Live: 10 years

10 years
[2009.12.30] Scout Bar in Houston, TX
featuring: 10 years, TheLastPlaceYouLook, Since October, & Down From Up

TheLastPlaceYouLook

Nava: Vocals
Richard: Guitar
Derek: Guitar
Kevin: Bass & Vocals
Andy: Drums

A local Houston band that apparently won some radio award last year. Despite them being local, it didn't seem like a lot of people knew of them, but that didn't stop them from enjoying the music. Their appearance was pretty simple and black. They had high energy and it took me some time to get used to Nava's voice. It kinda reminded me of Aaron Lewis of Staind and I'll note that I'm not a fan of Staind whatsoever. Not being familiar with their music, I know for a fact they played "Don't Make It So Easy" which has a music video to it. It had the most energy to close out their set. What got my attention was the passion Nava gave when delivering his lyrics to the audience and then there was Kevin who did some back-up vocals on some of the songs. He distracted me during the whole set being so close to the stage. He had a lot of energy and passion as well and enjoyed giving the audience attention. I ended up buying their new album, SEE THE LIGHT INSIDE YOU, after the show for my friend and myself. I wouldn't mind seeing them again for sure. I like hearing their songs live moreso than a recording. They definitely have promise and I recommend you guys check them out.

Here's their first music video:



Down From Up

Matt Brewster: vocals
Andy Wood: guitar
Matt Reynolds: bass
Andy Campbell: drums

A Florida rock band with an individual appearance. Matt B. appeared to be an intimidating pug ready to kick your ass if you look at him the wrong, but once he started performing his appearance lightened up some. He seemed like a friendly guy with a surprising non-screamo sound. Andy C., I believe, was wailing away at the drums with hair flying into his face with every swing he took on his instrument. Main focus was on Andy W. shredding the guitar as much as he could. he made me want to listen to Avenged Sevenfold he was so mind blowing. He was probably the biggest attention whore of the whole show, making seductive eye contact with each and every audience member. Their music wasn't as heavy as I thought it would be. At times, I felt that the extra guitar that Matt B. was a bit unnecessary since Andy W. completely outshines him. I wasn't too crazy about their overall sound. Maybe as an instrumental piece but not worthy of spending tons of money on. Although, I will give them major props on doing a couple Led Zepplin covers. It was the most enjoyable songs of their set and a great way to close it. The audience thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the Zepplin fans like my friend.


Since October

Ben Graham: lead vocals
Luke Graham: guitar & backing vocals
Josh Johnson: bass & backing vocals
Audie Grantham: drums & screaming vocals

Don't bite my head off, but basing off appearance they looked like a bunch of men going through a mid-life crisis, threw on some eyeliner, and created a metal band. But the guys were not metal at all, at least not to my ears. I guess they fall on the lines of 10 years's genre.
The band had a mature energy on stage, but their image kinda became an obstacle like their hair constantly hitting their faces, except for the drummer because he's bald. Their music was pretty decent. Probably the second best opening bands of the evening. Ben definitely immersed himself with his lyrics and Luke and Josh kept to themselves. They had the least interaction with the audience, but Ben was the only brave soul to jump into the crowd. Best part of their set was a musical teaser of "Killing in the Name Of" by Rage Against the Machine. I wish they went all out with it like Down From Up's Zepplin covers, but maybe another time if they tag along with a band I like.


10 years

Jesse Hasek: vocals
Ryan "Tater" Johnson: guitar
Lewis "Big Lew" Cosby: bass
Brandon: drums

The main event everyone was looking forward to. Suspense built up while equipment was being moved and set up for at least 20-25 minutes, but it was worth every minute of waiting. They opened with a powerful song from their latest album, Division, called "Actions & Motives". Perfect song to get the crowd hype and the band was very energetic throughout their whole set. The guitarist and bassist interacted with each other and the crowd a lot as well as Jesse. He kinda picked on the audience for waiting around toward the end, laughed it off, and played a few more songs. They played a lot of good tracks and made it diverse from old and new and upbeat to mellow. They did a powerful performance of "So Long, Goodbye" with Jesse and Ryan on acoustic guitar. They ended the night with a new song, "Shoot It Out" I believe, and Jesse told us the words he wanted us to say. We even did a couple practice runs before they started the song. Here's the possible setlist in no particular order:
Waking Up
The Recipe
Russian Roulette
So Long, Goodbye
Wasteland
Alabama
Cast It Out
Half Life
Through the Iris
Empires(?)
Prey
Paralyzing Kings
Actions & Motives
Just Can't Win
Beautiful
11:00 am (Daydreamer)
Drug of Choice
All Your Lies
Shoot It Out

After the live was over, I felt enlightened and in love with them all over again. It was definitely one of the best lives of the year and my good close friend can attest to that. Perfect way to end 2009!