Show Review

Arriving early to the Tulagi Theater in Boulder wasn't a good thing. Not only was the show taking forever to start, but not many kids were showing up. So it didn't seem worth it, until the non-stop amazing bands took the stage. All in all, the show was seriously unbelieveable musically. Lots of loud hardcore style stuff that was as intense as it was energetic.

First, Grace Gale, a local band from Boulder took the stage. I was personally impressed at the band's arpeggio/dual guitar work, and while they were simply hardcore, the guitar work was enough to keep me interested. Definitely a hidden talent I was suprised to see; I don't know if I've ever heard a good local band from Boulder. They played for awhile and it seemed that out of the few people that were at the show, most of them knew these guys and were here for them.

Although Grace Gale was entertaining, I was pretty anxious to hear The Bled, who's hype has been increasing exponentially since people have found them. For those who haven't bled yet, they're a hardcore band on Fiddler (their new CD, "Pass The Flask," comes out this Friday, August 1). I have never typically been a fan of hardcore, and generally really enjoy singing over screaming, but when I saw these guys, all of that changed. Powerful breakdowns were what made me so sick to my stomach. From the second the singer grabbed a friend of mine and the music cut off completele as he whispered "I Love You" only to shatter with even more loud rock to the singer's humor and energy, The Bled didn't cease to amaze me. Definitely not what I came to see, but I'm glad I saw it, because these guys were magical.

Finally, Saosin took the stage, and while the intro on "Seven Years" sounded more than weak, the rest of their set was mind-blowing. Right in line with the record, the singer seemed to twiddle like a fairy almost, until he started rolling around and fell off the stage. Sick vocal work and the guitars, even the harmonics (found in Seven Years' breakdown , for example) sounded crystal clear. Great set, and they played one new song that sounded just as good as, if not better than, their EP.

Boys Night Out quietly took the stage and played a ton of new songs from "Make Yourself Sick," the new record due in September. Pathetically, a ton of kids had left (or so it seemed, from the drafty front area), but it was their loss. The singer and band's music sounded practically identical to the CD; even the fast lines tossed out (as in "Just This Once (Let's Do Something Different)") were casually exasperated by the singer. A great set, and the only reason there weren't many kids there is probably because that gem of a disc hasn't come out yet.

I couldn't help thinking my town was retarded for not coming to this show. I mean, for goddsakes, it's Saosin and Boys Night Out. What more could you ask? One of the most aggressive, energetic, and intense bands out there who put on an amazing show both vocally and instrumentally? How about one of the most creative, intelligent, and energetic bands arising in the scene. I guess that wasn't enough, but I could care less; I had a great time at this show, and anyone who wants to enjoy a great group of musicians, check this tour out if you can. The only disappointment? Not enough kids were there! I wanted to mosh and tear it up but it was hard when there were about 10 kids standing in the back, motionless.

review by Andrew Martin