Silversun Pickups Perform at Cleveland House of Blues 10/24

^{Cleveland, OH - The House of Blues Sunday night hosted a magnanimous show that young or old,hard-rock or alt rock fans ,and even people new to the genre and artists could enjoy. Silversun Pickups put on such a show that left you feeling like you were being played to personally. As a long time fan of the band my expectations were high and from start to finish, considering the individual styles of each opener: Atlas Genius and Cloud Nothing, and the amazing set list that “Silversun” put on, I felt fulfilled by each performance and pleased with the unique rock experience I was left with at night’s end.}

           

^{From the beginning of the show I knew it was going to be a special night. The first opener of the evening was an indie rock band from Adelaide,South Australia named Atlas Genius. Most known for their debut single from last year ”Trojans”, Atlas Genius set the mood for the night with their subtle guitar riffs, harmonious lead and backup vocals and impressive alt-rock style that kept me interested to hear more. At the end of the set leading man Keith Jeffrey even had a picture of the Cleveland crowd taken to remember us by.}

^{The second performance of the night and one of the most original and most memorable for me was the hard-driven metal underdog Cloud Nothings. Cleveland born from the brain of lead singer Dylan Baldi Cloud Nothings’ ethereal and demanding guitar solos and drum beats are a stand out  sound all their own. Set to make an impact locally and now outside of the Ohio “box” so to speak I admired the passionate punk rock feel I was left with by set’s end. Notably especially for myself was the emotion and energy expelled from drummer Jayson Gerycz and the non conformist union of frontman Baldi ,guitarist Joe Boyer and bassist TJ Duke.They will assuredly be a band I look forward to seeing in shows to come.}

^{With opening acts of such caliber Silversun Pickups had quite a talented show to match and they surpassed my expectations to put on one of the best concerts I’ve ever been fortunate to be a part of. With an opener like the hypnotic melodies of  “Skin Graph” off the new album “Neck of the Woods” and the gripping, demanding rhythm of “The Royal We” off of 2009’s “Swoon” it was hard not to take my eyes off of the stage and impossible to ignore the symphony of beats that my mind so desperately needed. Frontman Brian Aubert’s magnetic and original vocals and outstanding guitar solos is something not to be ignored. Coupled with drummer Christopher Guanloa’s enormously energetic hammering ,accented perfectly by Sarah Negahdari of  Happy Hollows on bass (replacing Nikki Monninger while she’s on maternity leave; pregnant with twin girls), and the subtle keyboard talent of Joe Lester. It was a brilliant performance.} 

^{Being unfamiliar with most of the new songs on “Neck of the Woods” I was pleasantly surprised by how comforted I was to hear that even though progressively they’ve improved since 2006’s “Carnavas” they have still stayed true to their original sound and familiar style. On the lighter end Brian Aubert was not only attentive to the crowd but it seemed like he was definitely happy to be back in Cleveland. 3 years since they played the Lakewood Civic Auditorium on their last visit he noted that after that particular show as they were roaming around the streets late at night admiring the residents’ pretty houses and laid back attitude,that Lakewood neighborhood watch sucked and that they should have been arrested for the way they were stalking around. Playfully  lending his hand to the crowd and shaking hands where he could, it was as if it was just another day in Cleveland for him, but to the fans of their music and even those who just genuinely had a good time discovering a new sound,it was a personable experience.}           

 ^{Ending the show with songs like “Panic Switch”,”Dots and Dashes” and “Lazy Eye” I assume he felt the energy of us Ohioans, and after leaving the stage and hearing chants for an encore maybe he felt we deserved it, so they once again took the stage for 3 more songs officially completing the performance with the electrifying “Well Thought Out Twinkles” respectively with lyrics like “Join in the last hurrah,” it was as if it was just for us. Finally saying goodnight,the band then threw out some picks and Christopher his drumsticks of course, and Sarah taking a well deserved bow,I was left with a feeling of intimacy rarely afforded at big venues and promotional shows. All in all it was a great night and a perfect release before the inevitable Monday morning.}

                          

^{Brandon (Ty) Bainter}