Coheed and Cambria: The Great Musical Experience

Last night I got to attend my first Coheed and Cambria concert. It was actually a night of two firsts: not only was it my first time seeing Coheed, but also my first time attending a show at South Side Ballroom here in Dallas. I have to say it's a pretty nice venue. The venue has a great amount of space for a packed crowd.

So, back to Coheed and Cambria, If you haven't been to one of their shows before, it's an experience within its self. I've always heard good things about their shows, and seen glimpses of them online, but seeing one in person was so neat.  As the band took the stage, I kind of had this mystical feeling inside - which sounds crazy. Or maybe, it's just that good feeling you know something special is about to happen.

The crowd was going nuts! When front man Claudio Sanchez started to sing with his acoustic guitar, you couldn't help but instantly get sucked into the music. Claudio is, of course, known for his great vocals. You also know, when you are surrounded by true fans, because they were singing right along with Claudio every word to a song.  Every song that was performed sounded like you were listening to it right from the album. Sometimes you don't always get that with a band.

Add in some cool light effects, and even some confetti at one point, Coheed and Cambria took everyone on a great musical journey throughout their performance. I even thought it was cool when Claudio played his guitar behind his head.

I have a good feeling that if there was someone in the audience that never have seen or heard of the band, that they probably walked away with the same feeling I had, which was, wow!  I've always liked them, but I think after seeing them live, I am a bigger fan now.

I have a friend that was in attendance, it was her tenth time seeing the band. I can see why.

I've never been to a Pink Floyd concert or Rush. But I've always heard they are quite the experience. Well, all I can say this was too. I think this concert is at the top of my list for best shows I've seen live.  I cant wait to attend another Coheed And Cambria concert in the future.

-Charlie Vann

Two Great Shows

Well, it's been since December since I've had the opportunity to venture out to the DFW music scene. It's hard staying away for too long. So, last Friday night, I got to catch The Raven Charters Fort Worth show at Lola's Saloon. As always, this band delivers a great performance. They performed songs from their new album: Reset, Reset is a great album from start to finish. The band brings great energy to the stage. I always looked forward to their show, because I know it's not only going to be a good time, but an awesome music experience. I've even got some of my buddies now hooked to their music, which I think is the best aspect of music: sharing what you like with others. Definitely check out The Raven Charter.

The music adventure didn't stop with Friday night. Saturday night, I saw another band that I enjoy, Sound of Sirens, who are new on the scene. The band delivered a great performance of their own. I've only seen them play 3 times, but  I feel like I am not witnessing a band that has just started. I feel like  I am witnessing a band that already knows what it brings to the table, or the stage in this instance. They play with ease and coolness. I really dig their sound. I can't wait to see more shows, and really can't wait to hear their debut album.

All in all, it was good to get to venture back out to a music scene that I believe has a wealth of talent.

-Charlie Vann

A Friday Night Show to Remember

I am always excited when I get a chance to venture to Deep Ellum in Dallas. It's kind of like treasure hunting, because you never know what golden gem of music you might find there.

Friday night, I was at The Prophet Bar checking out Sound of Sirens, Betray The Dreamer, and The Raven Charter. Sound of Sirens kicked things off. This was the band's second show together, and let me you tell you, they rocked it! Lead Singer Christopher Thigpen, (aka Thiggy), has some pipes on him. You can hear some soul in his voice. I can't wait for their EP.  Each song of theirs get's you moving. Sound of Sirens is a new band to look out for.

Next band up was Betray The Dreamer. Now, if you haven't seen this band live before, or even heard the name, check them out. I've never seen a dull performance from this band. They bring great energy to the stage, and Friday night was the same. Singer Michael Garcia has some pipes as well. Every member of the band brings their own charisma. Can't wait to see them again.

Then, Aaron Pose took the stage. He is a talented solo artist who caught my attention with his cover of Tina Turner's " What's Love Got To Do With It." He really did make that cover his own .I haven't seen or heard of him before, but I am glad he was apart of the line up. I really liked what I heard. His performance went on to show there are great solo artists along with the many great bands out there.

The fourth band of the night was Distant Lights from Austin, TX. Austin, as we know, always has a wealth of great musical artists. Distant Lights definitely can rock. Everyone in the crowd seemed to really love it when they covered Tool. I was definitely feeling their music.

Last but not least, The Raven Charter closed things out. First, I have to give props to singer Garrett Bond, and bassist Anthony Sosa, for the Christmas sweaters that they were wearing. Bond with a Jack Skeleton sweater, and Sosa with a Darth Vader sweater, which added some fun glamour to an awesome performance by The Raven Charter, The band perform the tracks from their new album, "Reset." From start to finish, I was caught up in the music, as I am usually when seeing them live, I am pretty sure I wasn't the only one, too. We even got to hear some Incubus. The Raven Charter always does a good job with their covers, making it their own. .

All in all, this was a show to remember. I've always felt this city has a wealth of talent like Austin. Friday night was definitely a testament to that.

-Charlie Vann

The Raven Charter Album Release Show

 As a fan of the DFW music scene, I am excited to check out The Raven Charter's album release show for Reset.  Reset is the new album by the DFW rock band.  If you haven't seen the band live, or even heard of their music before, just pop in next Saturday night at the Curtain Club in Deep Ellum, and you will be in for a treat. I first saw the band back in October of 2012, when they opened for major recording artist, Nonpoint. I was pretty impressed with what I heard. I like the fact they give you some variety in sound. One track is fast paced, the next a little mellow. Oh, and this band has some good charisma on stage!

You can check out the music video for one of the singles from the new album, "No Direction," online. “No Direction” is an awesome track heard live.  I am definitely looking forward to hearing all the other tracks live from Reset.

If you like rock with some fun energy, try and make it to this show. 

-Charlie Vann