Sunday 06/08/06 E(v)olocity, Signs of Betrayal, ColdFusion @ The Venue Of Scottsdale, Phoenix Arizona

Much like the UK, Phoenix is an incubator for excellence and change in music and produces some of the finest bands in the world. We suppose it’s because when temps reach 45C everyone is trapped indoors and the artist tend to focus, practice and become consumed by their craft. So in that respect, the rain in the UK and the heat in Arizona give us a common denominator. Tonight some of the desert’s finest bands come out to support e(v)olocity’s release of their self titled album and Gigwise loves a CD release party. The huge ‘Venue of Scottsdale’ is located in an area sometimes called the ‘The Hamptons of the Desert.’ It’s a dizzying lamplight district that is crammed full of bars, theaters and posh restaurants. The thriving nightlife here is wild and music blasts from the doorways whilst the lines to get into these sordid clubs often run down the streets long past midnight.

Riding a high after Warped Tour ColdFusion are a seasoned pack of young lads who’s progressive post-hardcore is fueled by a healthy dose of emo. A trippy liquid guitar lick leads us into ‘Prophecies’ as people against the rail beat their fist in the air and shout the words. One of the hallmark’s of ColdFusion is their high jumps and spins in unison whilst they play and they don’t disappoint us tonight. During ‘On My Own’ Mike Oliver’s piercing vocals seethe in bitterness, anger and betrayal. The mob uses it as rocket fuel to go insane on. He shouts “Lets get this party started!” then ‘Enter The Moonlight’ takes over the stage. Mid-song the crowd is jumping in unison too and there is a rousing cheer when it ends.

The next band are Signs Of Betrayal who’s alternative progressive metal creates lavish, spacious soundscapes rich in bass and esoteric moods. Dave Williams has a resonant rich tonal quality to his voice and a delivery akin to Dave Draiman’s from Disturbed. ‘Torn Down’ is an enticing overload of echoes, chugging bass and dark bewitching vocals. These guys are excellent musicians who are deep into their craft. Dave’s vox are intense and passionate during ‘Memory’. In the midst of the cheering crowd a mosh pit of very large lads starts to churn. The song’s tension builds into roars, releases and builds again as it journeys to a sudden, unexpected stop. This is a really good piece.

In today’s alternative music there are many styles that follow the same vein but there is only one e(v)olocity. They are heavy alternative rock verging on metal with addictive rhythms, a hint of dark funk and vocals that are confident, compelling and edged with sensuous power. The stage is set, smoke billows out from the sides, fragmented laser lights whirl and the audience chants then roars as the band takes their places. Melon on bass and Jazz on the lead guitar dish out heavy riffs, Core’s cymbals clash, a plaintive melody is set and ‘To Far’ begins. Aaron paces in circles, stops, points his finger upward and cocks his head to the side as he launches into this piece that questions the direction of science and its effects on the world.

Raydn1 picks up his saxophone and the crowd goes wild. ‘Duh Wayne’ is welcomed by women shouting “I love you” at the lads and Gigwise ducks to avoid panties being thrown on the stage. Aaron’s performance becomes a dance of possession as he closes his eyes and his voice takes over the venue. The excitement builds with the hard driving ‘Crutch’ as he sings “I can’t understand, I only need your touch…” causing spontaneous random screams from the audience. It’s followed by the song ‘Pyramids’ which has that exquisite exotic twist to the melody that permeates the Phoenix area’s sound. With the last song ‘Herbie’ its overwhelming beat even has the ever cool stage manager rocking out and ends to a roaring crowd. It was an excellent concert and e(v)olocity put on a world class, amazing performance that compelled Gigwise to buy a handful of CD’s, shove one in the player and listen to the songs over again while grinning all the way home.