April 14, 2008
Aiden, the emo-punks from Seattle, are touring with their latest album Conviction. Performing with high energy, their control of the audience was shown when lead singer Will Francis parted them with a movement of his hands to form a simply scary Wall of Death. Huge mosh pits were formed at their words.
Along with Aiden at the Carling Academy Oxford, Chicago emo-pop-punk band Kill Hannah wowed the crowds with their Tim Burton-esque clothing and laser light-adorned instruments. They really warmed up the crowds for the headliners, whom they matched well without any thoughts of "copycat". They impressed with songs such as Nerve Gas and Crazy Angel.
The duty of getting the crowd going should perhaps have lain with the first couple of bands: Serpico provided adequate punk-rock and Brigade played a mix of punk-pop with an indie tinge. Unfortunately it wasn't until Kill Hannah appeared that we realised we were at a rock gig. Serpico seemed pleased with their crowd but I'm not sure I could say it was reciprocated. Starting with softer songs, Brigade didn't stir people up till their more aggressive music came out and they started to connect better with their audience.
This gig certainly improved with age like a vintage wine. The large room held a good number, with room for those in the audience who didn't feel inclined to participate in Aiden's games, such as getting everyone to sit on the floor for a whole first verse and letting all hell break loose at the chorus.
The audience certainly dressed for the occasion; all around were blacked-out eyes and lips, with gothic dress and Converse shoes as a staple. As with any gig, merchandise was readily available, there was much chucking of water cups and what the audience thought was too long a wait between bands. Though it seemed a fans-only gig, it could be enjoyed by newcomers; as long as they were prepared to get messy!
Along with Aiden at the Carling Academy Oxford, Chicago emo-pop-punk band Kill Hannah wowed the crowds with their Tim Burton-esque clothing and laser light-adorned instruments. They really warmed up the crowds for the headliners, whom they matched well without any thoughts of "copycat". They impressed with songs such as Nerve Gas and Crazy Angel.
The duty of getting the crowd going should perhaps have lain with the first couple of bands: Serpico provided adequate punk-rock and Brigade played a mix of punk-pop with an indie tinge. Unfortunately it wasn't until Kill Hannah appeared that we realised we were at a rock gig. Serpico seemed pleased with their crowd but I'm not sure I could say it was reciprocated. Starting with softer songs, Brigade didn't stir people up till their more aggressive music came out and they started to connect better with their audience.
This gig certainly improved with age like a vintage wine. The large room held a good number, with room for those in the audience who didn't feel inclined to participate in Aiden's games, such as getting everyone to sit on the floor for a whole first verse and letting all hell break loose at the chorus.
The audience certainly dressed for the occasion; all around were blacked-out eyes and lips, with gothic dress and Converse shoes as a staple. As with any gig, merchandise was readily available, there was much chucking of water cups and what the audience thought was too long a wait between bands. Though it seemed a fans-only gig, it could be enjoyed by newcomers; as long as they were prepared to get messy!