Underoath
March 11th, 2007 at the Orange Pavilion
San Bernardino, CA
Last summer I returned home from an international trip with the expectation of attending the Warped Tour the next day and finally seeing one of my favorite bands play songs from their new album. With my best friends thinking I was joking, I solemnly read the announcement that Underoath had dropped off of the Warped Tour, and that no one was really sure of the status of the band. Devastated, I waited patiently, hoping that the band was not set for the untimely demise so many others were encountering.
As we all know, Underoath attacked their problems head on, and resolved the differences that threatened to break them apart. Now back in full force, and opening for mega-band Taking Back Sunday, it was obvious that a good portion of the thousands of fans present were there to watch them tear up the Orange Pavilion.
Borrowing sound bites from the only film appropriately proportionate to the band, 300, in darkness the six members took the stage. Expelling half a bottle of water on to the crowd, Spencer greeted the audience and thus began one of the most systematic and intense performances I’ve ever seen.
Opening with the definitive ‘In Regards To Myself,’ not one person was focused anywhere but the stage where the song was played with utmost precision. Aaron’s vocals were nothing short of excellent, and I was quickly reminded why I feel he is one of the most versatile musicians today. Tim’s guitar playing got so out of control he broke the volume knob off his guitar, and Chris looked as though he had more energy than he could exude. James and Grant exploited the right side of the stage as if they were the only ones performing and I caught myself focusing on just them for a good portion of the first few minutes.
In eight songs, the band showed more maturity, talent and passion than many artists do in a whole tour. Contrary to what might be socially acceptable, the band dedicated their set to Jesus Christ, customary for the professed Christian band. Writing On The Walls, It’s Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door, and Down, Set, Go is a small sample of what was chosen from the incredible repertoire the band has. I could watch them perform every song they have and they’d still keep my attention.
My one complaint would be the incredibly obnoxious lighting that would blind the whole crowd randomly. Besides that, I’m already counting down to the fall’s headlining tour, and you know what I mean when I say, ‘DO NOT MISS UNDEROATH’ if you have a chance to see them.
Photos by Michael Schneider
im sad that i missed them.. tix were sold out!!
I was supposed to be there but the dang tickets sold out! DANG IT!
Ur pretty much rite about almost every point….UO was amazing….but i kinda liked the lights….it added some excitment…!=)