Chiodos @ The IrvingTheater — Indianapolis on April 4, 2014
Dark rooms, excitable crowds, throaty vocals, breakdowns galore, mosh pits, and a little bit of nostalgia thrown in there for good measure.
Why would I go to a show like this? Let’s just say the “Devil” made me do it.
Last Friday, Chiodos made their way to the Irvington district of Indianapolis for a show at the historic Irving Theater. Since it isn’t a party without guests, they were joined by 68, and local favorites I Will Define and Creating Constellations.
In contrast to the past few shows I’ve reviewed for this site, I’ve known about Chiodos for a while. Actually, they were actually part of the first show I reviewed back in 2010 when I entered the world of concert reviews, making me feel all sorts of old as I type these words out. Though at that time, Craig Owens was not their singer. Since I missed them at the Warped Tour last summer (but did get to meet them in the press area), it’s time re-live my awkward teenage years.
I’ve parked my car, nearly froze on the walk over (oh, Indiana…), and have picked up my bracelet. Time to get this started.
Chiodos was playing an in-store up at Indy CD & Vinyl in Broad Ripple, and while I would’ve loved to see that, duty calls. Up first here at the Irving is a band I haven’t seen in a few years: a Christian hardcore band out of Muncie by the name of Creating Constellations.
Local openers are very hit or miss, meaning either everyone is having fun and getting into it, or it’s just a handful. This time, it was the latter. A few people towards the front were jumping around and a small mosh pit broke out for a few moments, but that was about it. Then again, this is the opening band.
As for the performance itself, think of your standard Attack Attack!-meets-Underoath band, with all of the chugging guitars, synchronized headbanging, breakdowns at every left turn, and taking a few moments to spread their message of love, faith, hope, and forgiveness. They even threw in a Katy Perry cover for good measure. Okay, so maybe not the best performance to start things out, but the night has started. We’ll see what happens now.
I haven’t been to this place in a long time, but it’s still pretty familiar. The floor is very spacious, enough to contain the crowd and still not feel like a sardine can; church pews are lined up towards the back and along the walls, giving the chance to sit down and take everything in (or if you’re a parent, a place away from the madness); and the only light in the room came from the chandelier above the stage, and the stage lights, so it was pretty dim.
I get to talking to a few awesome people, and before I know it, I Will Define has finished setting up and has taken the stage.
Much like our first act, this is another melodic metalcore band from right here in Indianapolis. Having not seen them before, let’s see how they do.
The crowd is a little more receptive, but it’s still very obvious who came with the band and who was just there for a show. They jump and move around, and seem to enjoy the blend of breakdowns, clean and throaty vocals, blast beats, and more. It felt a lot like some of the metalcore bands you see at the Warped Tour every year, from their demeanor to the synchronized guitar swinging that seemed borderline choreographed. However, it’s all about what you can do on stage, and they do it well. Besides, it’s supposed to be fun, and it looks like they’re having a blast.
’68. Who is that? Besides a number or a Haste The Day song. I’m told that this is a duo that consists of former Chariot members Josh Scogin and Michael McClellan. Needless to say, I’m pretty excited now. They were one of my favorite bands, even if their sounds resembled that of the static white noise your television makes.
But this is a new project. So what are they like?
I’m not quite sure what it means when their warmup consists of playing “Wipe Out” or when they lead the crowd into a sing along of “Seven Nation Army.” The Chariot was a band that always put emphasis on live shows, and that same attitude carries over to 68. They’re not the prettiest sounding band and they might not win awards for finesse, but the enthusiasm and the spirit from bands past was still there. They played, the crowd participated, and the set ends with Scogin jumping into the drum set.
Just one more band to go. While some people rush to the back of the room towards the merch tables, the sounds of classical music come pouring through the speakers. Maybe not the go-to choice for a show like this, but it kind of matches the dark and dim setting of this historic theater. Anticipation builds as sound check commences. After a while, a brief “Chiodos” chant breaks out. Don’t worry, soon we shall begin.
Then all of a sudden, what remained of the house lights goes out and we’re ready to go.
The band comes out and greets the crowd, then it’s right into “One Day, Women Will All Become Monsters,” and away we go.
I appreciated Brandon Bolmer when I saw them a few years ago, and I know Craig Owens has been back for the better part of the last two years, but there was something refreshing about seeing their original frontman back on stage with them doing what he does. He just gave them that little extra that may have been missing. On that same note, new-ish guitarist Thomas Erak (of Fall of Troy fame) was in top form and didn’t miss a beat.
To add to that, their energetic stage presence matches their blend of post-hardcore. They may not be the most exciting band to watch, but they’re efficient, and they do what they do very well, something the crowd is definitely noticing.
As for their set, they played plenty of old favorites, from “The Words ‘Best Friends’ Become Redefined” to “Bulls Make Money, Bears Make Money, Pigs Get Slaughtered.” Since they’re on the road supporting their new record, there was a good amount of new songs such as “We’re Talking About Practice” (complete with Allen Iverson sound clip) and “Expensive Conversations in Cheap Motels.” Meanwhile, the audience – consisting mostly of high school-aged kids and the occasional 20-something such as myself – happily sang along. There’s even a mosh pit that breaks out towards the middle of the floor, with the occasional dancer (hey, they only have a problem with hardcore dancing if it’s in the living room…). Some stand around and throw their fists, horns, or even hearts in the air, while the rest stand on top of pews located along the walls for a better view.
Throughout the evening, they take the time to show their appreciation for everything. Of course, they remarked how great the Indianapolis crowd is (most bands do, just change out the name of the city they’re in), but they seem to mean what they say. Owens even takes a few seconds to say how lucky he is that he gets to do this for a living. Maybe not making a whole lot of money in the process, but he gets to live a life that so many only dream of, and having a blast while doing so.
But the good times can’t last forever, and after one last sing along of “Baby, You Wouldn’t Last A Minute On The Creek,” it’s a bid farewell and the band exits stage left, leaving this crowd literally in the dark and wanting more. An oddly-timed “one more song” chant breaks out soon after, and we all wait in anticipation of an encore.
Not too long after, they return, and say they won’t perform one song, but two. After this, then the show finally ends. Some head towards the merch table to pick up a new shirt or the new record on vinyl. Some wait by the doors for their ride to come pick them up. As for me, I venture down the street to a bar with a few friends to meet up with Thomas before hitching a ride with them back to my car because I was too much of a wimp to brave the lovely Indiana cold that moved in.
Now here I am, several days later in front of a space heater on a couch typing these last few words. So, final verdict?
The night may have started out slow, but it definitely picked up by the end. For some, this was a chance to see their favorite band. For me, this was more of a nostalgia trip, going back to the first band I ever reviewed and seeing how much has changed. Much to my delight, it’s exactly how I remember it: It’s still loud, it’s still fun, and it’s still nice to revisit the past sometimes.
Besides, who says you always have to live in the now?
The Good:
Chiodos may not be the most exciting band, and 68 isn’t the most conventional one, but both know what it takes to put on a show. They perform, they interact, and they give it everything.
The Bad:
The show as a whole felt like it stumbled out of the gate. Nothing against the local openers, but it’s tough to get everyone into it when they’re here to see the other bands. Whether it was because of that or nerves or it just wasn’t a good night, it just happens sometimes.