Concert Review – The Artery Foundation Across The Nation Tour (@ The Glasshouse)

Attending this show less than 24 hours after Warped Tour may have been a little much on my legs and ears, but it was well worth it.  I couldn’t miss the chance to see one of my favorite bands at the Glasshouse in Pomona, one of my favorite venues.  Here’s my thoughts on one of this summer’s can’t-miss tours.

We Are Machines – 1.5/5

I have very mixed feelings about this band.  There was certainly some talent on stage; the guitar work was solid, the drumming was solid, and their screamer/harmony man was great.  I could have done with the yoked-out cornrowed singer though, who has potential, but was flat all night and practiced terrible mic control.  Maybe as they mature, they will have a chance, but for now, I see no need for We Are Machines.

Arrive Alive – 0/5

Highlight of the night was when Arrive Alive announced the show to be their last ever.  Absolutely awful.

Broadway – 3.5/5

The showmanship was undeniable here, with great energy that got everyone moving  The band definitely has some talent, but I felt that the singer was a separate entity from the band the entire show.  He definitely had pipes, but strangely didn’t seem to fit the music.  My company did disagree with me, so I’ll give the band the benefit of the doubt.  Points for covering Craig Owen’s vocals on the track he guest starred on.  With the energy and passion the boys seem to have for music, I expect nothing but good things in the future.  NOTE: since the show, I have listened to the entire Broadway CD.  I DEFINITELY recommend hearing their music first, because I adore their music now.  Standout track: “We Are Paramount.”

I See Stars – 4.5/5

Besides “What This Means To Me,” I was not familiar with anything I See Stars has released.  The band was definitely the surprise for the night, putting on a killer set that had more people moving than any of the other billed bands.  Vocals were shockingly great on every song, with both singers hitting everything to perfection, including fantastic harmonies from the drummer.  I’ve always been a fan of multi-talented musicians, so watching the singers trade off on fronting the band and playing keys added some credibility to the group.  Their brand of hardcorechno (Or hardcoreno…see what I did there?) was a ton of fun to witness live, and it was clear everyone at The Glasshouse was enjoying themselves.  Most importantly, the band convinced me to check out their CD, which I have become a great fan of.  Standout track: “Big Bad Wolf”

Burden of A Day – 3/5

After a bunch of bands made up of kids, Burden of A Day appeared much, much older than their peers.  Like In Fear and Faith, there was not a thing wrong with them; they just didn’t do anything special to set them apart.  Therefore, they get a pretty average score.  Standout track: “Fool Me Once”

In Feath and Faith – 3/5

After a night of bands who clearly listen to too much A Skylit Drive and Chiodos, it was nice to hear someone actually capable of singing in those bands’ ranges.  Their screamer was vicious and their singer was hitting outrageous highs that were pitch perfect.  Good band, enjoyable stuff, but nothing that really blew me away, with the exception of their cover of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise.”

Our Last Night – 3.5/5

These boys won me over pretty quickly, thanks to their guitar player’s clean vocals.  Very accessible post-hardcore is right where my heart is, so I very much liked their set.  Lyrically, they seemed a little weak, but I’ll have to give their album a few spins before I fault them too much for that.  Once again, a strong, but not dazzling band.

Emarosa – 5/5

Jonny Fucking Craig.  The man is just untouchable.  His voice is so much stronger than any other person in the genre that he often overshadows how great of musicians the rest of the band are.  The backing music for Dr. Craig’s wails is sensational; controlled enough to still be appreciated by first time listeners, yet different and unique enough to warrant repeat visits.  Even after a full day of post-hardcore happiness at Warped Tour, these guys reign supreme.  An absolute must-see, because Emarosa is simply the best.  PS. Extra points for the encore song.  They performed a new rendition of “Casablanca” from their pre-Jonny EP, and Austin Carlile from Attack Attack guest screamed at the show.  Standout track: Ha, they’re all great, but closing with “The Past Should Stay Dead” is unbelievable.