Show Review

I think Tooth And Nail might host the majority of the bands I like these days, so knowing this tour was coming to Colorado was a huge delight. I simply love almost all of the bands on this tour, and the one I hadn't heard before (Mewithoutyou) made me instantly a fan. Their CD might not have done it, but their live act really, really did.

Beware, because this show started 30 minutes early. Unfortunately, I was relying on the bus system to get down so I missed Emery's set. HUGE disappointment! To top it off I missed 3 Watashi Wa songs, which is simply not right at all. They are one of my favorite bands, hands down, and missing those three songs put a damper on me...but Watashi Wa instantly made me happy again the second they started their fourth tune, "The Air I Breathe." God, I love those guys. They simply put on such a great show and deserve so much more attention than they are getting..I wish they could get a video out and get on MTV already! I could easily see them blowing up, but I can't do anything but talk from here. So if you work at Tooth And Nail or can help, do it...read on.

Mewithoutyou took the stage next, and I've heard a lot about them and all I heard was true. They were insane. The singer wore a sort of Eskimo-type coat, and huddled over the mic, kneeling and going fetal during the insane guitar parts. Hot damn they were insane. Their sound was so loud and crisp; it sounded like I was listening to some sort of huge-sounding, mainstream heavy rock band, but with a sort of talking/yelling style vocals. Wow. They had a song that broke down for like 12 minutes, only to strike again. Check these guys out, especially live if you can because they will destroy you!

To my suprise, Anberlin was headlining the tour. Sure, Further Seems Forever did drop off, but regardless, I just don't see how they could be headlining. Anberlin's singer kept on missing the mic, unfortunately, it seemed. He would sing and pull away the mic simultaneously almost, so it sort of sputtered the sound--it was just weird is all. Still, they had a cool sound and for what style they are put on a great set, to which the kids clapped and left immediately..sadly it was only 10 P.M.. Things took a turn for the better though, because once again Seth and the guys from Watashi invited me and a few guys out to eat, and we had a great time talking and hanging out at Denver Diner. This band is probably the only band I could really see myself hanging out with...because they are the only band who ever has invited me to hang out with them after the show. Not like all bands should or something, but it definitely makes me happy to see the sheer integrity in this incredible band. What started as a great pop rock band with a huge sound to me is now more like a friendship, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. If any band deserves to make it, it's these guys, who have been rocking out for over 5 years now.

All in all, check out this tour! I heard Emery really kicked ass, and their record is really stunning, so I wouldn't be suprised. Watashi, as usual, blew my mind and the other bands were great, especially Mewithoutyou! A great tour with some friendly, down-to-earth bands who will go that extra step to make you feel like you really are important to them.

review by Andrew Martin