Silverstein, From Autumn to Ashes, Strike Anywhere & A Day to Remember

Oct. 9th, 2007--Last Tuesday evening played host to a night full of rock when the Senator Theatre hosted PETA’s “I Am Not A Nugget Tour.” The four bands were replete with tough exteriors yet possessed enough of a melodic aspect in their music to even things out. Upon entering the theater, I immediately noticed that this was an all-ages show, as evidenced by the mass amounts of teen hipsters in the lobby checking out the newest and coolest rock ‘n’ roll merchandise. I also noticed the presence of multiple adults who had chaperoned their kids to the event. First of all, nice work, kids, for somehow persuading your parents to let you attend a show that is sure to bring the heavy. Second of all, nice work, parents, for not only supporting your child’s love for music, but also supporting the local music scene yourself. I applaud you.

    Opening up the show was A Day to Remember, who really got the ball rolling with a highly energetic set. This five-piece loved the classic heavy metal breakdown, which they relied on quite often, along with a strong presence of the double bass drum — a common staple of all the bands throughout the entire show. They seemed to enjoy themselves onstage and tried to portray that enthusiasm to the audience.



    Next to hit the stage was Strike Anywhere. The first thing I noticed about this band was the unorthodox lead singer, Thomas Barnett, who brandishes long dreads on a skinny body. He looked as if he would be more at home at a hippie festival than onstage with a post-hardcore band. Nonetheless, he rocked. I especially respected the fact that he actually sang, rather than relying solely on his scream to carry the vocals. This brought a very chorus-driven style to their sound. I was also appreciative that the drummer didn’t completely depend on the double bass to carry the drums. Many bands in the hardcore punk scene tend to overuse the double bass, or at least use it as a crutch to drive their music. It was a nice change to have a band that didn’t.

    By the sound of the audience, you would have thought that From Autumn to Ashes was headlining the show, as the crowd roared upon their entrance to the stage. One girl even threw her bra onto the drum set. Although I did just mention that I hate when the double bass is overused, this band showed us all how it should be used: creatively and constructively. Along with unique time changes and a confident onstage presence, it was no wonder why the crowd had been so enthusiastic about them. From Autumn to Ashes rocked.

    Last but not least was Silverstein, who showed the best stage presence of all the bands throughout the night. This was also the first band of the night that was guitar-driven rock, as opposed to the openers who relied on the drums or singer to take the reigns. Silverstein is a really gifted band on all fronts, and boasts quality playing from all its members. I’ve been to a fair amount of shows at the Senator, but none have had the crowd interaction and intensity that this one did.

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