Seniority typically holds true for headliners of major tours but in the case of The Almost headlining their very first tour at the Metro Tuesday night, The Almost was put in the forefront while Seattle natives, Emery, were the highlight of the evening. Kicking off the Christian tour put on by Tooth N’ Nail Records and surprising bar access, the bands of Army of Me, Envy on the Coast, Emery and The Almost started off with high-voltage energy only to turn into a more sober night with a gospel appeal.
|
| |
The Almost and Emery
|
 Entertainment
Art
The Metro
Chicago, Ill.
June 3, 2008
|
| |
|
|
Emery, which has made their mark in the Alternative-Christian universe, began their set with a bow to the crowd while the quintet held hands. The band who is known for flying under the radar and more by word of mouth, did not have a banner hung high to make their name recognizable, since they’re intentions are more subtle than many other alternative bands. College band turned big name by the second album, The Question, released in 2005, kicked off their set with some of their new tracks from their most recent album, I’m Only A Man, released late last year. The less than packed Metro crowd seemed enthusiastic for Emery as keyboardist/screamer/drummer Josh Head played more than a cheerleader for the band, as he jumped from the stage into the crowd multiple times. But the crowd went crazy, when Emery played “Rock N’ Rule” from their new album, as the lyrics talk about the great city of Chicago.
The band lingered into their old songs through the course of the night playing “In A Win-Win Situation” from The Question. Known for their dual vocalist, this song allowed the melodious Toby Morrell to stretch and belt out the chorus, while bassist Devin Shelton sang along and kept completely in tune. Emery finished up with the heart-pounding “Studying Politics;” an ever-popular old song, only to be chanted on by the crowd to play an encore song. Due to time constraints from the headliners, the crowd was mildly disappointed when they did not return.
Anticipation for The Almost grew among the crowd as they were setting up; after all, the Almost is Aaron Gillespie’s side project. He had already made his mark as lead vocalist/drummer in Underoath and with their success, the thought of Gillespie’s chance to hit gold twice has been in question. The Almost ran out on stage and immediately started up “Say This Sooner,” the debut song from their first album, Southern Weather, released April 2007. This song is exceptionally catchy and has kick-you-in-the-face approach, reminiscent of Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff.” The light of the sign ‘The Almost’ were bright as day as their drummer’s powerful drumming definitely gave Gilliespie and his bright orange shoes a run for his money.
After that initial song, the tonality turned from fast paced to humble as they covered Coldplay’s “Yellow” and sang “Amazing Because It Is,” a ballad similar to the original “Amazing Grace.” Toward the end of that song, the band stopped vocals and instrumentation all-together to allow the crowd to sing the last minute of lyrics; it made a strong and inspirational atmosphere for the teenage crowd. The band finished up their short set with a few godly words and the song “Drive There Now.” They were called for an encore song, but too, disappointed the crowd.
Understandable why The Almost did not return with an encore for the fact they only have one album, which only proves why seniority should hold true. Three albums versus one equals more material and encore set, which is always necessary in the world of rock music.
Powered by AkoComment 2.0!
