MOG

On a rather nice, sunny day in Burlington, Vermont, I stood outside of Higher Grounds ballroom along with what seemed like EVERY student from the local high school (and here I am, going on 19 this saturday...). Now, to begin with, I'll be honest. I had, at that time, heard Brand New's new album once through from a friend. I ended up at the show when 4 friends of mine had bought tickets, and one of them backed out, my point being that I went with almost no expectations.

So, after being told that there was a "strict no photo policy" at the artists request, we were all allowed in.

After what seemed like an eternity, the first of two openers took the stage, and I have to admit, I was extremely impressed. Colour Revolt, out of Mississippi, did an amazing job, and had everyone silent, aside from the shuffling of feet as people swayed violently in a huge breathing mass, and the screaming that accompanies it. The second opener, Anathallo, did not impress me quite as much. Granted, the band of 8 had plenty of talent at music, but lacked the ability to keep the attention of the audience. Indeed, many people were openly laughing and talking as though there was not a band on stage, nevermind in the middle of a set.

After Anathallo and it's vocal harmonies left the stage, and then after what seemed like forever, Brand New took the stage.

To be short (I doubt it will work), They were amazing. Starting with a few favorites like Play Crack the Sky, and The No Seatbelt Song, and moving on to their newest album, every 15 year old girl in the place was screaming the words, and the slightly more rare 18+'s joined in as well. From slow burning Limousine, with ample opportunity for the crowd to join in, to Degausser and Sowing Season, with ample opportunity to lose your voice and maybe an eye (security was quick to quell the surges and sporadic pits), the set had something for everyone. And, if you have never experienced it, seeing Jesse live definitely puts any doubt out of your mind about what his bandmates call "perfectionism" or what I'd like to think is "narcissism".

Throughout the show, members of the bands would come onto stage during one of the other bands songs and grab an instrument, doing everything from playing a tambourine, to playing a full drum set. This in an of itself was awesome to watch; however, after Brand New's set, all the members of all three bands flooded the stage and proceeded to play, in what turned out to be an amazing jam session ending to a great show.

My only regret is... the "strict no photo policy". Sorry guys!