The Audio Perv

By Michel R Dussack

AWOLNATION played to a nearly sold out crowd at Webster Hall in New York City, and proved to everyone there that they’re constantly improving as a live band, even in the short amount of time from their sold out show at Bowery Ballroom this past July. It’s a true testament to the bands incredible amount of talent when I say that I actually enjoyed them more in the nearly three times as large venue, in main part to the bands energy on stage, as well as the energy the crowd put out.

Opening the show was alternative band Twin Atlantic, all the way from Glasgow. This four piece rock band puts out a lot of sound, and there were actually a small group of people who came to the show just to see them. It’s easy to see why, the band is great, particularly the song “You’re Turning Into John Wayne”. The band has supported numerous massive bands on their UK tours such as Biffy Clyro, Blink-182, and Smashing Pumpkins, and the confidence they’ve gained from this shows. Their 30 minute set gained a lot of new fans, with many asking their neighbor for the band’s name after they were done.

Next up were Middle Class Rut, a rock duo from Sacramento who made the far too overused combination of a drummer and guitarist unique by trading vocals throughout their set. They put out an incredible range of sound for just two people, mainly due to guitarist Zack Lopez’ extensive use of effects pedals. For some reason, lately it seems like there’s one guy at every show who wants to be a jerk to the openers, and this show was no exception. Drummer Sean Stockham, addressed the issue by stating “this song is about assholes who chant for the headliners while the opening band is playing” and throwing his drumstick at the guy. Their 40 minute set went smoothly otherwise, and again, it seems that they left with many more fans than they entered with.

Finally, AWOLNATION took the stage to the intro song “Megalithic Symphony”, sending the crowd into a frenzy, and when Aaron Bruno took to the microphone to sing “Jump On My Shoulders” the place seemed ready to explode. It wasn’t long before Aaron was in the crowd singing, though he didn’t quite make it back to the stage on the return trip. Instead, he fell into the photo pit, however he never once missed a beat, despite obviously being in pain. Throughout the night, he had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. When he said “jump”, the crowd happily obliged and the floor was literally bouncing up and down from it. It was obvious that many people were there to hear the massive single “Sail” and had no clue what the crowd would be like, which led to Aaron instructing people on proper pit etiquette, demanding that people pick up any who falls right away.

During the slower number “All I Need”, Aaron instructed the crowd to “put their arms around whoever was next to them and get fucking weird for a bit”. A new song entitled “Joke” was next, though before the band started playing it, Aaron said that the band had a bet going on throughout the tour. In fact, the members were betting on which city would have the most girls crowdsurf during one song, sparking a wave of at least 10 crowdsurfers during it. The song everyone was there for, “Sail”, followed and included an extended guitar solo from Christopher Thorn. The always raucous and crazy “Burn It Down” followed and closed the main set, though it was clear no one was letting them leave without returning for an encore.

The band returned quickly to play the 15 minute epic “Knights of Shame”, which is where the band really shows what they’re all about. This one song encompasses every style that the band have all in one adrenaline fueled burst, whether it be the bit of rap, soul, electronica or heavy rock. This is what makes this band so unique – every song sounds different, and every member have a totally different look and style of playing, yet when it all comes together it just works. Towards the second half of “Knights of Shame”, Aaron traded places with drummer Hayden Scott and drummed for the rest of the song. And just when it seemed like the show was over, the band played about a minute of the riff from Rage Against The Machine’s “Bulls On Parade” to close everything out. Reluctantly, the crowd shuffled out of the venue, thought this was not a show that they’ll soon be forgetting.

All photos by Michel R Dussack