Show Review

Yes, there were two other opening acts to this show. Were they worth mentioning, much less remembering? Negative. The stats above simply refer to the one band I came to see: PARK. Their first headlining tour ever, and what a success in my eyes. To the hundreds of kids who didn't show up: you missed out.

The first two bands were simply high-school mess around bands who got lucky enough to open for the amazing Park. I missed the first (my friend assured me this was a good thing), and the second was like the Fairweather singer in a band, but he was trying to do Finch..and failing miserably. I just pity the fools who enjoyed their set, because I found the singer's strange dance style to be the most entertaining.

The Higher's generic set consisted of a very Rufio-like performance; somewhat decent energy and melody, but just nothing you care to remember. The 30 kids at the show seemed to enjoy them, and I guess you could say I did too...in some sort of weird, non-chalant kind of way. Let's just say I was ready to see Park.

Finally, Park took the stage with the same modesty I remembered from a show nearly 3 years ago. I was pleased to learn, later, that Miles remembered me from that show. I really do appreciate the intimacy of a compressed scene, but still believe Park deserves an assload more attention than they have been receiving. They opened with "Numerous Murders," with that unforgettable talent and musicianship that impacted me so long ago. The band's ability to produce a powerful, strong sound has not changed with time, it remains tightly knit and solid, just the way I like it. Though I'm not as into the new disc as "No Signal," the band played the new songs amazingly. All the musicians were together, on the same note, as if they were ESP-ing on the same brainwave, and it was just amazing to watch. Though the new songs (some of them) obviously lack the upbeat rhythm and motion that No Signal unveiled, they sounded nothing but awesome.

The only thing that suprised me was the fact that the band didn't play "Day One And Counting," nor any of the old songs. I was hoping, to be honest, to hear a good mix of old and new material, but in that regard I was disappointed. "The Ghost You Are" and, of course, "Clue Me In" made the list, but the other songs that I have come to regard as classics like "At Breakneck Speed" or "Swell" weren't performed. I guess the fact that this was Park's second time in Denver in 3 years really forced me to miss a huge portion of the band's shows, a black hole if you will.

Though I wanted to hear more old stuff and certainly the most powerful track on "It Won't Snow Where You're Going," "Day One And Counting," Park hardly disappointed me. Catch these guys on tour if not only because they are perhaps the most talented band musically and lyrically in the scene, but because they damn well deserve it.

review by Andrew Martin