Opening the night was post-hardcore band, Can’t Swim, from New Jersey. Immediately you could sense the band was reserved and a bit shaken. Upon finishing their first song “Sometimes”, Chris LoPorto, lead vocalist told the crowd that they had been in a car accident while leaving Arizona. They were on their way to the Glasshouse in Pomona, California for one of the last shows on the tour. Chris LoPorto stated that they were extremely lucky to have made it alive and without serious injuries. Can’t Swim made it in time to perform and once the explanation of what happened to them was done, the reservation I had seen before vanished. Without time to warm up, Can’t Swim set the stage with a powerful, emotional performance. “Prick”, “My Queen”, and “Stranger” were just a few of my favorite songs performed that night.
Oxymorrons from Queens, New York were slated as direct support on the Hell is in Your Head Tour. I have seen Oxymorrons perform live before and knew what was in store for the crowd. With half of the crowd outside, the house music stopped and the lights dimmed. Out came Matty Mayz, drummer, and engaged the crowd with some slick, flirty dance moves. As the intro finished the rest of the band members ran on stage and set the tone for the rest of their performance with “Think Big”. Vocalist/bassist/guitarist Jafe Paulino helps get the crowd to their feet with energy not to be matched. Brothers Dave “D” Bellevue and Ashmy “KI” Bellevue founders of the four piece band encouraged everyone to try to match their energy. After the first song the crowd filled the venue and I could hear many of them yelling and dancing with the music. The blend of hip-hop and rock flowed through the room. Their message was clear, embrace your individuality and use your uniqueness to leave an imprint in this world. “Green Vision”, “Django”, “Pretty People”, and “Justice” were among my favorites. As my daughter told me, “Do not sleep on Oxymorrons.” Remember their chant, “Two R’s not one!”
Waiting for the headlining band, Senses Fail, I was able to get a feel for the love this crowd had for the band. This was my first time seeing them perform live. As the venue filled up and left no room but the aisles to stand, I knew I was going to love this band. This New Jersey rock band exploded onto the stage with energy matching the crowd. Everyone erupted in claps and praise for their favorite band. Buddy Nielsen, vocalist, began singing the lyrics to “The Burial of the Dead” and had some pretty fancy dance moves to go along with the lyrics. Not only did he have the moves, he had the wardrobe. The lighting reflected off of his jacket and sent streams of light into the venue. Just one song in and I couldn’t wait to hear more. “Hell is in Your Head” felt like my own personal anthem. I know many people who can relate. Watching the precision of the band members and hearing the silky rock vocals it was easy to get lost in the music and performance. “Bloody Romance”, “Negative Space”, and “Bite to Break Skin” were just a few of the many favorites from the night. Senses Fail made a few new fans on their headlining tour, Hell is in Your Head. My family and myself look forward to seeing them again soon.
