Show Review

Shortly after the formation of this website, Underoath was formed in one shape or another. The hype began, starting with the release of a few tracks which were, at the time, strikingly original and tasteful. The sing and scream combo which is now beyond redundant was refreshing and exciting.

Flash forward two albums and some 4 years later and the band is still keeping things exciting. Their latest album beat the release numbers in opening week that both of their previous albums did combined, and they’re packing even huger venues than on their last tour. Underoath are here to stay.

Saosin is a band I’ve followed for a similar timespan who have seen less success, despite their major label debut (on one of the world’s largest record labels). Unfortunately, this is largely due to the fact that their singer is simply off and on in a live setting; and mostly, he’s off. This Thursday night was no exception, as the band took the stage proudly with singer Cove donning his (now) normal, tired plaid shirt. The other members looked equally tired and beat up, and their musicianship on the guitars and drums was, as expected, vastly impeccable. Noticeably tight drum fills and plenty of thrashing guitar riffs were void of noticeable mistakes, but Cove’s performance was quite the opposite. Contrastingly, he found himself holding the mic out to the crowd like a bad habit, skipping over tough-to-hit vocal lines and letting the crowd (poorly) contribute their own. A new song from their recently recorded (and overly marketed) “Grey EP,” while intense and pretty cool on record, was overall pretty lackluster.

And after thinking about it on the drive home that night to no avail, I think that’s the general word I’d use to describe Saosin’s set. I think I keep recollecting seeing them with the original lineup early in the days of formation and I remember the intensity and great musicianship (all around)—now when I see Saosin, there are so many holes it’s hard to see the picture and it lacks the energy and general aura of a band who make their fans excited. Regardless I’m excited to see what they put out next because their studio work is by and large quite impressive. Oh, one more note: the band closed with “Seven Years.” Weird.

Needless to say, after Saosin’s set it was time for something new. After hydrating myself I wandered aimlessly back into the pit which was crowded and filled with kids who seem to be getting smaller and smaller. I think the fact is quite the opposite; I’m getting too old for this crap. Still, bands I’ve been fond of for quite some time like Underoath pull the youth out of me. It seems every time I see the band I go absolutely nuts, charging into the pit, and Friday that week was no different. The second the band opened with the opening track on their latest album, the crowd and I were electrified. And once again, stunned.

I think the biggest difference between Underoath and the opening Saosin sets was in the level of perfection, especially vocally. Underoath’s Spencer and Aaron were quite spot-on, rarely skipping notes or missing anything. I’ve always been really impressed with both Aaron’s singing (which goes on while he plays the drums quite perfectly) and Spencer’s screaming (and singing, for that matter). Aside from a few extra technical drums and interlude transitions, Underoath’s set was perfectly—almost too perfectly—sounding like their albums: tight and loud.

As the band played a scattered mix of songs from mostly their last two records, I realized why this might be one of my favorite bands. Because after it all, the band isn’t afraid to openly admit and share their faith, and they do it without being pushy. Much like their decision to stray from the major labels, it seems, Underoath are an honest band doing an honest thing: playing and writing amazing music. And I have considerable faith that, just like my nervous thoughts that Define The Great Line’s predecessor wouldn’t bring anything new to the table were overcome, Underoath are here to stay and will continue to appease me. At this point, a great show isn’t even anything but expected as I’ve seen them do it again and again—and if you haven’t seen this band live, get out.

review by Andrew Martin