Location: Richmond, VA
Time: 7:00pm (doors 6:30pm)
Tickets: 20.00 (+fees), 23.00 (+fees) day of the show
Openers: Special Guests and The Airborne Toxic Event
Headliner: Switchfoot
Props to the Battle of the Band winners Against Grace and Drew Martin & the Limelights who both put on engaging and energetic shows.
I'd have to say Against Grace is my favorite of the two and reminded me of cross between Something Corporate (remember them?) and Manchester Orchestra. Richmond natives Against Grace released an EP in 2008 and another in 2010. The band hopes to release a full length album early in 2012.
Drew Martin & the Limelights were a bit more pop oriented with catchy choruses and smooth vocals. Deep Blue Something (remember them? no? "Breakfast at Tiffany's"?) came to mind while listening. This band was a bit too soft for my taste but I can definitely see an appeal for radio play. Oh, Drew, please create a band web page. FaceBook, Twitter and the like are nice, but a band web page is much easier to peruse.
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Very excited to see this band live! I've listened to them on satellite for a while now and can place a new song quickly. Front man Mikel Jollett makes it easy with his unmistakeable voice. Gravelly and passionate, he connected with the crowd through his songs and his appreciation for the troops both home and abroad before jumping into "The Kids are Ready to Die". Viola player, Anna Bulbrook, blazed through every song with a fiery determination.
I started this show in last row of the balcony for reasons my feet know too well. The sound was fantastic and I dare say I have better pics from there as well. I ventured down to the floor two songs in and easily walked up to the side rail. Plenty of people on the floor but no one over there.. yay for me! I positioned myself just in time to catch "Changing" and snagged a few shots of the energy and fun they exuded. Jollett mentioned they'd been on tour for four years but you'd never know it watching this show except to appreciate the smooth flow and camaraderie.
Recent Release: All at Once (04/26/2011)
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Switchfoot
Set List
Back in the balcony for this one as I thought I didn't know much about them and this had been one hell of a day by the time Switchfoot took to the stage in a whirlwind of let's get this party started. Oh wait.. back it up a second. I was there with a friend whom often supports my concert habit and neither of us knew much about Switchfoot. A quick google and we were both confused to find Switchfoot was and possibly still is a Christian rock band. Who knew? You did, right? Of course you did. If you're here reading this, then you are likely a fan. Any fan would know this tidbit of information.
Jon Foreman and crew started quickly with "Mess of Me" and melted into "Stars". One thing was apparent. I did know this band and further more I liked them without knowing them. When Foreman acknowledge the opening bands and then broke into a cover of Jane's Addiction's "Been Caught Stealing" I like them a bit more (though my friend had a laugh and commented that stealing isn't very Christian of them.. all in good fun).
Halfway through the set, "Meant to Live" sealed the deal for me. This song has long been a favorite even though I didn't know the artist. My friend and I even googled the song to make sure it wasn't another cover. I confess I did not do my homework prior to this show but it made for a beautiful surprise.
Foreman spun around on the stage, moved from one side to the other, and walked through the crowd twice while singing. The energy from the performers fed off the energy of the crowd. They knew the words and sung them loud. Even the crowd on the balcony stood for most of the show. There were two very exuberant guys nearby and let me tell you ... they had a great time!
If you've never seen Switchfoot or if you know as little about them as I did, then set aside your preconceived notions about what a Christian rock band is or should be and add this one to your must see list.
Recent Release: Vice Verses (2011)
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