-TwentyOneRest, The Silence, Denver Harbor, Parker Theory, Kut-U-Up, Roosevelt-
TwentyOneRest was the first band on in the show, and thus being the opening band, they're set was shorter; only six songs. It's sad when it happens like that, but when you force six songs with a sound that pure out at the beginning of a show, you're going to make people want more, and more, and yes, more again. Nick Rodney, ex-RxDrama guitarist was there filming the show for the guys, because sadly my friend Stephen couldn't make it out due to work and family obligations. Evan from The Trophy Life made it to the show, as well as Kevin White, ex-London's Falling lead singer, and Schmidty, faithful Schmidty, all made it down to San Diego to witness damn near perfection.
It all began with a song entitled ‘Wave’, which I sadly have never heard before, but which seemed well executed. There have been a number of songs written in the past year or so that the public hasn't had a chance to hear. So, I listened with virgin ears, and as a smile washed over my face whilst I tapped my foot, I knew it was good. There's a newfound energy within the four of them, and it's making everything beautiful. At this point, I don't know if there's anything that they could actually do wrong, for it all is seeming to be so right. It all IS so right..
Tried and true, 'She Said' followed 'Wave'. Oh, the memories of the good old days, but still such a beautiful number. Tossing of hair, thrusting of hips, bobbing of heads and frolicking across the stage took over as the notorious chords and unforgettable chorus was heard. "She said stir me up, just a bit.." And, did she ever stir. The overwhelming sound that was being put forth was so familiar, yet so new at the same time. Possibly it was the new instruments, or possibly the new found vigor within the group. Either way, they played harder, and louder, and rather then becoming distorted, they became better, and even better yet again.
As Red Bull was had, and everyone began to cheer, 'Puddles' ensued. A sharp contrast from the previous sunny and upbeat 'She Said', 'Puddles' is darker, but just as beautiful, if not more so. "Put the gun away-ee-ay" seemed to rouse a feeling from the pit of your stomach, making you feel as if you were hyperventilating because of how wonderfully it was delivered. Numerous times prior, Weston's harmony has gotten lost, muffled, distorted, and simply forgotten by whoever happens to be running the sound board at any particular show. Tonight, this night it wasn't lost, and it was picture perfect. Aaron and Weston share a unique vocal chemistry, which creates the most attractive harmony in all their music. 'Puddles' took that harmony and developed it into an event of its own. As it ended, there was a definite hesitance as the crowd decided whether it was all a dream, or if they had in fact witnessed unspoiled indefectibility.
The room filled with a softening hush as the lights dimmed and the ethereal hum of the guitars filled the air. A gently whisper, like a summer breeze, slid off the cymbals as a voice filled the darkness with the one lyric that remains etched in your mind.. "Put your mind at ease.." There are the times, the moments, the momentous moments in a person's life where every gear turns in unison, where every piece finishes the puzzle, where there are no doubts, no fears, no pains, everything is as they say.. Perfect. Have you ever witnessed something so surreal, so breathtakingly beautiful that when it was over you weren't sure if it was real or just a dream? 'Burn Purple'.. That was how it was, and these words do not do enough justice to completely convey the utter awe that was felt, but it's all I can say.
'Burn Purple' ended with the same hum that was the beginning, and the same hesitance filled the crowd as to the reality of the song. Did that really happen? Was it really that good? Am I dreaming? To anyone and everyone who was there to witness this show, I have but one thing to say. Yes, it did happen, and no it wasn't a dream. It was just a simple display of the natural raw-talent of a group of kids who grew up in the middle of nowhere, came together by chance, and decided to pursue a dream. And, let me tell you boys and girls, it's the most peaceful, hauntingly fantastic thing when it's on, and it was on tonight. No question. God, it was on tonight.
The third song on TwentyOneRest's new EP is titled 'Lightshow'. It's the same song they used to play a year ago live for the most part, however the lyrics have been altered some, and the music rewritten a tad, but all in all it's been for the best. The delivery, and the conviction in each lyric was remarkable. Their bodies moved as intricate parts of a larger whole, a whole with a vision, and a drive that you can't destroy. 'Lightshow' went off without a hitch. The lights swelled as Aaron looked up into the single white spot above his head while the rest of the stage was flooded with a soft blue light. Weston had the greatest delivery in this song vocally, it made the whole thing complete.
On a lighter note, I never really took in how strong both Sean and Brant are. It is my own fault, I know. However, at a show, and even when listening to a song on a CD or the radio, a person notes the lead singer, because obviously he's singing, and usually the guitarists for they, more often that not, have the largest sound. As my focus shifted, and thankfully so, it dawned upon me that the bass line in this song is one of the most sensual things I think I've ever heard. It's the most charming thing, and has such emotion. Good Lord - the emotion. And, then, not even four feet behind said bassist Sean, is the most remarkable, most seductive drummer in the history of music. I never really just sat and let everything else fade away, and watched Brant play drums. The fluidity and speed of his movements, the focus he maintains, it's all really quite amazing. Total props, total, total props to him. Especially, during 'Eating Tinfoil'..
Their set ended with one of the most utterly outstanding numbers they've ever written, and better yet, ever performed. The deep guttural thumping of the bass drum at the beginning of the song, interlaced with the soft murmuring of guitars and bass that eventually swelled into this crystal clear, high definition image of something that has no words or structure, no frames or confines.. It was just.. God, the drums and the bass. I can't believe I never noticed the full extent as to which they were such a primary factor within the band. Naiveté crossed with ignorance will cloud vision, but once it's clear again, the strongest things are noticed. The drums.. I wanted to cry, to pass out on the floor, to just scream because of the complete intensity of it all, and it was so good. So, so good. There can be shows where things aren't entirely perfect. Maybe an instrument is slightly out of tune, or a voice a little raspy, but all in all it doesn't matter sometimes. This was one of those shows where the feeling, the passion, the conviction was so demanding of a connection between the audience and the band that you were literally overwhelmed. It was such a good feeling though, so peaceful, so nice. There aren't enough words in any language for me to tell this story in hopes that anyone will feel what I felt. There aren't enough colors in the spectrum to paint a picture of the unparalleled beauty that was witnessed. You had to be there.
Weston and Aaron both got new guitars, and as well they've all got a new image. It may sound cliché, but the rock star image has completely consumed them, and not in a greasy/grungy Kurt Cobain kinda way, (now mind you there is nothing wrong with Kurt Cobain or Nirvana, I love both to pieces,) but rather the band took on an aura that there is nothing holding them back anymore. All barriers and all inhibitions that were previously standing in front of them have been cast aside for a new beginning. This beginning is where it's at. They guys looked great on stage and in general, it all sounded beautiful, and had this aura, a presence if you will, about them that is so wholly hard to explain that I'm going to leave it at that. The guys found it. They found whatever it was they needed to become something great, something that no one else is and no one else has. And, they're running with it. Run like hell, and take that chance my dears, 'cause this time, it's gold. Don't lose it.