Wednesday 04/10/06 Lostprophets, Eighteen Visions, Boys Like Girls @ The Rialto Theater, Tucson Arizona

A weeknight and conflicting venues does not bode well for large crowds and this is a good thing for those of us lucky enough to be at the Rialto Theater tonight. The intimate venue takes on a club atmosphere as some of the biggest bands in the world prepare for what might be the making of unforgettable memories.

Martin Johnson of Boys Like Girls has an absolutely stunning voice. ‘Hero/Heroine’ is a remarkable song with vocals that are crystal clear, perfectly timed and every graduated note is like a dream. They are what most indie bands aspire to be. A clean lick starts off ‘Five Minutes To Midnight’ as an addictive beat sets in, people look at each other, nod their heads then start to rock out drinking up every sound. The warm love song ‘Thunder’ is glorious and wistful. It has a changing pace that builds until it steals our hearts. This band is the talk of the crowd as the sets change.

Wicked and loud, the hardcore punk Goth band Eighteen Visions smashes head first into ‘I Let Go.’ Lead singer James Hart says “We’ve only played this a couple of times live” exquisite cords ring out as the soaring and plaintive ‘The Sweetest Memory’ starts the crowd churning. James stands out on a platform and unleashes the steely, sweet and lonesome ‘Tonightless.’ Then the hit song ‘Victim’ works the crowd up into a frenzy as moshing commences. The turbulent intro to ‘Tower of Snakes’ is lip curling evil. Colored strobes flash, Mick Morris licks the handle of his guitar then snarls as this piece rumbles and explodes. James shouts “Tucson were gonna do this one more time!” Glitter shoots out of cannons over the audience as brilliant lights flash and they storm through a thunderous chorus whilst the rabble roars.

The music of Lostprophets is edgy and aggressive. Ian Watkins stands with his back to the audience, the drums fire a barrage at us, he screams and the gritty performance of ‘Everyday Combat’ takes over the venue. During ‘Ride’ he struts about, spins then spits a spray of water that lands on our camera and brings an end to pretty pictures of the lads. Back to the music and the fast downhill relationship ride of ‘The New Transmission’ as Ian’s every move seethes in anger. Then Mike Lewis holds his guitar high and does a heated rhythm lick ushering in the passionate delivery of ‘Start Something.’ 

The performance of ‘A Town Called Hypocrisy’ is flashy and slaps us in the face with rage. The crowd rocks out hard, harsh and nasty whilst the intensive mean beat slams with sass and cheers breakout before it’s done. The beautiful ‘Last Summer’ shines as the devoted audience jumps about. This seals it, we are in love with this band.

Ian cries “This song is for the old school!” runs his hands through his hair and launches in ‘Shinobi Vs. Dragon Ninja’ then swaggers, spins his mic and charges the crowd who are throwing themselves about with fury. A shout of “One, two, three, four” brings in ‘Can’t Catch Tomorrow’ and Ian’s performance becomes fiercely wild, like energy on fire. He stands close to the edge, women reach for him and screams erupt.  In this intimate venue the security is gone but Ian handles it well bringing a rabid fan up on stage to help incite the mob as ‘Last Train Home’ and ‘Burn, Burn’ are performed. Tonight Lostprophets performance proves that their last indie laced album is yet another facet of a band whose sum of its parts transcends into something much, much more.