The Stereo Lounge

(Photo Credit: Justin DeGuzman Photography

This was show number two for me at The Glass House this month. After the nightmare that was Friday traffic for the Armor For Sleep show, I learned my lesson and waited out the traffic. I arrived at the Glass House just in time to catch opening band Vale of Avalon, which was a little different. They describe their sound as Screamo/Indie/Alternative. The show began with instrumentals only. A skinny girl named Sam Torres brought out her guitar and played like crazy. She was joined by a drummer and bassist. The three of them looked fairly young, probably still in high school.

(Photo Credit: Justin DeGuzman Photography)

Amidst the metal-ish instrumentals and in front of the awesome werewolf logo they had on stage, came vocalists/siblings Michelle and Richi Molina. Richi was decked out in a fancy suit and Michelle in black khaki shorts and a black and white striped shirt with fishnets. At first I wasn’t sure what to make of it all. They played in earnest and talked to the crowd, announcing that they are currently seeking a full-time drummer, guitarist and bassist (essentially a whole band), which was odd because the people currently filling those roles were freaking excellent. They mixed screaming and singing vocals and did not take themselves too seriously. I wish them luck finding a more permanent line-up.

Next up was Eighth City Takeover, a local band, which explains the legion of people sporting black Eighth City Takeover (8CT for short), which lead singer Corey Garcia referred to more than once as the Goon Squad. If I had to classify their sound, coupled with their style and the bravado they exude, it would be Bro Core.

(Photo Credit: CnShaw Photography)

Just look at those mugs. But seriously, I went in having not heard of them before, but I was pleasantly surprised. They brought their own brand of brutally awesome music to the stage. Even the non-Goons seemed to enjoy themselves, I know I did. I got to talk to a few of the guys after the show and they were cracking jokes, asking me to describe them as the band with most bulge or something like that. But I won’t lower myself to that level, this is a classy blog. (They did have significant bulge, you should have seen Corey Garcia without his shirt on. I’m sure he’ll show you, ladies…just ask. I got to listen to their Wait for the Storm EP, a six song massacre of goodness that you should check out. Go to their next show, become a Goon, buy a CD. You’re welcome.

Up next was Mychildren Mybride. To call them a modern-day Stryper would not exactly be fair, though it would be meant as a compliment. Maybe it was the overtly Christian band name or the matching outfits they had on (Jean jackets and jeans with their logo instead of yellow and black spandex), but whatever you believe in, MCMB rocked the house. I will definitely keep an eye on them in the future. In keeping with the Core theme, I dub them Christcore. Their singer, Matthew Hasting made no attempt to hide his faith as he prayed on stage before their last song and even played what he called “a worship song”, which was unlike anything I ever heard in Church. They were fast, furious and then, all too soon, it was over. Their self titled album was released earlier this year. You can find it on iTunes.

(Photo Credit: Facebook)

What to say about Emery? Ever since I heard “Walls” off their debut album The Weak’s End back in 2003 and first saw them live in my home town of Lancaster at a venue that no longer exists back in 2004 or 2005, between the release of The Weak’s End and The Question, I considered them one of my top three favorite bands. Since my other favorites Thrice and Brand New are essentially done and in Canada respectively, I had to come out and see Emery again. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen them live, but if I had to guess it would probably be around 8 or 9. They always put on a great show and the last time I saw them, Devin was still in the band and they played with Maylene and the Sons of Disaster at The Glass House. That show was epic, by the way. That was almost exactly three years ago. So yeah, hence me being there on 7/23/2012 to see Emery’s return to the Glass House.

(Photo Credit: Facebook)

Emery put on a fantastic show with lots of moshing, crowd surfing and Josh Head screaming whilst being held up by a bunch of fans. It was a bit odd seeing a slightly different lineup, but newer fans wouldn’t even know the difference. They played a bunch of songs from each of their albums and the fans got to hear the personal story that inspired “The Party Song” (Inspired by Toby’s wife and her experience of losing her father and being a party girl when she was younger.) It was a great way to close out the show and, naturally, they finished with fan favorite “Walls” as the sole encore. On a side note, some chick was having a seizure on the floor at the end of the set and people cleared out so she could be taken away via ambulance. I really hope she’s okay. I will leave you with this tidbit from Toby Morrell, whom I would still love to interview if given the chance:

Related articles

• What to Do When You’re Undead: Armor For Sleep Takes Over The Glass House (thestereolounge.com)
• My Concert Calendar: July 2012 (thestereolounge.com)
• Refused Reunion Date At The Glass House (thescenestar.typepad.com)