Copeland
with Sherwood, Anchor & Braille, and Meese
When I arrived at the House of Blues Disney in Anaheim to see Copland and Sherwood play, I had no intention of writing a review on the night. The plan was to sit back, relax, and enjoy a night of great music. I was so moved by the show, however, that I realized it would be a disservice to all you who read this not to write a review. Taking that into account, I took no notes so if you notice a lack of details or errors in my memory, I apologize in advance.
The opening band was one called Meese and it was their last night on this tour before they would split off to open for Jack’s Mannequin and The Fray. As far as piano pop/rock goes, there’s nothing really to pinpoint that could make them stand out, but this band managed to grab me in the thirty minutes they were on stage. Maybe it was their energy or the sweet vocals of frontman Patrick Meese. Maybe it was the strong beat on songs like like “Tell Me It’s Over” or last week’s single of the week on iTunes “Next In Line” (the words of which I realized I knew). Maybe it’s simple honesty on songs like “Taking the World On.” Whatever it is that makes this band great, it’s reason enough for you to give them a listen. Or maybe even catch them on their tour with The Fray or this Thursday, July 16th at the Viper Room in LA.
Now Anchor & Braille was unfortunately another story. I had heard good things about them and it seemed as though they had a fair number of fans in the audience. I, on the contrary, could not get into them. The vocal style seemed uncontrolled and their songs seemed to have an undeniable similarity. Maybe this is a band that needs to grow on me, but they weren’t love at first listen.
Sherwood. Oh my, Sherwood. I’ve seen this band a number of times, and each time I see them live, I’m reminded why I enjoy them so much. This time, I was especially impressed. Contrary to the mellow crowd, Sherwood was full of energy and rocked out to their pop rock sing-along anthems. Nate blew me away with his lung capacity as he just sang his face off. They added new breakdowns to the songs making them a great live band. They gave us a bit of a sneak listen to some songs off their new record coming out in fall and I have to say I definitely liked what I heard. My favorite part of their show? The sing-along breakdown at the end of “I’ll Wait For You.” They have an EP circulating but you’ll just have to wait until Fall or check out a show if you want to hear something new and spectacular… the old stuff should already be in your collection, right?
Copeland is the kind of band that just knows what they’re doing. Great lyrics, versatile, amazing performers… it doesn’t really seem like there’s anything this band can’t
do. Copeland has been in my collection for a long time, but recently became a favorite of mine upon the release of their album You Are My Sunshine last October. They opened their set with a few from the new album that tugged at everyone’s heartstrings. Even the fastest of songs on this album have a twinge of sadness. The soaring falsetto of Aaron Marsh is simple and sweet. As the show progressed, they played older songs, first from Eat Sleep Repeat like “Control Freak” and “Careful Now” and then Aaron slung on his guitar for the more upbeat pop rock of In Motion like “Pin Your Wings Back” and “No One Really Wins” and interspersing some from their oldest album Beneath the Medicine Tree. They played “Brightest” especially for the California crowd and closed the night with a small acoustic set. Overall, Copeland has a little something for everyone. If you like music, you’ll love Copeland.
The night was a huge success, and as I mentioned, required a review just to share its loveliness. Be sure to check out these bands on tour, CD, MP3, Youtube, Myspace, or however else you enjoy music.
Relient K, Owl City & Runner Runner
The middle band of the night, Owl City, impressed me far beyond my expectations. The Relient K crew we chatted with in the book store described them as “like the Postal Service, but better.” I don’t know if I’d go that far, but they were almost that good, and that says a lot. The set opened with music playing to a dark, cartoon cityscape that exactly predicted the mood of the music. Their music was catchy electro pop with synth break downs and sweet falsetto/tenor vocals. The songs were intermingled with pre-recorded auto-tune and carnival-like synth. The stage was crowded with a lot of equipment for only three musicians (Adam Young backed by Matt and Austin)—among the wires were two Macbooks, two synthesizers, a drum machine, a guitar, and a drum set. They played a new song “Stronger” along with “Dear Vienna,” crowd sing-along “Rainbow Veins,” and closed with them playing their intro cityscape song “Hello Seattle.” Definitely loved by the crowd, Owl City was an all-around success.
Relient K’s energy was turned all the way up from the moment they hit the stage and never let up. This band is old school power pop full of
So I’ve been selfish. I’ve been keeping this secret all to myself and I’ve decided that it’s only fair that I share it.
this album is afull-on jam fest from start to finish. Even with the occasional slow song, FACT never turns down the intensity. If you were wondering, from what I can tell, most of the songs are sung in English, but it’s their musical genius that really pulls you into each track.
This interview is with Devin Shelton, the bass player and vocalist for Emery.
New Found Glory, still going strong after nine years, commanded the stage and riled up the crowd as they took us from 2009 to 2000 and back. Didn’t know time travel was possible? Try watching New Found Glory play “Dressed to Kill” and “Hit or Miss” as the entire venue sings along. They played some of the most memorable high school anthems like Sticks and Stones’ “My Friends Over You” and Catalyst’s “All Downhill from Here.” Then the more sentimental songs from Coming Home like “Oxygen” and an acoustic performance of “Too Good to Be.” To bring us up to date, they jammed out some of their newest soon-to-be anthems from their March release Not Without a Fight like “Right Where We Left Off” and “Truckstop Blues.” A guy in the front row was singing along with his middle finger in the air and vocalist Jordan pointed out, “how 2009 of him” but really this is the sentiment that Not Without a Fight provokes—attitude and passion. Before the night closed, the band made sure to let the crowd know that all the bands on the tour are sincere. They’re “not doing it to sell a tshirt.” And I think this is what made the show so great. Honest rock and roll is the best and only kind there is.
