Tools
Well, here we go, Solid State Tour 101. You might already be familiar with Norma Jean since they've got a fair amount of buzz around town. They're hardcore tinged with metal and the most throat-shredding (and ear-shredding) vocals I've heard in a long time. It almost hurts to listen to their latest record, Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child. The ambitious track "Pretty Soon, I Don't Know What, but Something Is Going to Happen" clocks in at over 15 minutes, and it's moody, dark, gritty, and intense. Don't know if they'll play the epic live, however, since that'd eat up at least a quarter of set time, but here's to hoping.
Underoath also have a hardcore base, but while Norma Jean kind of make you retreat into a dark space because you feel like you're dying, Underoath's music is a bit more comforting. Quick lines of growling vocals get spit out along with more melodic and soft moments. So they're pretty, but then they get hardcore. But then they have these breakdowns of guitar... that fade into new-wave synth sounds? Make up your mind, Underoath! But honestly, their 2002 release, The Changing of Times, isn't bad, even if it is a little confused.
Stranger Personals
And then there's Dead Poetic, a band that isn't really hardcore at all, actually, with straight emotional, melodic vocals over the typical but catchy guitar-heavy sound. And I hate to be one of "those girls," but man, are these Dead Poetic boys attractive. So, if nothing else, you'll enjoy looking at them.
So there you have it, my Solid State Tour cram session, nothing but the facts. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the show starts at 7:30, and tickets are 12 bucks. And now you know. Solid. MEGAN SELING
Need more? You can hear my personal picks for the week on 107.7 The End every Monday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. during DJ No Name's The Morning Alternative.
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