Boston... a familiar setting but a different picture. A rain delay at Fenway Park meant cheaper parking, and a mad dash in the rain to reach the venue. The excitement and anticipation were not dampened.

Of the bands playing this night, I initially knew the least about Resident Hero. They opened their set as the self-proclaimed “only unsigned band on the tour”. Their performance was so impressive, that I can’t imagine they'll remain “unsigned” much longer. Ryan White is an accomplished singer and guitarist. Luke Agajanian, often the target of Ryan’s onstage humor, is no joke on bass, while Jay Warren provided the driving rhythms to the band’s sound.

During one of the last songs of their set Sameer from Flyleaf hopped onstage to play guitar. What a treat! Even without the “security blanket” of his guitar, Ryan handled the front man duties very well.

We got a chance to speak with the guys in between sets. Very cool. Kristen and Luke probably could have talked for hours sharing stories about life on the road. These guys kick ass, and I look forward to seeing them again.

I’ve been listening to the Sick Puppies’ CD Dressed Up As Life for a few weeks now, and find it to be a stellar body of work. That said, their live performance just blew me away. Emma Anzai is simply amazing on bass. Shimon Moore is a talented guitarist/vocalist. Mark Goodwin’s drumming held it all together and the crowd loved it. Even with Shimon’s knob tweaking during songs (and according to their blog, a near-sharting experience), they sounded great... I just wish the lighting tech used more of the front lights, so we could see the band better.

After their performance, a lengthy line of fans formed outside the main hall. All three band members were signing autographs and having their photos taken for at least 45 minutes.

Kill Hannah’s performance was the most theatrical of the night, with white florescent lights and green laser pointers attached to the guitars and bass. Kill Hannah is Mat Devine on vocals, Jonathan Radtke on guitar, Dan Wiese on guitar, Greg Corner on bass, and Elias Mallin on drums. The audience was feeding off the energy of their performance, and in turn gave that energy right back. At one point, Mat climbed across the pit and onto the barrier that separates the stage from the audience. The crowd reached out, hoping to get just a brief moment’s touch, while he poured his soul out in song. It was a great moment... just one of many witnessed during their very powerful performance.

Up to this point, my memories of Flyleaf have been via CD’s and photographs... but after tonight I left with something more. I know that nothing can compare to seeing them perform live. Enough can’t be said about the power, emotion, and intimacy that Lacey Mosley brings to a performance. Pat Seals was bounding and climbing all over the stage during the entire set. I felt exhausted for him. Sameer also exhibited a lot of energy... at one point both he and Pat climbed to the top of the 7’ high speakers cabinets on each side of the stage... and jumped off. Both Jared Hartmann and James Culpepper put on solid performances.

At the end of the set (pre-encore), the lights dimmed, and the stage was backlit with hundreds of small blue lights... appearing like glimmering stars behind the stage. Ryan White of Resident Hero joined Lacey and band onstage for So I Thought... The duet was a very moving and emotional experience.

Upon leaving the venue, and the city, something became clearer. Recordings... both visual and aural... can only capture a portion of an experience. To witness the live expression of the music makes the experience complete. Now I have more than a CD to listen to, or a photograph to look at... I have a memory... of a familiar setting but a different picture.

| 05.18.2007 | Review by J. Pierson |