far.
Chevelle:
Put simply-WOW!! They sounded so tight and controlled. I love their pure focus on the music, very Toolesque (minus the pretension). Not a lot of theatrics or jumping around, just pounding on the guitars and focusing on the music. This brother trio certainly oozes with talent. Pete not only plays lead guitar, but sings and he can do them equally well simultaneously. If a mark of a great band is that they can sound like they do on the CD, then Chevelle accomplished that goal tenfold. They actually sounded better live. The metal guitar riff's were pushed right to the forefront and you could also hear some layered synth sounds underneath. They completely filled up that little hall.
Somehow they managed to keep the energy going non-stop for an hour (except for the frequent guitar changes) and Pete, their drummer got quite a work out, maintaining the speed and energy that you typically only get with a recorded album. Last night this band completely convinced me that they are among the most talented in a long list of hard rockers.
In summation, this was one of the best concerts in a very long time.
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