Brand New / Hot Rod Circuit / Eisley / Spindal Weekend

The Metro - Chicago:   November 22nd & November 23rd, 2003

So, as pathetic as it seems, two of my friends and I got tickets to the double header Brand New weekend at the Metro in Chicago.  We left late, and by the time we got there, the line was down the street, and around the corner. WTF! There was a sea of Brand New shirts, and tons of twelve year olds smoking. The fact that I had to be in line behind these people nauseated me. *Luckily* my friend Justin's little sister saw me walking, and ushered my posse to the middle sector of the line where her harem of friends were waiting. Oh no, it gets better, they were wearing home made concert shirts. I totally razzed Amber, and by the time the show started, hers had disappeared. Hahahah!
   

So, we get inside. They sell 10 special edition tour posters at every show, and I completely need one to complete my Brand New collection. By the time we reach the inside, there are damn near 50 kids in the merch quarters, and the posters are old news. #1 reason I became pissed that night. Some local crappie band opens, I think they were called Spindal. Their singer looked like Burt McCracken from the Used, like 10 years ago. They were all right, but not fun. Nothing special, just like most local crappie bands. Their second to last song was called "Kings of Emotion," which spurred laughter from the crowd. C'mon, how emo are you? Oh, I get it, kings of emotion... Clever. No, it wasn't. I personally hate chick bands, so I gave Eisley two songs, then headed down stairs to try to find the guys, and buy a shirt. I was on the phone while purchasing my shirt, and the merch guy totally gave me shit. My response, merch guys are dumb, and should shut the fuck up while I am on the phone. Brand New was going to do a meet and greet, and I so tried to sneak in, but some 400 pound black man quickly changed my idea on the matter.
  

We went back to the floor to watch Hot Rod Circuit. I have seen them at least 5 times before, but they were still good. Their guitar player was wearing an outfit comparable to that of someone in a mental institution. And well fitting, he was insane on the stage. That dude has tons of talent. He actually played steel guitar for two songs. It was awesome... However, they did not play "Irish Car Bomb" which saddened me greatly.
  

Brand New had an interesting Boon Dock Saints intro play for near 3 minutes before they came on stage. They opened with "I believe you, but my tommy gun don't" which is a personal fave of mine. They also informed us that the guys walking around with the high tech equipment were filming for a DVD. Part of "The Show Must Go Off" series I assume. That's cool. Brand New played 8 songs ending with "Jude Law and a Semester Abroad," a crowd pleaser. It was fun to hear people sing along, and enjoy them as much as I have for almost 3 years now. However, that was not the end. Brian Lane slammed on his drums as hard as he could, and Jesse Lacey dueted him with the moaning lyrics of "Tautou," and they began their second set. On their sixth song in this set, "Seventy Times Seven," Jesse dedicated it to John Nolan of Sraylight Run. Rockin move, if you ask me. Throughout both sets, there were random cameos from other bands. The insane guy from HRC accompanied with some steel guitar, and Brandon (formerly of the Movielife) played guest guitar on more than 4 tracks. It was fun. But oh no, that was not it. They played a two song encore. "Soco Amaretto Lime," and "Sic Transit..." actually ended the show. It was amazing. I have never heard so many songs played at one show. To quote "Sic transit..." "die young, and save yourself." We had a really good time at the show. My friend Jeremy broke his Brand New cherry, and enjoyed himself. I did score a set list, which I felt I deserved after all of this time. We were tired, but more than that, excited that we were coming back the next day to do it all again.

Day 2: Same basic thing. Left late as always, but we were considerably further up in line. Up enough, that I let Amber's brother cut in with us this time, so that was cool. As soon as we got in the door, I headed for the merch, I was bound and determined to get my poster. I checked my hoodie, and some asshole kid pushed his way in front of me for the poster. I looked at Austin, and said I was getting in front of him in line, or I was gonna kick his ass if I did not get one. He did not let me in. Finally, we got our posters, and by we, I mean that my posse and I were posters number 4,5,6,7, and 8. We suck.

So, same line up, except no local crappie band. The bands wore the same clothes, and sang the same songs, in the same order, so it was very déjà vu. This time, I stayed and watched Eisley. Holy shit! I have been so missing out. I loved them. They were very fragile, and weak, and sweet, and oh my god. They sang "I was not prepared for you," which is a very tender, emo ballad. Jesse Lacey joined them on stage in a red hoodie, and a suit jacket. I was touched. There was such a moment, and such beauty in the air. I am converted. Well, not in general, but if Jesse likes Eisley, so do I. The show was fun. Brand New did not play "Failure by design," but it's cool, cause I saw it last night. We had an awesome time.

Jayne *

jayne.star@XROXX.com

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