Billy Talent concert review
January 20, 2007
What: Billy Talent w/guests
When: January 19, 2007
Where: Pacific Coliseum
Status: Sold out
Rating: 5/5
What separates Billy Talent from most bands on modern rock radio today is that they can deliver both in the studio and live. Yes Billy Talent are punk, however, unlike the candy coated punk pop/emo bands, they're not shedding a tear and making one lock themselves in a dark closet. The lyrics are emotionally driven, often very political, however, there's a raw punk rock energy behind the songs.
Even though this is one of the first few concerts of 2007, I can confidently say that this will be one of the best this year. Ben K. has an undeniable stage presence missing in most rock front men.
Before damaging my knees to the constant pogo jumping of Billy Talent I got warmed up with Rise Against, a Warp Tour veteran and favorable band within the modern punk rock circuit. This was my first time hearing Rise Against. I've heard so much about them prior and like any band that has a buzz surrounding them, I was curious to see what the fuss was about. I finally understood two songs into the set what the big deal was. Rise Against are one of my favorite opening acts in a very long time.
What made the show was the energy that fed off the audience, most consisting of teenagers who reminded me of myself at their age. Instead of Billy Talent, the band was Green Day, however, the sentiment was still the same.
Stage setting was simple but then again a band like Billy Talent doesn't need pyrotechnics when their music speaks for themselves. Pyrotechnics would've been a waste considering that most of us were too busy moshing and pogo-ing releasing our angst. Teenagers releasing their frustrations as they screamed the lyrics to Worker Bees and corporate people like myself just frustrated with life and politics in general.
There aren't a lot of bands, especially recent bands in the past ten years that have really grabbed my attention (with the exception of Velvet Revolver). It’s a good thing that Billy Talent didn’t fall into the “softmore slump” with their follow up release and have proven that they have a lot to offer.
What: Billy Talent w/guests
When: January 19, 2007
Where: Pacific Coliseum
Status: Sold out
Rating: 5/5
What separates Billy Talent from most bands on modern rock radio today is that they can deliver both in the studio and live. Yes Billy Talent are punk, however, unlike the candy coated punk pop/emo bands, they're not shedding a tear and making one lock themselves in a dark closet. The lyrics are emotionally driven, often very political, however, there's a raw punk rock energy behind the songs.
Even though this is one of the first few concerts of 2007, I can confidently say that this will be one of the best this year. Ben K. has an undeniable stage presence missing in most rock front men.
Before damaging my knees to the constant pogo jumping of Billy Talent I got warmed up with Rise Against, a Warp Tour veteran and favorable band within the modern punk rock circuit. This was my first time hearing Rise Against. I've heard so much about them prior and like any band that has a buzz surrounding them, I was curious to see what the fuss was about. I finally understood two songs into the set what the big deal was. Rise Against are one of my favorite opening acts in a very long time.
What made the show was the energy that fed off the audience, most consisting of teenagers who reminded me of myself at their age. Instead of Billy Talent, the band was Green Day, however, the sentiment was still the same.
Stage setting was simple but then again a band like Billy Talent doesn't need pyrotechnics when their music speaks for themselves. Pyrotechnics would've been a waste considering that most of us were too busy moshing and pogo-ing releasing our angst. Teenagers releasing their frustrations as they screamed the lyrics to Worker Bees and corporate people like myself just frustrated with life and politics in general.
There aren't a lot of bands, especially recent bands in the past ten years that have really grabbed my attention (with the exception of Velvet Revolver). It’s a good thing that Billy Talent didn’t fall into the “softmore slump” with their follow up release and have proven that they have a lot to offer.