Hal Jordan
Xtreme Wheels
Buffalo NY
2/17/12
This show opened up with Brian Naus, a local hard rock songwriter.
This was different compared to what is normal for a show like this in the area.
He played rhythm guitar and vocals with a live drummer on top of a backing track with some lead guitar, bass, and subtle effects. He played well, started off a tad rough but quickly worked out the kinks and started rockin out. Normally i like to see a full band behind the music i'm hearing. You'll come to find i actually hate samples or backing tracks at all. But Brian did it well! he had a good hard rock/punk pop kinda sound
https://www.facebook.com/BrianNausMUSIC
For what it was, 6/10
it was a good way to get things rolling
Next up was another great band from Buffalo called Anchor Me Down.
They are, at least what i can best describe them as, hardcore pop punk.
Melodic, has a fantastic groove, but it'll also crush you and get that adrenaline flowing. Their stage presence and overall tone matched that description to a T as well. I'm used to seeing great bands in Buffalo. Our music scene is one of the best i've seen, this was my first time seeing the band and i was impressed! Great songs, good energy, fun band to see in person and set the stage well for the rest of the night. only complaint i have is the guitars. and i tread lightly with this statement because it's not the band's fault. Could be the venue or just the way it was mixed but i could not hear the difference between the guitars even when they were clearly playing different parts. woulda been nice to hear some more of the intricacy's in the sound.
https://www.facebook.com/AnchorMeDown
8/10!
i'd like to see them again at a different venue
Next up on the show was Sunset Wakeup. I had mixed feelings about these guys. Now i'm going to be completely honest, i liked them! I liked them a lot, they played great, their lights were good, their stage presence was good, the sound was good. And that's where the problem lies. I feel like the band isn't quite sure who they are yet. They have this very stereotypical pop rock image similar to that of All Time Low. That whole, "i'm doing this to get girls" look and feel that you see so much of. But that's not who they are! I highly recommend seeing this band live in person because they really are pretty great. Amazing vocals, good energy, and tight musicianship.
https://www.facebook.com/sunsetwakeup
7/10
check em out!
SW was followed by a band from Rochester called Dividing The Skyline. This is a 3 piece hard rock/punk rock band. Now this is a hard set for me to review...my biggest issue with this band, which is unfortunately going to have to hinder their score, is a technical thing. They don't have a bass player. They had 2 good guitar players, one doing lead vocals, the other doing backup vocals, and a drummer. The fact that the bass was not there, not even in a backing track, was obvious. The sound guy did a good job of trying to compensate by adding more kick & toms into the mix and some more mid levels to the guitar but it was still very shrill sounding which made it hard to enjoy. Which is disappointing because the music itself was good. It's a bunch of kids! They look to be between the ages of 15-17 which is awesome. Their singer/guitar player had a great voice, the guitar work was good, the drumming was a tad bit off at times but that's just me being picky. I want to say this band is really good for what they are, but if i told you to go see them i'd also have to tell you to bring ear plugs if you don't want to be in pain which sucks to have to say
https://www.facebook.com/DividingTheSkylineOnline
5/10
needs BASS :) other than that, it was pretty tight
Following them was City Lights from Columbus Ohio. They were great! Reminded me of Close To Home. not sure what else to say. They didn't blow me away or do anything i've never seen before but that's ok. The mix was good, great sounding guitars and drums, good vocals, lots of intensity in the sound and the stage presence. I'd definitely see them again. They knew the music well, they seemed to really enjoy being there and playing for us and it was fun to listen to. Not too much else to say really, it was tight in all the areas it needed to be! it just didn't blow my mind is all
https://www.facebook.com/citylightsband
8/10
Last up for the night was Buffalo's own Hal Jordan! They were on par with Anchor Me Down and City Lights easily. They had this hardcore punk kinda sound with come metalcore elements. Sorta reminded me of early Set Your Goals with a hint of Stray From The Path. After seeing all the other bands, hours of other music they still managed to keep my interest. They were solid and produced some wicked energy considering much of the crowd left after City Lights. BTW i'll take the time to mention that i fucking hate that. I hate it when people leave shows early. They come and see the band they came to see and then leave ignoring anybody else they haven't heard of. Stuck up much? -punches dumb kids in face-
But yea, if you didn't stay for this band i have no problem calling you a closed minded fucktwat because they were awesome
https://www.facebook.com/haljordanband
8/10
LISTEN TO DEM
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