Chiodos - By Andy Squire
So lets be honest, I’d only been listening to Chiodos for about two weeks before last night, and at first I’d not even been a massive fan of theirs - until I saw how incredibly hot their drummer was! - but after a few listens to their new album, Bone Palace Ballet, I was hooked.
It was quite bizarre that a band who has previously graced the Manchester Evening News Arena was now playing in the tiny Academy 3, and as the fans started flooding in - many with their parents - so does my ex boyfriend and his new missus. Ah, it’s going to be a long night.
The first support on is a DJ by the name of Sonny, who plays a somewhat bizarre mix of nineties dance music and popular chart stuff. With all credit to him, he is a great warm up act and gets the crowd dancing around like there’s no tomorrow. There is just one thing though, I’ve come to listen to a rock band, everyone is in band tee’s and baggy jeans; why, oh why are we made to endure Lady Ga Ga and Alice Dee Jay? Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great set, and I’d love to listen to it on a night out when I’m shaking my ass on the dance floor. But that’s totally not what I had in mind for tonight.
Next up are Exit Ten, who have had support slots with 36 Crazyfists and Deftones, so I know they’re going to be good. And I’m not disappointed either.
They arrive to a swish musical introduction; as many bands seem to be doing at the moment actually, but from the moment the lights go up, the guys are all about the show, and I’ve really never seen anyone put as much effort into a live gig as these guys. It’s great to watch, and although I have only ever heard bits and pieces from them up until now, I am definitely going to invest in their album, Remember The Day this weekend. One this is certain, these boys are going to be massive in 2009.
By half nine it’s time to begin Chiodos hour and half set which comprises the very best of Chiodos’ tunes since their conception back in 2005. And it’s a sight for sore, well, ears as they prance around the stage looking like they own the place.
Their music is very ethereal and the way Craigery Owens manages to fluctuate between high-pitched squeals, fearsome growls and the sweetest angelic voice I’ve heard from a ‘rock star’ is nothing short of fascinating. Although it is very difficult to hear him ‘singing’ at points over the sheer volume of his five bandmates’ instruments. The highlight for me though, has to be Bradley Bell’s incredible stage presence! Okay, so he did seem to spend just as much time dancing around the stage and getting the crowd going as he did actually playing his keyboard, but it was an absolute joy to watch.
And as the gig draws to a close as every last drop of energy is torn from the band and the kids’ parents show up to take them home for the night - it is a school night after all - my friend and I make our way to the exit, dragging our jaws behind us, as Chiodos we far better than anyone could have imagined. Oh, and Derrick Frost is even more delicious in ‘real life.’
Check out our gallery of the night’s events here
Read our review of the album, Bone Palace Ballet Here
Watch out for our interview with the guys in Chiodos coming soon!
FemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison
Photos - Andy Squire
