Concert Review – Warped Tour (7/24 @ Orlando)

Warped Tour is a very unique experience, unlike any concert you’ve ever been to. The majority of fans have a strong love/hate relationship with the event. On one hand, you get to see tons of your favorite bands all in one day; while on the other… its 105 degrees. Burtal. One of the many hazards in order to see some kickass bands. Everyone complains, but everyone powers through. Here is what I thought of this years, Orlando “swear-free” sweat fest.

Chiodos – Score: 4/5
Awards: *The Crowd Participation Award*
This is only the second time I’ve been able to see Chiodos…but the first I’ve really been able to see what they can do. The crowd absolutely loved these guys. Craig Owens was aware, and made the most of it. Before each song, he would tell the crowd what to do, and like soldiers following their general, they would do it. From trying to beat the “Warped Tour Crowd Surfer Per Minute” record (currently held by…My Chemical Romance?) to a wall of death, Craig made sure no one was standing still during their set. From a technical standpoint they were great…no flaws to point out. Definitely check these guys out.
Standout Song: “A Letter From Janelle”

Escape The Fate – Score: 1/5
Awards: *The “We Dont Give A Shit” Award*
I was only able to catch two songs by these guys…but it was all I needed to see. They CLEARLY didn’t want to be on stage, pushing through their songs with no passion or energy. I will give them the benefit of the doubt because every other time I’ve seen them they’ve been great…but way to fail.

Attack Attack! – Score: 2/5
Awards: *Exhausted Award*
So, so, so…mediocre. I personally had no desire to see these guys again because I’ve already seen them on 4 separate occasions in the past 6 months. This Warped Tour show was the worst of them all. I get that it is way different than a normal tour, with the heat and everything else going on. To them its just another show but to everyone else there its THE show. This is where the strong bands really shine.

The Devil Wears Prada – Score: 5/5
Awards: *Best In Show Award*
The Devil Wears Prada…when was the last time you heard a BAD thing about this band? I’ve been a fan for a while and every time I’ve seen them, they have been outstanding. The Warped Tour show was no different. They came out with an intensity matched by no other band I’ve seen at Warped Tour. They’ve definitely grown since their last time at Warped and are well deserving of their main stage spot. Great stage show, intense breakdowns, they had it all. Their songs sounded great…only little nitpick I have was with the singing. It wasn’t the greatest. But other than that, best set at Warped by a long shot. Make sure you have water handy…because they will knock you on your ass for 45 minutes, and every minute will be great.
Standout Song: “Hey John…Whats Your Name Again?”

Underoath – Score: 4.5/5
Awards: *Veteran Award*
Underoath is one of the biggest names in the scene today, and they have earned every moment of spotlight. Playing the perfect combination of old and new songs, Underoath fed the crowd exactly what they wanted. I have yet to be disappointed in an UO show. I may be biased but they always seem great. Nothing…NOTHING beats “Its’ Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door” live. Nothing. Everyone singing along to “My knuckles have turned to white!” or the beautiful yet ominous “Drowning in my sleep”. The beauty and intestinesity that makes up this song transitions perfectly live. Everyone sounded great, and played awesome. It TDWP set wasn’t so perfect these guys would have been best in show easy. Definitely check them out.
Standout Song: “Its’ Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door”

A Day To Remember – Score: 3.5/5
Awards: *Fun award*
I really don’t have much to say. These guys are fun. Get there before their set so you get the opening song. The superman theme jumps right into the well known “Duna duna duna duna duna” gang chant. With one of the biggest crowds singing along it was…well it was awesome. The crowd really does a great job in making this set so fun. Everyone knows the words and is generally happy and excited to see them. Check them out if you have the or the energy.
Standout Song: “The Downfall of Us All”

Aside from the heat, Orlando was a general sucsess. I did miss I Set My Friends On Fire and P.O.S in both the Orlando and Tampa shows. Other than that it was pretty fun. On a side note I had the best Jerk chicken I’ve ever had in my entire life! Yup. I had GOOD food at Warped Tour. The show was great. Bring lots of water and lots of sunscreen. Power through and see your bands. Its worth it!