Thursday 21/02/08 The Bravery, Your Vegas @ Terminal 5, New York

A completely sold-out Terminal 5 was packed with 3000 screaming people, a wide mix of collared shirts, tight jeans, Polos, Asics, and Timberland boots; one of the most diverse crowds you could imagine, all turned out for The Bravery. True, the New Yorkers aren’t known for their strength of music, but somehow they create an intense energy tonight.

First up, Your Vegas, who mesmerized first time listeners and fans alike. "It was like listening to U2 and Bruce Springsteen with such a solid rockin' sound" said a girl within earshot, and her thoughts were echoed by chicks and dudes throughout the venue. Well polished and poised, Your Vegas played tracks from their current EP and their upcoming debut A Town & Two Cities.  ‘In My Head’ pulsed as the indication that Your Vegas has reached that point of tight cohesiveness a band can develop while on tour. From this point on, Your Vegas are hopefully going to be consumed by the limelight associated with their namesake. It's fair to say that this tour, and the momentum created for Your Vegas will not only justify their recently won "band to watch of 2008" moniker, but also establish a stage reputation that is to respectable.

When The Bravery paraded onstage they were greeted by the cheers of three tiers of adoring fans. The band itself doesn't have too much of a spectacular stage presence, and works the crowd off sheer energy- channels it through the crowd and amps up the show through a different kind of raw power. They sat on a heavier bass feel, and rode this though the show, letting it course from one song to the next. When they played a few tracks off their upcoming album ‘The Sun And Moon Complete’, the same feeling was present, which allowed the furious tempo to continue until they closed out. ‘Public Service Announcement’, ‘The Sun And The Moon’, ‘Tyrant’ and ‘Fearless’ kicked the room into overdrive, and the intermingled political grandiosity moved everyone to an even more intensified tizzy. Nothing like music and politics to bring people together.

The collective efforts of The Bravery and Your Vegas created an explosive atmosphere, both bands complemented each other's talents. The key element of the show, with a focus on the Bravery, is that The Bravery aren't really all to spectacular - but in Terminal 5 they were epic, not because of their music but because of their connection with their fervent followers who are always and will always be moved by their music. Stuffy, hot, & diverse; the audience illustrated the reach of The Bravery, and with their upcoming album they will continue to draw in admirers.