Brand New 10.3.09 | Aragon Ballroom | Chicago, IL review by Ashley Snider photos by Annette Essey Soul-saving. That’s the phrase I heard continuously after seeing Brand New in Chicago. Amidst the usual comments of “great,” “awesome,” and “really amazing” that you typically hear after a good show, “soul saving” stands out immediately. I mean, really, can a band’s performance make you feel that intensely? All I can say is that if I were to choose a band’s performance that could make you stand in awe and amazement, as if you were having some sort of religious experience, I think Brand New’s show would fit the bill. The band barely speaks to the audience. That usually irks me, because I like to feel like I’m on the same level as the band on stage, but with Brand New, I didn’t even care. I know I’m not on the same level as these guys. They are on some level far and beyond my reach.
Brand New’s sound has evolved dramatically from first album Your Favorite Weapon’s pop-punk mastery to the place they are now on their fourth album, Daisy, which I commonly hear called simply “noise,” with it’s heavy sounds and screams. As a fan that appreciates every album for its distinct qualities, I think Brand New have successfully reached the sound they’ve always been aiming for, and their wild performance of the songs off Daisy, including “Gasoline,” “Vices,” and “At The Bottom,” were so charged with an inexplicable force, that it proved they know how to put on a great rock show.
But it wasn’t just a rock show. It was intense. I can only explain it as intense. Maybe it was the elevated stage and lighting that the Aragon Ballroom offered. Maybe it was because I was on the barricade for a show in the first time since I don’t know when. Or maybe Brand New are just that intense. Hearing a sold out crowd’s surging voices singing “Okay, I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don’t” could be equated to something those of the deepest faiths experience when they pray. And, hey, the band has a song called “Jesus,” and that was probably the most intense song of the night. It’s slow, and yet has energy of its own to it.
Frontman Jesse Lacey is so soft-spoken - only saying a few thank yous, announcing song titles, and telling one story (inspired by the Aragon’s architecture) about Medieval Times and The Cable Guy - that you wouldn’t expect this guy to completely floor you when he opens his mouth and lets out a powerful scream. His voice is spot on perfect during every song. He controls his volume and his tone, and with that he controls the whole experience of the show. It was stunning. It was mind-altering. I still don’t really know what happened. All I know is if Jesus can’t save you, Jesse Lacey will.
Check out the full set of Brand New concert photos.