The Faint / Bright Eyes (5/16/05)



As you may have read a while back, I was quite excited about seeing The Faint again. I saw them before at The Agora Theater (the small stage, not the Ballroom) and they rocked my world. They put out an energy that forced you to dance, with a combination of tight, raucous beats and an amazing visual assault. Strong words? It was a strong performance. Since then I've been hooked.

They came back to Cleveland again, but this time at the Beachland Ballroom. For some reason I wasn't expecting their show to sell out, since they were just at the small space at the Agora. I was wrong. My friend Sarah (who introduced me to them) and I walked up to the door, passing the sea of dyed black hair, piercings and tattoos, only to find out the show was in fact sold out. Ugh. Talk about a blow to the solarplexes. We were able to salvage the night with copious amounts of alcohol and cigarettes, but we made a pact that this would never happen again.

Flash forward to present, where the Faint was coming back again! Talk about being psyched. I got our tickets immediately. Again, Sarah would accompany me, and she stopped over for a little pre-party at my place. We then walked over to the show, completely missing the opening act (who I don't even remember) and grabbing a bite of that kick-ass pizza I was telling you about.

The Faint started the night, and we got as close as we could, but the place was PACKED. I was curious how many of the people had been there to see the Faint, and how many to see Bright Eyes, such as if one was really the headliner, or if they were equal co-bills (which is where I would have placed them in my mind). I have to say that The Faint didn't let me down. I was scared that maybe the intensity I felt the first night, might have been an anomaly and that this show wouldn't have been as good, but it was. Though I did appreciate the smaller venue and having fewer people last time.

Bright Eyes was up next. I had been listening to his two new albums on my laptop, but had not yet burned them to CD for a good listening to in the car. I knew I liked his stuff, but my primary goal was to see The Faint. Same went for Sarah as well. Now most people realize that Colin Oberst practically is Bright Eyes, which is why I was a bit surprised to see the dozen people walk out on stage with him. Okay, maybe not a dozen, but damn there were a lot. He was very dramatic, which I feel was fitting for what I knew of him. We stayed for about three songs and then headed out.

Since then I have really given both his new CD's a good listening to, and I have to say that I should never make the mistake leaving early again! I LOVE his new stuff and I'm really disappointed I didn't get to experience his complete performance. I'll be there next time he comes around.

Posted: Tue - June 14, 2005 at 12:52 PM           |

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