Show Review

The air was freezing cold in Columbus, Ohio. But inside the Basement club, things were about to get warmed up. A near sell out crowd braved the ice cold weather and blistering winds to witness a tour of up and coming acts that will soon grow out of the small venue they played that night.

SoTheySay was the first band up for the night. Playing a blistering form of emo-rock, they impressed me. Though my expectations were not high, they still left me feel ing interested. The vocals weren’t bad and drummer, Justin Hanson, played extremely hard and well. Aside from having a totally stellar rhythm section, the guys most catching characteristic was the use of three guitars and they were all used effectively, unlike some other acts in the emo-screamo genre. Overall, a great opening act.

Next up was the up and coming My American Heart. Unfortunately, I couldn’t really get into these guys. When I first listened to their first EP, I enjoyed the music, but not the singer’s voice. I figured I would get over it. But I didn’t. It was obvious that a great majority of the crowd really dug these guys but for some reason, they didn’t do it for me. The lead singer had good stage presence though and the music itself wasn’t bad. I really wanted to enjoy them more live and be into them but it just didn’t happen. Though, I can see these guys getting bigger and bigger in the next year.

Now, Paramore. Lead by 16 year old lead vocalist Hayley Williams, this Tennessee quintet came on stage and took the house over. Though I felt kind of weird for being the only guy that I saw singing words, I didn’t care. These kids (and I mean kids) were playing for a crowd that was at least their age, and in most cases older than them. They deserve all the respect they earn. Kicking off the set with the title track, “All we know,” it seemed as though everyone was there to see them. Hayley’s voice was nearly perfect as the band blew through other noted tracks like, “Emergency,” “Pressure” and “Whoa” these kids played and performed like seasoned veterans. They even threw in a yet-to-be-titled new song that sounded awesome. As they closed with “My Heart,” I felt privileged to witness what would surely be one of the last small tours this band would do. They are moving on to bigger and better things people. Grab on while you can!

I was worried and even considered leaving before Halifax’s set. I had heard that they only played four songs from their latest, yet still very old EP, “A Writer’s Reference.” That left about 5 or 6 “new” songs and I didn’t think I would be able to get into them. Well, I was wrong. The guys kicked off the night with a track that can be found and downloaded on their Purevolume site, “Anthem for Tonight,” and flew into the title track from the EP. Though Mike and a couple of the boys were obviously under the influence, it didn’t prevent them from putting on a great show. The new songs sounded crisp and, though they were a progression from “A Writers Reference,” still had that catchy Halifax sound. New songs played included “Nightmare” and “Our Revolution” plus a few more that I missed the titles of. The guys even threw in their cover of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up,” saying they only remembered half of it, but still played what they could remember. Despite the semi-slurred speech, no setlist and forgetting half of a song, the guys put on a surprisingly great show. The guys were intense about the same four or five songs that they have been playing for close to three years straight and fed off the crowd’s energy. Before closing with (what else) “Sydney,” Mike expressed gratitude to the fans who were there, saying that if they ever need to talk about anything, they are there for them. “That is what Halifax is here for.” Though it seemed like maybe an empty promise, it was still sincere and I had a greater respect for these guys when the show was done. If you get the chance, to catch this tour, do yourself a favor and lock it down.

review by Alex Drumm