Show Review

Anthony Green has immortalized himself in the underground music scene. Just as Saosin was about to hit it big, Green left the band and his chance at almost assured emo-screamo royalty. Deciding instead to start the experimental prog-rock band, Circa Survive, Green has further gained notoriety for his unorthodox live shows. Having seen him before, I had a pretty good idea of what I was going to get into when I saw Circa at the Basement in Columbus. But he blew me away once again.

But first I had to suffer through two opening bands, the first of which was called Drive By. To be honest, I REALLY wanted to like these guys. They had a pretty solid sound but there was something about them that put me off. The main vocalist was extremely awkward on stage, saying very little to the audience and resorted to swearing just to get a response. When someone in the back yelled out, “Are you on cocaine?” he just turned around and told the drummer to start the next song. (He looked like he was on SOMETHING by the way.) Their music was just as boring their stage presence. All in all, I have a feeling it might have just been an off night. The drummer was pretty good and the singer’s voice wasn’t bad at all. But I found myself messing with my phone by the end of the set.

Next up was Days Away, a band I had seen twice before and, frankly was unimpressed by before. Tonight was no different. Atmospheric guitars, low crooning vocals and soothing keys sound like a good combo but it just didn’t work. The singer couldn’t find his way to the mic enough for those who might not have been familiar with their music, but it was pretty much all for not, because you couldn’t understand what he was saying anyway. I won’t blame them for everything. The mics were pretty hot so that didn’t help the situation. Plus by the end of the set, the vocalist’s voice was really giving out. I guess it might have been the fact they played what seemed like twelve songs. Far too long when the headliner is only playing eight or nine. Instrumentally, the best way I could describe them would be that they sounded like Circa Survive, but did everything half as well.

Finally, Anthony Green and the guys took the stage and went on to simply wow me. As I mentioned, I had seen Circa Survive about a year ago and, though I didn’t really know who they were, I was thoroughly impressed with the band. Even while listening to the CD, I failed to recapture the same initial love I had for the band the first time I saw them. But seeing them live rekindled my infatuation. Playing mostly songs from their debut full length, “Juturna,” Green commanded the stage, flailing about and singing with what seemed like his whole body. The instruments complimented the vocals perfectly and it is clear that guitarists Colin Frangicetto and Brendan Ekstrom are masters of their instruments. Backed up by a sold rhythm section, this was one the most mind blowing shows I have seen in a long time. Tracks like “Hold Someone’s Hair Back,” “The Great Golden Baby” and “The Glorious Nosebleed” energized the crowd and threw everyone into a frenzy. One of the more interesting parts of the night was Anthony’s banter between songs. I had heard things about drug use and things of that nature before I had seen him a while back, he was distant and he wouldn’t talk between songs. But now, he was clean and he was extremely talkative and very thankful towards everyone who was there that night. Maybe he wasn’t on drugs before and just grew to become a great front man. Ending with “Meet me in Montauk,” Green crooned and writhed with the guitar, ended the song, and once again thanked everyone for being there. It was our pleasure.

review by Alex Drumm