I Just Read About That…

[DID NOT ATTEND: October 5, 2024] Balance and Composure / Kevin Devine and the Godamn Band / Milly

The strange thing (to me) about this show is that I knew and liked both of the opening acts but had never even heard of the headliners.

In fact, the reason I wanted to go to this show was for Kevin Devine & the Goddamn Band.  I’ve seen Kevin three times and I love his songs and his whole vibe but it’s been five years since I’ve seen him (really bad luck of local shows being canceled or scheduled on a bad night for me).  And I really wanted to see him with the Goddamn Band because the Goddamn Band is awesome.

But they only played for 45 minutes, so I’m not terribly upset that I missed them.

I saw Milly open for Swervedriver 5 years ago.  I enjoyed them and am delighted to see that since 2019, they’ve released a bunch of stuff.

And then there’s Balance and Composure (from Doylestown, PA).  I didn’t know them but apparently everyone else was super psyched that they released a new record in 2024 (it had been 8 years since the last one).

I’ve listened to a few clips of songs and liked them. But I don’t think I would have enjoyed the show with a huge amount of big fans.

My son and I have seen Starset twice.  Each show has been pretty fantastic.

When this tour was announced, I was excited that a show was going to be at the Starland Ballroom (a venue I don’t love, but which he does).

But then it turned out to be the night before he was leaving for Europe.  There was n way we were staying out all night the night before his flight.

So, we gave this tour a miss.

Rock on Purpose has a big review of the show.

I didn’t know any of the other bands.  The above reviewer is a big fan of Red, who he says plays a “combination of cinematic, uplifting, and hardcore rock music.”

They are a Christian band, which seems an odd fit for Starset’s cryptic stances, but whatever, their songs are pretty good with interesting orchestral arrangements over the heavy guitars.

Divide the Fall are from Minnesota.  Spill, their local magazine says

their modern hard rock sound and catchy choruses with the occasional heavy breakdown.

And a review of their recent EP describes melodic harmonies and stunning, clean vocals.

Oni were a progressive heavy metal band from Canada with growling vocals and crazy technical profiiency, at least in 2016.  In 2022, they released a new album about which Drowned in Sound says

If you were anticipating another round of technical bludgeoning akin to the Ironshore era then you may be disappointed as ONI have taken an entirely different direction this time round.

Sounds like the heaviest bands went on first, although some of their new songs are pretty mellow too.  Interestimg.