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Bane, Evergreen Terrace, Cursed, Verse
The Masquerade, Atlanta, GA
6/14/2005
Reviewer: Drew Walton
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I was excited about seeing this show for a few reasons. The Verse album, Rebuild, has become one of my favorite albums in recent months. Bane is a living legend in the hardcore community, and this would be the first time I witnessed them in the live arena. Evergreen Terrace's music was made for the live setting since guitar chugs and breakdowns dominate their songs. I had only heard one song by Cursed prior to the show and was eager to hear more.
I was surprised to see that there were no local, or otherwise "smaller," bands supporting the four other bands. Verse was up first, and they got things started off amazingly. The band had a lot of positive things to say about the punk and hardcore community. It was obvious that the last time they were in Atlanta they made some friends, as they talked to, and about, them on stage and covered a song called "We Shall Be Judged" in honor of an Atlanta friend of theirs. The band's set was packed full of energy, and the singer constantly spun around and threw the microphone in the crowd. The crowd responded with equal energy and passion. Dancing, pile-ons, and sing-alongs were happening everywhere I turned. I witnessed a guy, who was easily 6-and-a-half feet tall and in excess of 250 pounds, dive off of the barriers and take out the front part of the crowd. Verse played my favorite songs from Rebuild and didn't disappoint. They are easily one of my favorite bands now.
Next up was Cursed. I had only heard the song, "Fatalist," by the band prior to the show. I liked the song and was looking forward to hearing more and seeing them live. Unfortunately, I didn't like what I heard. All of the feedback I had heard or read about Cursed was positive, so maybe I had my expectations too high. Maybe it was the fact they were a bit out of place on this show. Whatever it was, I wasn't too impressed with Cursed's live performance. They tended to stand there and didn't seem to have much energy. The singer had some great things to say, though, and I understand it can be hard to have energy when the crowd doesn't give it back to you. I still have respect for these guys, and maybe if I catch them again on a different show they can redeem themselves.
Taking the stage third was Evergreen Terrace. I'm on the fence when it comes to this band. I wouldn't say I like them, but I wouldn't say I dislike them. Their music is blatantly generic, but that makes it fun. It's not something I listen to on a regular basis, but I can enjoy myself when I do listen to it. That's what music should be about, having fun. I figured the music would translate well live since it is comprised of so many breakdowns and such. I was correct; Evergreen Terrace easily had the biggest, most active pit of the night. As they took the stage, "Paradise City" by Guns N' Roses was playing through the stereo. Upon a pause in the song, the stereo cut out and the band themselves ripped into the rest of the song. It was a fun and comedic way to open up a set. They played a ton of new songs, and they put on a great show. It was definitely a fun time.
Finally, the almighty Bane took the stage. I was so anxious to see Bane, as I had heard they put on a great live show and they are so legendary amongst the hardcore scene today. They didn't disappoint at all. I don't think I've ever seen a more energetic, passionate and genuine band in my life. The band actually talked to the security staff to get them to allow the crowd to stage dive and have fun during their set. Needless to say, the crowd responded with appreciative gestures. Stagedives, pile-ons, sing-alongs, dancing -- all of it was everywhere you looked. The band played a couple of the favorites, including "Ali vs. Frazier," "Can We Start Again?," plus plenty more, including a few new songs. Bane opened with "Some Came Running," which I particularly wanted to hear because I love the main guitar riff so much. The band had nothing but nice and positive things to say about the other bands, the crowd and the hardcore community. I hurt my wrist stagediving, but I wouldn't have it any other way. To hear such passionate talk about the meaning of their lyrics, and the brotherhood between them and the other bands, was heartwarming. They ended a solid show with a great set.
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