GiggingNI.com

Taking Back Sunday

With Twin Atlantic; The Demise;

Probably one of the most highly anticipated gigs of the month - Taking Back Sunday's first visit to Belfast (and Northern Ireland) and what a time it was destined to be. They already have travelled to Dublin previously but never actually made the trip up here but I'm sure a packed out Spring and Airbrake would definitely love them to come back. Supported by a band that's going to the top, very fast, Twin Atlantic, as well as 'local' act The Demise warming everyone up.

Upon entry to the Spring and Airbrake, brainchild of CDC Leisure and host of the majority of 'big' gigs this year, it was clear to see everyone wanted to see the American giants on stage. I haven't seen the venue like that, packed out from the start, in a while so it's great to see people coming down early to catch The Demise, Limerick-based, play their set. Their indie rock didn't really get the crowd moving that much but it was enough to fit the bill as everyone awaited the arrival of the headliners. Despite everyone's focus being turned away from the stage, it was nice to see some varied applause and appreciation throughout the crowd but it would have been great to see a more local act open up in Belfast - so US/UK bands, remember that!

Having only moved the crowd from where they were standing to the bar, and back, it was Twin Atlantic's turn to rally the audience and shake the core of the Spring and Airbrake. These guys have went from low to high in a relatively short period, supporting acts like Biffy Clyro(whom they're good friends with), The Subways and Say Anything, and they seem to be making their own success story as I know they could possibly turn into one of your favourite bands, very easily. Opening up to the devilishly-addicting 'Lightspeed', it got the crowd swaying and into their swing. Although very-Biffy Clyro, they reserve their own space on the stage, commanding it fantastically. Their set also included the likes of 'Old Grey Face', 'What is Light? Where is Laughter?' and 'You're Turning into John Wayne' before finishing on the anthem-like 'Audience and Audio' but, to answer their question - 'is there anybody out there?' Pity most were waiting for Taking Back Sunday as they weren't moving that much within the crowd but they were highly appreciative of this Scottish act that will make it big in the near future!

Now for the main event - the band everyone came to see - Taking Back Sunday. Having released their new record, 'New Again', only recently, their set was fresh, full of new material as well as many other classics to keep the crowd flowing with excitement. Opening up with the 'Louder Now' sensation that was 'What It Feels Like To Be a Ghost', the crowd were brimming with admiration for the band they loved listening to. The Belfast crowd were screaming every word back to the band and frontman, Adam Lazzara. It's great to see that such a great singer has so much stage presence and tricks on stage that makes him one of the best front-men I've seen. Followed shortly after, we got the roundhouse kick story where guitarist, Matthew Fazzi, gave someone what they deserved - to the amazement of his fellow band mates - which led to his broken foot on the night but didn't affect his great performance. As well as some old classic songs, we got new ones, like 'Everything Must Go' and 'Lonely, Lonely' which Lazzara claims to be his favourite, off their new record. It was clear to see that everyone was enjoying themselves but when the band started playing 'Cute Without the E (Cut From The Team)' - the crowd went mental. Jumping, dancing, screaming, doing anything they could, Lazzara's got his first experience of the Belfast crowd with them singing along to 'hoping for the best, just hoping nothing happens...' - it was a joy to listen to and watch the band's reaction. They continued their authority with songs like 'A Decade Under the Influence' before finishing off with 'MakeDamnSure'. Well, what a night. The crowd left overjoyed and with some great bands on stage tonight, it fulfilled it's destiny of being one hell of a gig!