Coheed and Cambria Live at UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney, NSW

Last night, at a small venue located at my University's bar, Coheed and Cambria played to a almost capacity crowd of eager Claudio Sanchez-ites (myself included). With the dedicated fans amassing a line that snaked from the main entrance to the Roundhouse bar towards deep into the heart of the University, excitement (and plenty of dreadlocked heads) were in the crisp, cold air. It was my first time experiencing Coheed live, as I've never seen them or any of their live material before (like Live at the Starland Ballroom DVD), but was expecting an amazingly tight show. My lofty expectations were far from let down, as this concert cemented Coheed and Cambria as one of my favorite bands of all time, and as one of the most dynamic and entertaining live acts I have witnessed.



After securing my ticket, and upon the advice of one of my friends, I listened to their debut record religiously for a week - it was an amazing feeling discovering this gem of a first record; the raw production, Claudio's still maturing vocals (which seemed to be more daring), and energetic sing along chorus peppered with intricate guitar riffs made me obsess over The Second Stage turbine Blade. Needless to say, I understand why everyone is eager to agree that this record holds some of their best work to date. With the preparation complete (in familiarising myself with all of their catalogue), I was more than anxious the whole day, dreaming up how Coheed would reproduce some of my favorite track in a live setting, and made lists in my head of what songs I was hoping to hear later that night.

The doors opened at 8pm and when me and a couple of friends finally made it though the door, we made a bee line to the bar. The merch stands' lack of selection (no mediums in some t-shirts at the start of the concert..?) was a bit disappointing but as soon as the openers cleared stage, all that left my mind.

Through a wall of smoke emerged the band, with Claudio being the easiest to spot with his mammoth hair do cutting through the obscuring smog. And with little hesitation they roared through the opening song 'No World for Tomorrow' - grabbing everyone's attention until the end of their set. Claudio's vocals were spot on the entire night, and you could feel the passion and energy he was pouring into each and every vocal lick he yelped out in his altitude climbing alto voice. His and lead guitarist Travis Sterner's guitar work was superb the whole night, as evidence of their improv jam of their finale 'The Final Cut'. They both used memorable tecchniques like a talk box (Travis) and screaming into their guitars' humbuckers to create a supersonic burst of noise (Claudio).

The set list was a tasteful mix of music from all of my favorite records of theirs (In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth 3 is probably my least favorite of their albums, and (I don't know if I should say fortunately?)had the least number of songs featured in the concert).

The set list was very similar to this (tried to get it in order but I can't remember it exactly)

• No World for Tomorrow


• Gravemakers & Gunslingers


• A Favor House Atlantic


• The Hound (of Blood and Rank)


• Feathers


• The Running Free


• Everything Evil


• The Trooper (Iron Maiden cover!!!)


• The Devil In Jersey City


• The Suffering


• Delirium Trigger

*Encore

• Welcome Home


• In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth


• The Final Cut (extended jam)

Highlights for me were The Suffering, which was so fun to sing along to, as was The Running Free. The rapid transitions of Everything Evil into the Trooper followed by the Devil In Jersey City might have been my favorite part of the concert. It went old school, to way old school back to more of their old material and it was such an awesome surprise. The Final Cut jam was incredible as well, with the two guitarists really displaying their chops, along with a cool and collected Chris Pennie who showed off his prowess at polyrhythmic beats and lightning fast rolls all over his set.

Last night, March 31st 2008 was definitely one of the best musical experiences I've ever had, and a night I won't soon forget. They are definitely masters of their craft and play so well and impassioned that they truly are an inspiration to me and (should be to) modern music.

Recent Digs

Like I said, it's been quite some time since I posted, so I'm going to remedy that with some double post action! Here's just a rundown of some new bands/albums I've been listening to a lot lately.

1. Thrice - Vheissu

It's pretty obvious Thrice have fast become 

one of my favorite bands, which is a worthy accomplishment for any artist, as I change my mind more than you're girlfriend changes clothes when getting ready for a date.  I may have liked Thrice upon first listen, but something about Dustin's voice grated on my nerves. Now, looking back, the affection has grown ten fold and I can't believe how long it took me to really get into the post-hardcore 4 piece from California. I love (...!) Dustin's voice and his always interesting vocal melodies, Teppei's tasteful and measured guitar playing (and keyboard as well, in this case), Riley's groovy flashes of brilliance and Eddie's driving rhythms. To me, Vheissu is Thrice's 'Morning View' - when compared to the other records in their catalogue, this record stands out with its underlying idea of the ocean as a prevalent theme, with more laid back and soothing instrumentation, and in general songs that imprint a soothing air on the listeners mind. One thing that I really enjoy about Thrice are Dustin's positive messages he hurls at the listeners ears; it's always refreshing to know that there is hope, no matter how bleak the situation may seem.

