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Sunday, June 19, 2016

Taste of Chaos - Cincinnati, OH 6/11/2016

Taste of Chaos @ Riverbend in Cincinnati

The Early November, Saosin w/ Anthony Green, Taking Back Sunday, and Dashboard Confessional

When Taste of Chaos first announced its lineup, both for the tour and the festival, teenagers and adults rejoiced at the opportunity to re-live their youths through reminiscing easier times when it was cool to like emo music. (Let's face it, most of us still listen to most of these bands on a regular basis anyway.) The opportunity to see Anthony Green back with Saosin was encouragement enough. 

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The Early November

The Early November has been around as long as many of the others, but is lesser known in this area. They took the stage around the time doors opened, so the arena was sadly close to empty. While I arrived to see them in their full glory and sing along with some of my favorite songs, I didn't mind that I was singing alone to the more popular hits and even the whining lyrics of some of their earlier lesser known songs like 'I Want to Hear You Sad' from many years ago. 



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Saosin

It had been years since I had seen Saosin, so my expectations were high. I am personally biased towards vocalist Anthony Green, who I have seen many times before on his solo shows as well as with Circa Survive. However, I forgot just how much I used to enjoy listening to Saosin and was overtaken by my teenaged emotions. As always, Anthony has his own way of playing. Stopping between songs or even in the middle of songs, he would address fans in the crowd. One time he made a point to tell fans to love each other and not start fights or hurt one another. 



One particular fan was disappointed that he had gotten kicked out of the pit. Anthony stopped in the middle of a song to inquire as to what had happened. When he realized the kid didn't have access to the pit, he invited him onto the stage to watch from backstage. The kid's face lit up, his life had certainly been made. He climbed up and jammed out to songs which likely came out when he was just a young boy. Later, Anthony requested the kid come on stage and jumped up onto his back. It goes to show that he is no less compassionate towards his fans and still puts on quite the show. He is an exceptional vocalist and a stand up human. Ending with Seven Years, we were all back in 2000 and everyone was singing along.
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Taking Back Sunday

Taking Back Sunday took the stage next and although I have personally seen them nearly a dozen times, they always put on a unique show. The guys may have gotten older and grown up emotionally, but their sound truly hasn't changed much, which is something long-time fans appreciate endlessly. We never get tired of screaming along with Adam Lazarra as he belts out 'Cute Without the E', "Liar," "MakeDamnSure," and "What's it Feel Like to Be a Ghost." Adam jumps all over the stage, swinging his microphone in circles, and proving that just because he has kids doesn't mean he can't rock out. All we wanted was to dance with all of our friends and tell them how much we love Taking Back Sunday, but those were words which just didn't need to be said. We all lost our voices and healed our hearts a little bit during their killer set full of songs we were all waiting to hear. 


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Dashboard Confessional

Dashboard Confessional was next and the lights dimmed in preparation. The anticipation was apparent as the venue was now completely full of slightly older fans who had clearly been waiting for this moment for a long time. Chris Carrabba looked like he hadn't aged a day in the flattering stage lights as he took off right into the set. It was my first time seeing them live personally, but it was clear others around me had sang along to these songs many a times before. Carrabba knows how to impress and please his fans, playing all of the songs they've been waiting for.





All photos by Hannah Christine: Instagram & Website.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Weathervein - Wounds

EP Review - Weathervein - Wounds

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Have you ever heard a song and within seconds you relate to it so hard because it made you feel something immediately? That's truly how I felt about this album. I always try to do my best to be partial when writing album reviews, because I feel like people reading want to know what they can expect from it. But sometimes I just feel an album so deeply I can't help but to seem like I'm raving. 

Weathervein (previously Absent Youth) is an extremely talented five-piece band from Dayton, Ohio that will remind you such talented musicians and strong music can come from a small town. If you've never heard them before and had an expectation of what they would sound like, they will seriously surprise you. 

From the first chord until the final song wraps up, you will be taken on a rollercoaster, emotional journey that you won't want to end. The strong dual vocals and well-written lyrics combined with three (!) guitars will have you wanting more... or just putting the tracks on repeat. The worst thing about the album is the fact that it only has five songs. 

Prepare yourself aka get these songs in your head before they're touring the world and you wish you knew them before everyone else.

RIYL: La Dispute, Balance and Composure, Thrice, and Brand New. 

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Dear Boy Releases Single "Local Roses"

Dear Boy started out strong when they came together back in 2013. I have been following this up and coming group since, and they have done nothing but impress me every step of the way. Every live performance and song they've released since have been a roaring success, and for good reason. These talented men are passionate about music and it shows in their songs. They don't make the type of music they think will sell millions, they make the type of music that you can feel in your bones. This new release is no different.

If "Local Roses" is a sign of what's to come (and c'mon, we all know it is!), I can't wait to hear the entire album they've been working on.

If you'd like to check out their single, I've linked and included their SoundCloud below. You can also find their contact information if you'd like to find out more about the band. If you happen to live in Los Angeles, join me this coming Tuesday, January 12th to see them live at the Echo. They are headlining!



Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/dearboyofficial

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dearboyofficial

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dearboyofficial

Website: http://www.dearboyofficial.com/