Stars and Scars Show Review
April 4, 2009
Review by Tyler Clark
Concerts or shows, call them what you will. They are where the most diverse group of people can find a common bond - A place to hang out among friends and enjoy the simplicity of life with none of its stresses. A show is the one place where you can walk in with the weight of the world on your shoulders and walk out with a smile on your face. I feel it's essential to seek out a show when the world's got you down. To experience firsthand a place where creativity is born and bred is such an inspiring experience, one that will stick with you and help carry you through dismal days.
(George Washington's Revenge played first, but unfortunately I arrived late to the show, so I missed their set. I sincerely apologize for that!)
David Triggiano is up second. The opening song has an intimate nature, consisting of only Dave and his guitar. As soon as the next song starts, a driving, dance-like beat kicks in, which continues for four more songs, setting Dave's confident vocals and sincere guitar work against irresistible beats. This creates an interesting dynamic where you're drawn in by the beat, but once you get there, you realize how much more is hidden under the surface. David Triggiano's set is unique and very impressive.
Fredrick Dedrick take the stage and prepare for their first show ever! From the start, every member of the band carries an air of confidence. They play slower songs that stretch on to create an atmosphere that encompasses everyone. It's evident that Fredrick Dedrick are unconventional when they choose to unplug their amps and play an acoustic version of "Dammit" by Blink-182. It's just as good, if not better than the original and contains plenty of audience participation. Throughout the set, each instrument and vocal can be singularly focused upon and enjoyed, yet when you step back, it's easy to hear how everything contributes to the bigger picture. Fredrick Dedrick's debut is superb, and it's clear by the audience's reaction that no one in the room is disappointed.
As soon as The Call Out start playing, the crowd goes into a frenzy! The spirit of youth is alive and well as it flows through fast energetic pop punk complete with memorable hooks. The Call Out explode into song with an energy that can barely be contained by this church. The band doesn't let up for one second; each song is faster and more aggressive than the last. By the end of the set, lead singer Jon's voice is shot, but that's not a problem because the audience is more than happy to provide each and every word to the closing track "Playing with Matches."
It's obvious who most of the audience are here to see as they surround the stage and anxiously wait for A Love Like Pi. The band has amassed quite a loyal following, with a few audience members having driven over an hour just to be here. From the very first line, A Love Like Pi have the audience hooked and singing along at the top of their lungs. It's clear that every member of the band is having fun and is just as happy to be here as the audience is. They constantly feed off of the crowd's energy, refusing to stand still for even a second. A Love Like Pi unite the room in song over and over, making sure that everyone dances their troubles away. At the end of the night, over 150 kids are sent home with sore throats and a show they won't soon forget.