Show Review

I can't even explain how pumped I got for this show. I mean come on, A New Found Glory, The STARTING LINE, Rx Bandits! Could I ask for anything more? So I mean it wasn't hard for me to get impressed by the show, cause no matter what I was gonna like it.

Unfortunately, I was unable to do the interview, cause Drive-Thru has been having some management switchups, etc., so they kinda didn't get me on the list. Oh well, luckily I found a ticket from a friend. Another unfortunate thing happened when I discovered the Rx Bandits' Van got broke down so they were not gonna be playing. I was really saddened cause I really love them, and was looking forward to their highly anticipated set. This disappointment couldn't be any more discreet, however, considering the other bands playing (well 2 of 3) were gonna rock!

The Starting Line was first. It was cool to see them wandering through the line outside and talking to fans before and after their set, getting to know their fans. They were ultra cool, as was their unbelieveable set. I couldn't believe my ears as they played a suprisingly large set, considering all they have out is a 5-song CDEP so far. They played that whole EP, as well as a couple other great songs which aren't on any CDs for sale like "Left Coast Envy." The set was all-around unbelieveable. They played their songs so well, and that band is so talented. They totally stole the show, and even though a lot of kids said A New Found Glory was still better, I don't really agree. At least not that night, because when I heard TSL close with my favorite song (of all time?), "Cheek to Cheek," I couldn't even imagine any band being able to top it. Ken's vocals were amazing, and I was astounded that he is still only 17 years old. That kid has talent which cannot be rivaled. Their set was, if you didn't get it, incredible, and I cannot praise this band anymore.

H20 was next, and although I listened, I was relatively inattentive. Mostly the same - old NYC Hardcore stuff which I probably never will get into. I did like one song they played, which was for the Sept. 11 tragedy, but the rest of their set was mostly the same old stuff. I thought they were kind of out of place at the show, although I did appreciate the variety.

Finally, to end the short show, A New Found Glory came onto the stage. Crammed in the small 200-person venue, tons of kids were screaming out the lyrics to "Better Off Dead." Their set was, of course, excellent, but I could tell most of the fans are just the "self-titled" fans. Gladly, NFG played a lot of older stuff too, as well as some brand new stuff ("So Many Ways"). Still, they played mostly self-titled album stuff, and ripped it up pretty good. However they didn't seem like they were even opening when compared to The Starting Line, who rocked and in my mind stole the show.

This was probably the best concert I'll go to in a long time. All of the bands were excellent and the show really kicked some serious ass.

review by Andrew Martin