2.Thrice - The Artist in the Ambulance

I know I seem obsessive (I'll give you one guess to figure out what band is at #3) but this album is really good! With stand out tracks like Stare at the Sun and All That's Left, this high octane release from the quartet gets my blood going. At the moment 'Hoods on Peregrine'  is a track that I'm really digging at the moment (Teppei's riffing is tasty). A lot of people rank this as their favorite album, and while not personally my top Thrice album, I can easily see why. Appealing to fans of hardcore, melodic punk, rock and metal, The Artist in the Ambulance won me over with its aggressive riffing, soaring melodies and insanely catchy songs.

3. Thrice - The Illusion of Safety

I know, I know, enough drooling over Thrice. But I only recently started on my Thrice binge, and only really recently got into them. I also only recently got the album the boys released in 2002, The Illusion of Safety. Aggressive, in your face, and raw, this showcase of hardcore tinged with punk release has Teppei showcasing his chops on guitar. Songs are short and sweet, and listening to it doesn't make me look back and think, 'Wow, these guys have improved so much' (which arguably, they have) What I think I'm trying to say is that The Illusion of Safety isn't a record on which Thrice should look back on and be embarrassed. On the contrary, it should be seen as an important part of their past - a contextual gauge on how masterfully they have evolved and changed their sound over their duration as THE perennial genre-traipsing Californian band. 

* on a side note, it would be almost impossible for me to rank the Thrice albums, from what i think to be their best, to their worst. actually, that's a lie. as of now, Vheissu edges out The Alchemy Index, then it would be The Artist in the Ambulance and finally The Illusion of Safety. That was a lot easier then i thought it would be, but i doubt these rankings will stand (also, these are the only Thrice records i have) *

4. Have a Nice Life - Deathconsciousness

This album is a bit of a wild card for me; quoted on the band's website as the most depressing album of the year (or something along those lines :p), this record sounds like something I would not enjoy, as my personality is so contrasting to the records 'claim to fame'. I picked it up anyway, (and almost with some reluctance), put the album on while I turned off the lights and waited for sleep to take over. And I waited. And I listened. And I waited, and I listened, and I listened, and I listened...I listened to the album all the way through, a rare feat for someone who can fall asleep before the lights go out. After the ambient, spacey intro, the second track, with its grand, enormous sound (you'll understand), with the bass chugging away and the distorted guitar lacing its way through the bass's unshakeable groove; I was captivated. I kept thinking at the time, its so simple, but so beautiful! Looking back, I don't think thats correct as Have a Nice Life's music isn't complicated. It's powerful and... efficient? It has to be experienced to really appreciate it - no explanation would do it justice. The sound surrounds you when listening with (good) headphones and for me, made me experience what I like to call a musical epiphany - when the music feels so good it stirs a sense of euphoria, like it all makes sense, and leaves you in almost a heightened state of musical awareness. I know that sounds pretentious and down right stupid to some, but for those who have had music evoke such raw emotions in them will surely know what I'm talking about. I can't recommend this release enough. Give it a shot.

5. The National - Boxer

It seems that my musical tastes have shifted. Head-banging to down-tuned riffs that chug away and that Gothenburg brand of Scandinavian metal (they do it so well, those Scandinavians!) that I loved so much just sometimes can't keep my interest. Before getting The National's latest release, I had heard many good things, particularly from an awesome website called sputnik music (a site which I often frequent, and where I learn about great new music). At this website, there are a quite a bit of music enthusiasts that seem to really know their stuff, and normally when they rave over an album, it seems to be to overwhelming, and wouldn't be something I would normally like (ex. Have a Nice Life). I'd like to listen to all the releases they rave about, but sometimes I would get scared that if i don't like what they think is awesome,and that maybe I didn't have 'good taste' (which is a ridiculous notion, as all musical taste is subjective) Needless to say, now I always take other's peoples opinions on board regarding music, with an open mind, which has helped me broaden my taste. I always remember that I will like what I like, and I don't need to impress anyone by forcing myself to like this record or that artist. This album has secured it's way in my collection of favorites because it made me realize all of the above, as well as making me realize that I had been sorely missing out on great music before I encountered the Brooklyn based group from Cincinnati (not sure about that)!. Heart felt and well written lyrics adorn every The National song, and the instrumentation is awesome by an indie band's standards. The vocals are deep and almost gravelly, but compel you to keep listening, so as to unravel the character behind the crooning voice. Laid back and slick guitar work (like the riffs found on Green Gloves), and a slight hint of rock impressed me beyond my expectations. When I listen to this album it makes me repeat in my head, like a mantra "This is soooo good" (it's retarded, but I actually do think that).

I think I'll leave it at that. I'll try and keep the updates more regular from now on, but that's probably not likely. 

Much love

Thrice - Atlantic (Live AOL sessions)

It's been crazy long since I last wrote on here! Chalk it up to laziness. During that hiatus I've gotten really into Thrice (more so than before) and have really grown to like Vheissu, especially the song Atlantic. Dustin's vocal lines are so awesome and soothing and I love the watery texture of the keyboard part Teppei plays. This video might be old news to some of you, but I just really wanted to share it with you guys. Enjoy!

(Yea, I couldn't figure out how to embed the vid from youtube onto this post, but that link should work! Sorry!)