Sven's Glass House

"I cant wait for someone to hear me, and wait for someone to touch me."

Rockfest 2004 : Review-
Thrust, Federation of Horsepower and Dropbox were all mediocre enough (read 'not my thing') that I need to waste no more words on them. Didn't give Puddle of Mudd, Damageplan, Drowning Pool, Soil or Tesla a chance, I was done, and only wanted to see Puddle of Mudd out of that group, it wasn't worth two and a half hours of waiting for.
Saliva is the most pandering band I've ever seen. They asked the crowd if they were glad to be American, if they were glad to be in KC. They put 'Kansas City' into each of their songs an average of 4 times. Blech. Josey spent 2 minutes trying to get the crowd to make a 10 step gap between sides, so when he asked them to they'd reunite. He said it would look awesome. I didn't see a damn thing, as I was in the audience, not on the stage. They took longer than anyone for a set change. The setup of Rockfest allows for non-stop music once it gets going until the headline act. I left as Salive was playing on the mainstage, and I realized Flaw was to come on in 5 minutes. Flaw waited til Saliva was done. More on that later, as I will order them in quality/memorability.
Breaking Benjamin seemed very quality, I don't own anything by them. The crowd was having fun, and the bare breasts made their first appearance at the fest.
Crossfade a little green, not bad, but they didn't draw me in, even though I own their album. I didn't even recognize them during the first song. By song 3 I was sure, but was hungry, trekked to the Funnel Cake line, where I realized I should just go as I'd have to wait so long til Puddle of Mudd. They sounded rather crisp live.
Shinedown was excellent. I don't own their album, but am more seriously considering it. It sounds kinda like new old music in parts, but the vocalist has a powerful voice. Some of the notes he hit, were hit so precisely and so hard that I was amazed he went into rock. They had good stage presence.
Earshot has incredible potential, their song 'Wait' is perhaps my favorite song that I've heard in a year. (you can here it at www.myearshot.com). The sound guy on the second stage wasn't very good, and the vocals didn't come through quite right at times. I would love to see Earshot in a smaller venue about 2-3 weeks after the new album comes out on Tuesday. The vocals, lyrics and instrumental of this band make me believe they could enter my top 5 if they can keep it together for a third album.
Fuel surprised me. Historically, I'd liked a good number of their songs. In my past I'd sung along to a good number of their songs (Falls on Me, Hemorrhage, Sunburn, Shimmer, Innocent, Million Miles). Fuel just never entered any top 10 lists in my head. But their live energy was great and infectious. They were a rock band that loved what they were doing. They were playful, they played the start of Stairway to Heaven. They elicited massive toplessness amongst the lady folks. More than I'd ever seen at any other rock show. I felt he connected with the audience in a way that Salive tried so hard to do, but did so naturally. I really didn't expect to enjoy them so much. Another band I must see in a smaller venue, hopefully headlining.
But the kings of the day were Flaw. Saliva's pokiness forced delay for Flaw. A group had assembled at stage 2 to see Flaw, they had left during Saliva's set to get there in time. 5:30 was Flaw's appointed time, and people were ready for them. Each song Saliva completed on the main stage was met with chants for Flaw at stage 2. The band took stage. The mosh pit went into a frenzy. A muscular man stood guard over Becca for awhile, and asked me about the band before they went on. I roared lyrics along. I pushed. I was pushed. I jumped. My hands were up. Raw throat. The guy that didn't know who they were turned to me to agree with my positive review I'd given him before the set started. I ran into a girl at QT while with Hoj after the show, she said Flaw was the best band at the show, too. Stage 2, eh? The lead singer seems so appreciative towards the audience. His compliments don't sound canned. He said he was really impressed with our energy and is looking forward to when they return. Sadly, they are to be touring with Drowning Pool and Dropbox. I think they'd play between the two. Bah.

Miscellany-
a guy sat next to me with a bloody eye, and asked me if i was willing to make the sacrifice. his body was covered with a number of tatoos. he said i could outrun the guards. that he'd give his shirt to me. that i could drop it if i wanted to. he didn't give a shit. that the guards had treated him poorly 4 times already. he said if i just watched the guards i could see how to get in. that i could outrun, and even if caught, i'd just say i didn't know. then Becca's brother finally got to the concert, and when i turned around tatoo fella was gone.
$4 Pepsi. $5 BBQ brisquet sandwich+potato chips. I am now sunburned. I heal fast from them.

-Earshot, "Wait," II