So even though this post is named for the headlining band at the show I caught last night a couple weeks ago (took a while to finish this one…), I didn’t see em. So there isn’t much to remember. I’ve been trying to see A Day To Remember for over a year. I missed them in April 09, BOTH Warped Tour 2009 dates I went to, and again last night. Four times I’ve missed this band! Ever since I read their great cover story in Alternative Press last fall, I’ve been really into their music and their story.

But how about I talk about the bands I acutally did see…

Enter Shikari

Whoa! This band clearly sounds better indoors rather than the set I saw at last year’s Bamboozle in the middle of the afternoon. Their mix of heavy riffs, synths, London accents and even a dub-step breakdown was insane! All the bass they pump through their speakers is amazing.

Silverstein

You know what. I thought I was into this band, it’s gone back to a “meh…” for me. When I saw them in 2008 supporing Chiodos (at one of the best shows I’ve ever been to), I dug em. But at this show I thought it was just weak screamo. I give them props that they’ve been around for a good amount of time, but I think their sound has changed so much over those years and they don’t know where they should take it from here on out. I mean when Shane introduced an oldie, all that I proceded to hear was old emo/post-hardcore melodies and rhythms (aka very 2004/2005). No thanks.

August Burns Red

Man, this band absolutely rules. They’ve been in my top 5 artists on last.fm ever since I signed up to scrobble. Yes, it might be breakdown after breakdown, but these guys can PLAY. Main songwriter JB really knows how to write the riffs, and the stage presence of frontman Jake Luhrs shines (or, burns?) HARD. Especially on “White Washed”. Holy crap that song rules.

“YOU’RE THE SALT THAT’S BURNING MY WOUNDS…”