So thanks to a sweet hook-up we got invited to a pre-show pizza and soda party with Billy Talent. Sadly we(me and my 2 friends who went) were 3 of the 4 oldest people there, the other being some early teens father. But due the our old man status we all needed a pick me up and I took the gang to a market i knew of around the corner that sold what has become lovingly known as 'Crack-Bull' - The original Red Bull before it became marketed to the masses. It has a very similar taste, just stronger, thicker, and non-carbonated(That's what she said). But yes we drink our syrup elixirs and head in to this pre-show, pre-teen, pre-jail party. After waiting for maybe 20 minutes the band comes out very non-chalant and just takes a few pictures with their young groupies and sign posters, while me and my friends sit in the corner chilling out. Then the lead singer tired of standing in the same spot walks right over to us and chats it up with me, I'm sure the others in the group would have talked if not for their lack of energy. Gotta say he seemed like a real cool/chill guy, seemed to really like what he does. So after chatting it up with him we decided the Pizza that we were told was to be part of this deal wasn't showing up and we needed to get some food, so we left to go to wawa/dunkin to get even more energy.
So after a quick tour of the convention center, we returned to the Troc to get in some good ole music. As follows is a short review of each band:
Band Numero Uno: I gotta say I didn't even catch the name of this band, probably since they weren't billed to be playing and seemed to be a local band that just got a hook-up to play before the touring bands. This was evident by one of the band member's mothers cheering for them and yelling at fans who voiced their distaste for the band. Their sound reminded me of trying to be dashboard, but still trying to pretend they were a punk band. Also their stage presence was lacking big time, and their outfits were soooo obviously over planned.
Grade: D+
The second band was a band called DriveBy, but don't be fooled with their Bloods vs. Crips style name, they were a modern day punk band. This band was definitely more punk than the first and was the first band to get the crowd moving and into the music. They managed to keep my attention throughout their set, though once again the band seemed to lack some stage presence. Their outfits were simple in that everyone wore black, kinda a main stay for punk, but simple and not overly thought about. The band was good enough for me to listen to again, but doubt I'd buy concert tickets to see them.Grade: B
Band 3, enter the Cancer Bats. I gotta say I have no idea what they were doing at this show. Their music was a metal kinda grind music. Though their guitarist, a 5 foot viking who obviously got beat up alot in high school, truly wailed on the guitar for their 30 mins. The singer, if you can call it that, screamed lyrics, once again if you can call them that, the whole set to the point that I felt the need to use the bathroom twice. Perhaps it's just my distaste for this kind of music or just the pure ugliness of the band, but my interest level crashed and burned on this band.
Grade: D
Enter the main attraction of the evening, Billy Talent. I had heard good things prior to this show that they put on a good performance. So for this band we decided it was time to leave the safety of the upstairs bar area and head downstairs amongst the sweat dripping pre-teen coeds. From beginning to end this band did not stop rocking. The sound was fantastic, and the lead singer and guitarist were amazing at keeping the crowd into it and performing on all cylinders for Philadelphia. As a Canadian band they of course spoke of the differences between USA and Canada, but spoke of their love and told us to consider them USA's little brother. The added hate for 1 President Bush was of course spoken of.Grade: A
So with the night ending and my ears ringing I left feeling that my $12 spent were well spent thanks to Billy Talent's performance.
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