The show began with Kansas City’s female-led rock/indie outfit, Veda. The group definitely was the most low key of the four bands on the bill and the only one that performed sans-screaming. I can say (in the most non-sexist of ways) that I am most certainly not a fan of female front persons; however Veda is an act to watch out for. Their debut record “The Weight of an Empty Room” was released earlier this year via Second Nature Records.

The band that stole the show, The Bled performed second. Albeit to a crowd, whose majority may not have heard their music previous to the show, the group went off with every second and every lyric. I’m glad the guys found their way to the great label that is Vagrant Records, they absolutely deserve it.

Self-proclaimed Christian screamo outfit Underoath took the stage next. I never was a fan and often ridiculed the whole screamo/metal/hardcore birth, but Ill have to admit my peculiar interest in Underoath’s latest release “They’re Only Chasing Safety” on Solid State Records. This record replaces some of the rather repetitious screaming of their earlier work with more melodic vocals, which is most likely the explanation behind my liking. However when these melodic vocal harmonies were cued live, they were played via electronic sampling rather than live vocals, which is a big no-no.

Another thing that turned me off was the shout out to “Jesus Christ” before the last song was played. We all know you guys are into Christianity, and the fans in the crowd, listening to your music, and wearing your shirts do not need to be reminded that you think they are going to hell because they are Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Atheist, or whatever they may believe.

The headlining act, Orange County natives and scene veterans, Thrice took the stage last, giving peace to the hoards of fans packed into the venue. The band roared through a full set of pieces, highlighting tracks from their new release, “Vheissu”, and earlier releases. The set also included a crowd-induced happy birthday sing-a-long to Thrice bassist, Ed Breckenridge. One thing I also noted from Thrice was that they use more pedal-based guitar and bass effects than any band I have ever seen live (and that is saying a lot). Brett Detar, front man of The Juliana Theory comes in at a close second.

www6.islandrecords.com/thrice
www.underoath777.com
www.thebledsite.com
www.wearveda.com